The story
The Restaurant, at Mestni trg 15 in Ljubljana, is a European grill that cooks in full view of its guests. Gault&Millau awarded it 14 points in 2026. A few steps from City Hall, the kitchen builds its menu around open embers, so steaks, fish and lamb arrive with a smoky edge.
The dishes are finished over glowing coals rather than under heavy sauces or elaborate garnishes. That leaves little room to hide, so the meat has to be good and the fish has to be fresh. Smoke and crisp edges from the embers do much of the work on the plate.
The beef fillet Rossini is the dish to order if you want something indulgent. It comes with a pink center, a seared crust and foie gras. The charcoal grill also turns out tomahawk and rib-eye steaks, wild white fish, octopus and lamb crowns. Starters include beef and prawn carpaccio and hummus with herbed chickpeas, and the pasta and risotto are made with the same attention to detail.
The building has been renovated and feels contemporary and elegant while keeping its original character. Outdoor seating, air conditioning and wheelchair access are available. The Michelin Guide lists the restaurant as Recommended for 2026. The wine list offers a broad selection of Slovenian and international bottles, which suits a menu that draws on both Slovenian and Mediterranean cooking.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
Just a few steps from City Hall - or from the banks of the Ljubljanica, depending on which street you take - The Restaurant immediately makes it clear that it intends to leave an impression. The beautifully renovated building feels contemporary and elegant while retaining its original character. The Restaurant builds its identity around open-fire cooking. Not through smoke or strong aromas, but through dishes prepared in full view of the guests. In this style of cooking, ingredients cannot hide behind heavy sauces, elaborate garnishes, or complex techniques. The meat must be excellent, the fish impeccably fresh, and the cooking precise. When steaks, lamb racks, wild white fish, or octopus arrive at the table, it becomes obvious that the focus is not on decoration but on the smoky notes and crisp edges created by the embers. The menu draws inspiration from both Slovenian and Mediterranean cuisine, while also incorporating international classics. Beef and prawn carpaccio, pasta, risotto, hummus, and other dishes are prepared with freshness and attention to detail. Yet the true theme of the restaurant remains fire. For guests looking for something special, the beef fillet Rossini is a standout choice. With its perfectly pink center, beautifully seared crust, and rich foie gras accompaniment, it offers more than just an excellent piece of meat - it delivers a sense of indulgence. The Restaurant does not aim for restraint. It is a place that celebrates bold flavours and the pleasure of dining well.
Location