Julija is a modern Slovenian restaurant at Stari trg 9 in Ljubljana's Old Town, set in a historic house on one of the oldest streets of the city. The kitchen takes traditional Slovenian ingredients and regional recipes and presents them in a contemporary style, with a menu that follows the seasons and leans on local producers. Signature dishes include idrijski žlikrofi, the small filled dumplings from the town of Idrija that carry protected status as a Slovenian specialty; seasonal game dishes, which suit the Alpine and Karst landscape surrounding the capital; and prekmurska gibanica, the layered pastry of poppy seed, walnut, apple and cottage cheese from the northeast of the country, often served as a dessert. The dining room reflects the age of the building, with an intimate scale, a calm noise level and a smart-casual crowd made up of couples, small groups and visitors marking an occasion. There is no strict dress code, but guests tend to dress a step above the neighbouring cafés. Wine is a natural part of the experience, and Slovenian regions such as Goriška Brda, Vipava and Podravje are well suited to the menu; guests can ask the staff for pairings by the glass. Mains cost roughly €18-30, placing the venue above the tavern tier and below the city's tasting-menu restaurants. Opening is typically Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, with closures on Sunday and Monday, so hours should be confirmed before going. Reservations are advised on Friday and Saturday evenings, and booking several days ahead is sensible in summer when the Old Town fills with visitors. Stari trg is pedestrian-friendly and sits between the river, the castle funicular and Mestni trg, so the restaurant combines easily with a walk through the historic centre.
| Price | Mains about €18-30 (~$20-33) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue-Sat lunch and dinner, closed Sunday and Monday (check before going) |
| Reservations | Reservations advised for Friday and Saturday evenings; walk-ins are generally possible at lunch on weekdays. Book through the venue's own website or by phone using the number shown on its Google Maps listing. |
| Address | Stari trg 9, 1000 Ljubljana |
Signature dishes
- Idrijski žlikrofi (filled dumplings)
- Seasonal game dishes
- Prekmurska gibanica
Good to know
- Known for
- Contemporary Slovenian cooking in a historic Old Town house
Location
Stari trg 9, 1000 Ljubljana
46.0479, 14.5063 View on map
Highlights
- Contemporary Slovenian cooking in a historic Old Town house on Stari trg
- Idrijski žlikrofi, a protected regional dumpling specialty
- Seasonal game dishes and prekmurska gibanica for dessert
- Slovenian wine pairings from regions such as Goriška Brda and Vipava
Tips for visiting
- Closed Sunday and Monday, so plan around a Tuesday to Saturday visit.
- Lunch is the cheaper way to try the kitchen; check whether a set lunch is offered.
- Book several days ahead for Friday and Saturday dinner, especially in summer.
- Ask the staff for a Slovenian wine pairing rather than choosing a bottle blind.
When to visit
Weekday lunch for a quieter room; autumn and spring evenings suit the seasonal and game-led menu.
Accessibility
The venue occupies a historic building, so step-free access and restroom facilities should be confirmed with the restaurant ahead of a visit by wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
What type of food does Julija serve?
Modern Slovenian cuisine built on regional dishes such as idrijski žlikrofi, seasonal game and prekmurska gibanica.
Which days is it open?
It typically opens Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and closes Sunday and Monday, but hours should be checked before visiting.
How much does a main course cost?
Mains are about €18-30 (~$20-33).
Do visitors need to book?
Reservations are advised on Friday and Saturday evenings; weekday lunch is often possible without one.