Gault&Millau rates 307 restaurants in Slovenia

(27 April 2026) – Gault&Millau Slovenia has published its 2026 guide, marking a record year for the Slovenian restaurant industry. A total of 36 restaurants were awarded three toques, 14 were awarded four toques, and – for the first time in Slovenia’s history – one restaurant received the highest accolade of five toques. In addition, seven special awards were presented.

In the latest edition, anonymous inspectors assessed more than 200 restaurants and expanded their search to include lesser-known destinations where new culinary stories are emerging. The 2026 selection is largely shaped by a new generation of young chefs who are taking over traditional Slovenian restaurants, reinterpreting the culinary heritage and raising the overall standard of Slovenian gastronomy. The Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) is the main partner of Gault&Millau Slovenia.

Slovenian gastronomy continues to attract considerable international interest from experts, the media and travellers. It plays a key role in positioning Slovenia as one of the top travel destinations and contributes to strategic tourism objectives such as diversifying seasonality, spreading visitor flows and creating greater added value. At the same time, it opens up new opportunities for sustainable and innovative tourism products and offers attractive career prospects for young talent.

Influential culinary guides such as Gault&Millau significantly boost Slovenia’s global visibility and present the country as a destination that impresses even the most discerning gourmets. Since the guide’s arrival in Slovenia, the STB has supported the project as a strategic partner.

The Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board, MSc. Maja Pak Olaj, emphasised: “Gault & Millau is one of the world’s leading culinary guides and plays a key role in strengthening the global profile of gastronomy and positioning destinations on the international culinary map. In Slovenia, Gault & Millau promotes creativity, drives excellence and supports up-and-coming talent. At the same time, the company helps us reach millions of people in key markets through its media and digital platforms. The Slovenian Tourist Board is proud to collaborate with this renowned gastronomic guide. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all the chefs, restaurateurs and culinary creatives featured in the Gault&Millau 2026 guide. Through their appreciation of local ingredients and innovative approaches, they are helping to shape a modern and distinctive image of Slovenian tourism.”

The Young Talent Award was presented to Jurij Daolio by the Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board, Maja Pak Olaj, and the Director of Gault&Millau Slovenia. A defining feature of this year’s guide is the significant generational shift being driven by young chefs. By taking over family-run establishments or opening their own restaurants, they are opening a new chapter in Slovenian cuisine – one that is steeped in tradition yet forward-looking.

“In Slovenian gastronomy, we are witnessing an exceptional generation of young chefs who are continuing the tradition of Slovenian hospitality (gostilnas) whilst simultaneously raising the overall standard,” said Mira Šemić. “Even though some excellent restaurants are closing, this reflects the current situation. Young chefs are bringing a breath of fresh air, and we expect many more success stories in the coming years.”

Hiša Franko is the only restaurant to have been awarded five chef’s hats.

The awards: