7 Best Soča Valley Restaurants (According To A Veggie Chef)
Who am I to have an opinion about restaurants? Well, when I was 20 years old I noticed that I was eating every day. It seemed like something I would keep doing. Therefore I decided to go to gastronomy school - to learn how to cook for myself and the people around me for the rest of my life. I graduated with great remarks and not only did it put me on track to cook tasty food for myself, but it actually also turned out that I fit the chef’s lifestyle. The next five years of my life was spent cooking really tasty food at restaurants, first in France then in Sweden. I stayed for three years at an Italian fine dining restaurant in Gothenburg, sending out thousands and thousands of plates for curious and hungry guests eating tasting menus.
When Meeting Mountains guests have travelled far, we stock their fridge up with goodies so they can start enjoying themselves immediately on arrival.
My life turned a different direction after I did my skydiving course and jumping out of planes became my big passion. I kept cooking for myself and others, but not often in a professional role. Over time, I’ve developed my knowledge of the food system which has led me to eating predominantly plant based whole foods and with a much larger awareness of how the food we eat affect our mental and physical state. During the corona lock down I did a course to become a certified Vegan Health Coach - helping people transition from diets full of processed foods - to eating whole foods. Now I take pride, not just in cooking tasty food, but in cooking tasty food that heals or at least doesn’t harm the guests who put their faith in consuming what I suggest. For myself and others I cook mostly vegan wholesome meals but not always, and when I eat out I often eat vegetarian or even fish.
This leads us on to what I think about the restaurant situation in the Soča Valley. To be honest - there’s a lot of disappointing experiences to be had here - both from a service point of view and from a culinary. It’s such a shame since there’s so much beautiful produce coming from the area. Simply put there’s a lot of repetition of uninspiring pizza, smirky waiter remarks and lack of nutritious meals - regardless of your preference in diet.
But let’s get to the point of this article instead - and look on the positive side by highlighting seven restaurants that are all doing something special and will make you feel as welcome in your heart as full in your belly.
Please enjoy this alphabetically ordered list of restaurants in the Soča Valley that you mustn’t miss!
Johannes, Founder of Meeting Mountains
Brunarica Restaurant (Log pod Mangartom)
34 year old Robin Hill, originally British, fell in love with the Soča Valley, bought a house and moved. The Brunarica Restaurant fell into his lap and now his kitchen is serving mouth watering food and yummy drinks from the gorgeous location in Log pod Mangartom. The menu is focusing on meat, but he always makes sure that there’s two-three delicious vegetarian/vegan options. At Brunarica you can enjoy the fireplace, boardgames and the super friendly vibes!
Hiša Franko (Near Kobarid)
Slovenia’s highest rated restaurant. We have booked tables at Hiša Franko for 100% of the guests that have asked us to organise their vacation. At this two-Michelin-star-restaurant you’ll pleasure from world class cuisine and service, of course at a price higher than anywhere else in Slovenia. Personally, what I like about Hiša Franko is that the food is still food - not chemistry, and that the story has a big role in your experience. The ingredients are as locally and sustainably sourced as possible, and the beverage selection is worth a trip by itself.
Hiša Polonka (Kobarid)
Beer, cheese and meat-intense Slovenian pub food with a few veggie options that are tasty. Nice service and interior with an international feel in this bistro for which you can’t book a table - just pop in. I like to come here and have the soup-of-the-day and the bruschettas with fresh cheese and dried tomatoes.
Jelenov Breg pod Matajurjem (Avsa)
I recommend all my guests to go here. It’s a farm-to-table restaurant without a fixed menu. A tiny horse sometimes walks around the tables, they have their own deer, dog, bees, cow, birds etc. It’s pretty much a petting zoo with a restaurant. On top of this, the hosts are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. The drive to Avsa is gorgeous, the food is delicious, traditional but still sticks out comparing to most other restaurants. We love everything about spending time here!
Kamp Klin (Lepena)
This restaurant is located near the confluence of two rivers. A stunning bike path from Bovec leads here and we often bring Meeting Mountains guests on a cycling tour to nearby waterfalls, then stop for lunch at Kamp Klin. I eat the same dishes every time - Soča trout with almonds and then the apple strudel which is the best in the valley. It’s more like a fluffy cake actually and is serve with something creamy. Their service is direct, polite and effective but it’s very hard to get them on the phone.
Pri Plajerju (Trenta)
Monday to Saturday at 19.00, Pri Plajerju serve a fixed three-four course menu. This farm-to-table restaurant in Trenta offer delicious, traditional food, kind service and impressive mountains surrounding you. It all comes together to a wonderful experience. Let them know in advance if you want the vegetarian options and they’ll harvest a bit extra from their own garden.
Restaurancija Mangart (Log pod Mangartom)
Tomaž & Yuki, husband and wife, create something that we in the upper Soča Valley can be grateful to have - a fine dining experience with attentive and sensitive service, and flavour combinations that match the same adjectives. They serve delicious 4- and 6-course tasting menus of high value - in a setting that calms and embraces you. Vegetarian friendly. This place is a gold nugget.
Special mentions…
Terra Mystica, in Bovec, offered delicious scrumptious and nutritious breakfasts last year - hopefully also in 2022. Bovška kuhn’ca is a small food stand that offer a small selection of local dishes that have more finesse than most other Bovec restaurants. Pizzeria Žagca - in Žaga - is where you should go for your pizza. Naples-born Claudio will serve you the best in the area.
I’m curious about…
Hotel Boka (near Bovec), Restavracija Postaja Poljana (near Kobarid), Kamp Jelinc (Near Soča village) all are restaurants that I didn’t eat at but that seem promising.
Are you considering visiting the Soča Valley? Meeting Mountains are local experts and create tailor made visits for those wanting to make the absolute most out of their time. We find your unique and personalised accommodation, help with travelling and create your itinerary with natural experiences you’d never find yourself. We combine nature, activities, culinary experiences and genuine local culture to craft unforgettable moments for you.
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