Restaurants cuisine du monde Southwest

This little address has all the makings of a big one! Its uncluttered, unassuming façade conceals a wealth of expertise, directly inspired by neighboring Italy. Hand-formed pasta is king, in tagliatelle, orecchiette, gnocchi, fuzi, ravioli and more, enhanced by homemade pestos and sauces, fresh truffles and local shellfish. Adding to the quality of the dishes, there's a lovely outdoor terrace, wine by the glass, a tasty homemade cheesecake for dessert and, above all, a very sweet final bill!

Vipava is full of good places to eat, in the absence of satisfactory hotel accommodation. In a charming ^18th-century house, set in a herb-scented garden, you'll discover a gourmet universe where the cuisine is very well prepared. Despite the relatively small portions, prices are attractive, allowing you to sample several quality dishes without breaking the bank. On-site, a dozen cosy rooms with soft decor. Located in the basement, they feature skylights for stargazing.

Let yourself be tempted by the authentic flavors of Slovenian Istria and the Adriatic, with their taste of salt and rosemary. On the terrace or indoors: attentive, quality service in a white tablecloth atmosphere. With a view over the vineyards, this is a well-known address for locals. You'll find the famous fuzi, the typical Istrian pasta with truffles, or grilled fish from the day's catch. The surprise? Rather low prices for the service, which makes it difficult to get in without a reservation.

Just around the corner, this tiny sushi store is run by businesswomen determined to make a name for themselves in a country where this type of food is still relatively unknown. Fans will find tasty, freshly-crafted nigiri, maki, california rolls... and even classic, vegetarian or vegan poke bowls, all at very affordable prices, but above all to take away! Of course, a few tables are available on site, but the real luxury is to enjoy them facing the sea, isn't it?

At Pri Tinetu, you almost only come across locals! And with good reason, as the place is reminiscent of a rural corner bar, it's all about good food. It's a decision that works, as the tables fill up every lunchtime for the day's offering of just a few dishes at really modest prices. Portions are generous and presented without fuss. The service is friendly, and everyone leaves satisfied with a taut belly and a rinsed-out gullet, with an overall score that makes you want to share the good deal.

It's the restaurant of the Kempinski palace-hotel, as much a Mecca of gastronomy, which has been awarded a Michelin plate. Inspired by the Italian film diva, it is named after Sophia Loren. Here, you'll find traditional transalpine recipes, concocted with products from the region's seaside or terroir. Revamped by the chef's brigade, the elegant table offers a menu of Mediterranean dishes, enhanced by exotic and refined Asian flavors. Reservations recommended.

Superb inn behind Vipava's main square, near the pond where one of the town's rivers appears... Filled with trout - one of the house's many specialties. This charming address offers culinary specialties from the Vipava valley, based on traditional recipes, with a modern touch in preparation and presentation. The ingredients are mostly local, and there's a selection of the best local wines, with no fewer than 70 labels to choose from. The perfect place to discover the region's terroir!

Just across the street from the wine fountain, Gostilna Karjola is prized for the excellence of its traditional dishes, as well as those based on modern European cuisine. The welcome is friendly, and the local accent is emphasized by the use of refošk in certain dishes, including the famous Beefsteak Karjola. This local grape variety is the pride and joy of the village in its own right. After your meal, if you still have room, we recommend lingering for dessert at the Refoškoladnica patisserie shop next door, for one last refošk-flavored sweet.

Probably the hippest place in town, Kogo restaurant is located right next door to the Vina Koper boutique: they share the same entrance hall. The decor is resolutely trendy, and what happens on the plate is not to be outdone, as it entered the Michelin guide in 2023 for its superb quality of service. Carefully presented Istrian cuisine and attentive service. Every weekday lunchtime, you can dine here at very reasonable prices thanks to the daily selection, which can be viewed in advance on the Instagram page.

In the Koper countryside, a large private property has been renovated for this luxury establishment, renowned in the region. Reservations are required for both rooms and restaurant, as weddings and ministerial receptions are often held here. Try your luck if you like gourmet Slovenian cuisine, meticulous fish preparation, rare gourmet products (seafood platters, game, truffles), served with a list of excellent regional, Italian or French wines.

Pretty room decorated in a rustic and traditional way: it feels like a lunch at a famous mamma's house. As you will have understood, the dishes here are mainly Italian. We will enjoy one of the highlights of the chef's menu, a risotto with octopus and white wine, a veritable explosion of flavours that create an astonishing harmony. Rare fact: homemade desserts - especially the famous tiramisù - are worth a visit. The prices are not given but frankly accessible in view of the chef's talent.

A well-established restaurant offers refined fish-based cuisine. Various tasting menus. Beautiful terrace with commanding sea views from the heights. One of the few Slovenian restaurants to feature in the Jeunes Restaurateurs d'Europe guides. Here, the truffle is the queen of the table. If you appreciate its unique aroma, don't hesitate to choose one of the house specialties: sea bass carpaccio with truffles, langoustine and truffle risotto, or the most astonishing chocolate and truffle mousse.

The name Pinija refers to the one hundred and ten pine trees that line both sides of the Strunjan road. You'll come here for the terrace, with its breathtaking view of Piran headland and crystal-clear blue water, but also for the cuisine: fresh salads, Neapolitan pizzas baked in a brick oven or more elaborate dishes with the flavours of Istria. In between swims, you can also enjoy a drink or an ice cream from the house.

A young, gourmet address that gets rave reviews from the locals! Whether inside or out on the terrace in summer, you'll enjoy home-made pizzas with fresh burrata, thinly sliced mortadella or country ham, enhanced with fresh basil or crushed pistachio. In fact, pistachios are used in the pistamisu, a creamy tiramisu verrine at an affordable price. A wide range of cocktails and reserve rums for sipping. The service is friendly, the prices very affordable, and the overall rating makes you want to come back!

Awarded a "bib gourmand" by the Michelin guide for the quality of its cuisine and its prices in line with the service, this is a beautiful nugget hidden on the edge of Italy. The interior of the restaurant is rustic by choice, to recall traditional values, but make no mistake, the cuisine revisits Slovenian dishes with a modern twist. Ingredients are sourced with the fewest possible kilometers travelled, and the menu features some interesting natural wines. The terrace under the pergola is a plus in summer.