A delicate floral bite floating in a creamy base, illuminated by warm candlelight in an intimate setting. © Galerija Okusov
The MICHELIN Guide Slovenia 2026 has just unveiled its new selection. After another year spent travelling the country anonymously, the inspectors have retained 74 restaurants, including seven newcomers. One new star, two new Bib Gourmands and four Special Awards crown an ever more vibrant Slovenian dining scene.
In total, the 2026 selection now recommends one Three-Star restaurant — Hiša Franko, Ana Roš's restaurant in Kobarid —, one Two-Star restaurant, eight One-Star restaurants (one new) and twelve Bib Gourmands (two new).
Galerija okusov awarded One MICHELIN Star
The most exciting news this year: Galerija okusov, in Petrovče, has been awarded One MICHELIN Star. Chef Marko Magajne fully convinced the inspectors with aesthetically precise, thoughtfully designed dishes that follow the seasons and draw on local tradition for their ingredients.
The result is a clean, even playful style of cooking, served in a rich and generous tasting menu. A highlight for the inspectors was the Catfish and Buckwheat — a mosaic of steamed fish presented in a round shape over a buckwheat cream base. The cooking is matched by a modern interior and attentive service.
Two new Bib Gourmands: Klinec and Gostilna Francl
The Bib Gourmand — named after Bibendum, the official name of the Michelin Man — highlights establishments offering excellent value for money: a complete meal at an affordable price. This year, two new addresses join the list.
Klinec, in Medana, is a place where time seems to pass slowly. Its beautiful terrace, shaded by vines heavy with hanging bunches of grapes, offers a marvellous view to enjoy alongside the food. The cooking may be casual, but what counts here is its sheer deliciousness — the Teletina pod peko, veal prepared according to a traditional local cooking method, is a fine example.
Gostilna Francl, in Celje, has appeared in the selection before and now returns under new, experienced management. Its traditional offering shows a lively attention to cooking over coals, alongside gentler pleasures such as a deceptively "simple" vanilla semifreddo, all served in a wood-lined stube with checkered tablecloths in the style of an Italian trattoria.
Seven restaurants added to the selection
In addition to the newly distinguished restaurants, the inspectors were won over by the cooking of seven establishments that enter the selection this year.
Among them, Bistro 9:45, in Bovec, occupies a bright, welcoming new building whose main dining room has large windows overlooking the surrounding landscape, with cuisine to match — both delicious and generous. In Postojna, a small town whose caves are known throughout the world, Bistro Štorja is a pleasant spot that plays with modern recipes and techniques.
Four MICHELIN Special Awards
Alongside the new Stars and Bib Gourmands, four Special Awards were presented to outstanding individuals who, through their passion and skill, make a restaurant experience truly unforgettable:
- Young Chef Award — Marko Magajne, Galerija okusov (Petrovče). Still young at just 34, after around ten years at the restaurant, he has reached an exceptional level: contemporary, elegant cooking with a genuine attention to the environment and to local produce.
- Sommelier Award — Nejc Farčnik, Grič (Šentjošt nad Horjulom). Deeply passionate and shaped by international experience, he oversees a list where Slovenia takes centre stage, while Italy and France find their rightful place, with clear attention to natural wines.
- Service Award — Peter Patajac, Gostilnica Ruj (Dol pri Vogljah). A cheerful and knowledgeable host, passionate about both life and his work, he knows how to make every guest feel like a friendly neighbour.
- Opening of the Year Award — Gostilna Francl (Celje), led by Sebastijan Kovačič. The renaissance of a well-known restaurant under the banner of tradition, renewed with a fresh, youthful approach.
Mindful Voices, the MICHELIN Guide's new platform
New for 2026, the Mindful Voices platform brings together inspirational voices from across the hospitality industry — an editorial space where chefs, hoteliers and winemakers can share their stories and pioneering practices, both with one another and with the rest of the world.
"Mindful Voices will give a platform to all those who are rewriting the rules in their respective fields," says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. "This new framework draws directly from what our inspection teams witness firsthand: encounters and experiences that are transforming how things are done and that deserve to be shared."
The MICHELIN Guide Slovenia 2026 at a glance
- 74 recommended restaurants
- 1 restaurant with Three MICHELIN Stars
- 1 restaurant with Two MICHELIN Stars
- 8 restaurants with One MICHELIN Star (one new)
- 12 restaurants with a Bib Gourmand (two new)
The Slovenia selection is compiled by the full-time MICHELIN Guide inspectors, who book and dine anonymously to ensure an authentic guest experience. The full selection is available on the MICHELIN Guide website and mobile apps.
Planning a culinary trip to Slovenia
With barely two million inhabitants, Slovenia boasts a remarkable density of fine tables, from the Julian Alps to the Karst, from the Soča Valley to the Adriatic coast. To dig deeper, see our Gault&Millau Slovenia 2026 rankings.
Source: MICHELIN Guide
Patrick Faust
French expat in Slovenia since 2004. Founder of e-Slovénie.