Ljubljana, Slovenia is a coffee lover’s paradise. You’ll find many amazing coffee houses while exploring one of Central Europe’s most romantic cities.
Ljubljana’s rich cultural heritage is been crafted by years of struggle to regain national independence, which was attained in 1991. As a result, Slovenians are extremely proud of their beautiful country and express a resounding appreciation for their hard-fought freedom.
Beautiful Freedom Leads to Amazing Coffee Houses
Entrepreneurship is alive and thriving in Slovenia’s capital city of Ljubljana. One sign is all of the amazing coffee houses. They are embracing the Third Wave of Coffee with an ever increasing number of specialty coffee houses and roasters. Their coffee culture is invigorated with vast offerings of varietal origins and blends, new techniques in modern roasting methods, and highly-skilled artisans delivering quality at each level of the coffee chain; including roasters, cafe owners, and baristas.
The city of Ljubljana “rolls out the red carpet” when it comes to coffee service. Below we feature some of the finest specialty coffee houses that rival those of any other European city.
Featured above are four sites that capture the charm of Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia.
Downtown Ljubljana & Coffee Houses
First, begin with a stroll along the Ljubljanica river which connects the heart of the old city center with picturesque bridges, cobblestone walkways, and beautiful embankments. Here, Slovenian coffee houses, cafes, art and architecture await you around each corner of this delightful city. Day or night the coffee culture of Ljubljana will not disappoint. Our first stop was the central market for a wonderful start to our morning with specialty coffee Slovenian style.
Plečnik’s Market is located in the center of Ljubljana right along the river. It was designed by the famous Slovenian architect, Jože Plečnik between 1931 and 1939. His high-quality, and varied work is found throughout Vienna, Prague, Ljubljana and in the areas of the former Yugoslavia. The central market is teaming with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, pastries, and of course, coffee! Otherwise known as, “kava”, if you’re lucky enough to call yourself a local.
TRI MARIJE COFFEE TRAILER
Address: Corner of farmers market and, Adamič – Lundrovo nabrežje, Mesarski most, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
There is nothing better than the simple pleasure of a good cup of coffee. The owners of Tri Marije offer a fantastic Arabica roasted blend which is sourced from boutique plantations around the world. Their coffee has a nutty, sweet flavor that could not be more perfect for that first morning cup of Joe.
The Tri Marije love affair with specialty coffee is a result of travel to numerous plantations throughout South America, and is now their driving passion. Here, coffee enthusiasts will find double shot espresso, flat white, hand brewed V-60 and cold brew to be perfectly paired with a freshly baked french croissant, a delicious sourdough cinnamon roll, homemade banana-bread muffins or organic biscuits with cocoa beans.
This artisan coffee van captivates us with the flavor of their coffee and their baked goods warm our souls. Don’t let the unassuming, casual and friendly location fool you, this is the good stuff!
CAFE CACAO
Address: Petkovškovo nabrežje 3, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Coffee, chocolate, cake and cocktails; what could be better? Wind down your day in Ljubljana’s Euro-chic designed Cafe Cacao. The modern designed interior is coupled with a traditional Viennese Coffee House style of service. Its a marriage of coffee and desert which undeniably belongs together.
Cafe Cacao offers beautifully prepared specialty coffee drinks of all varieties. Consider trying an Espresso Martini with vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso. Or, keep it simple with a latte; there is surely something to please every coffee pallet. Without a doubt, the sheer scope of their varied offerings will astound you. Top the evening off luxuriously inside, or be warmed outside by heaters that create a cozy atmosphere any time of year. This setting can not be beat with the river below, and the Ljubljana Castle lit above. Romance abounds!
KAVARNA ZVEZDA
Address: Wolfova ulica 14, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Kavarna Zvezda or “Cafe Star” is absolutely deserving of its namesake. Once we stumbled upon this incredible star of a cafe, we found ourselves returning night after night for an evening coffee and dessert.
This is a coffee house in the true Viennese style. For instance, their ambiance is achieved by intimately set tables, where small gatherings come together to indulge. Specialty coffees, fine chocolates and pastries are the order of the evening here.
These delicacies are beautifully served on silver platters with elegance. Truly, I almost felt like royalty. Though you might think it could be a bit stuffy, warm Slovenian hospitality is another asset of this wonderful cafe. The baristas and servers are friendly, knowledgeable, and artisan-skilled. Pride is taken in the smallest of details, and it makes this place an absolute gem.
Coffee Houses & The Sound of Music
Zvezda’s setting is spectacularly placed right adjacent to the Slovenian Philharmonic Building of Ljubljana. It is one of the world’s oldest institutions of music beginning in 1701. Composers such as Beethoven and Brahms hold historical significance for the philharmonic. I believe they too would have enjoyed the brilliant star that is Zvezda.
Address: Kongresni trg 10, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
LAKE BLED SLOVENIA
We would be remiss if we neglected to venture just 34 miles outside Ljubljana to the enchanting Alpine wonderland of Lake Bled. This coffee destination needs to be added to your list, and is well worth exploring. No matter which cafe you choose, you will be treated to the breathtaking views of the Julian Alps, where the mountains and forests cascade into gorgeous Lake Bled, surrounding you in a picturesque environment like no other!
Lake Bled, Slovenia with Bled Island in its center and the Assumption of Mary Church.
CAFE BLED ROSE
Cafe Bled Rose is nestled right on the shores of Lake Bled with outstanding views of the Medieval Castle “Blejski Grad” and Assumption of Mary Church “Jesenice”. Here you can bask in the sunshine sipping exquisitely crafted cappuccinos and delight in the famed cream pastry known to locals as “kremna rezina or kremšnita ‘Cremeschnitte“. This Slovenia culinary icon dates back to the Hapsburg era, and is the official dessert of Slovenia. It is a designated protected dish of origin by the Slovenian government. We can absolutely understand why!
Address: Cesta svobode 8, 4260 Bled, Slovenia
Upon Reflection
Upon reflection, we were completely captivated by the Slovenian capital city of Ljubljana. Their coffee culture is abundantly thriving with entrepreneurial-ism, and consequently, new and interesting coffee houses are opening at a record pace.
If we at The Coffee Column had only one word to describe our experience, it would be exquisite. There are few places in the world where this high level of service and attention to detail still exists, and we appreciate it more than can be expressed. The Slovenian people prioritize quality in all they do, and their specialty coffee industry is no exception. Here the old meets the new in a way that melds perfectly into an unforgettable coffee destination in an absolutely enchanting country.
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