Michelin Stars in the Vipava Valley
Discover Slovenia's culinary paradise
With the publication of its prestigious awards, the new Michelin culinary guide for Slovenia provides yet another nod to the phenomenal offer of the Vipava Valley. For exceptional culinary artistry, their first Michelin star was received by chefs Tomaž Kavčič, Gostilna Pri Lojzetu Restaurant, and Uroš Fakuč, Dam Restaurant. The Michelin plate, celebrating freshness and masterful dish preparation, was awarded to the restaurants Calypso and Pikol. The Michelin Guide thus again reaffirms Vipava Valley's status of a culinary paradise.
Tomaž Kavčič, Gostilna Pri Lojzetu Restaurant
A representative of the fourth-generation family of restaurateurs, Tomaž Kavčič has been leading Gostilna Pri Lojzetu Restaurant at the Zemono Manor House, according to Gault&Millau the best Slovenian restaurant of 2020, with stellar success.
Locally chef Tomaž Kavčič is known as a founder of the slowfood movement, while his international reputation brought to Slovenia the society Jeunes Restaurateurs d'Europe, which granted him its JRE Innovation Award. He is a member of Le Soste and the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and has for long years been the Vipava Valley's most committed ambassador. A tireless innovator, Tomaž is also a key partner of the valley's biggest culinary festival, Flavours of the Vipava Valley, hosted each year by the Zemono Manor House. You will find Gostilna Pri Lojzetu Restaurant topping Slovenia's culinary lists across the years.
The coveted Michelin star is another major recognition confirming Tomaž Kavčič's extraordinary talent, the tradition of his establishment and the dedication of his team. A foodie experience in the Zemono Manor House is not to be missed by any serious gourmand.
Uroš Fakuč, Dam Restaurant
In 2005, Uroš Fakuč opened Dam Restaurant in Kromberk near Nova Gorica, fascinating guests with his distinctive culinary concepts ever since. Uroš mastered his craft in Italy, at the famous Albereta Estate led for many years by Gualtiero Marchesi, Italy's first chef to be awarded three Michelin stars. Chef Uroš Fakuč is a member of the distinguished international society of young chefs JRE, and consistently ranks in the top of Slovenia's culinary lists.
He is known for his refined sensitivity for the guest, a quality he also successfully incorporated into to his boutique hotel Dam, opened by the restaurant in 2019.
His first Michelin star fills the Nova Gorica chef with tremendous enthusiasm. Visit Dam Restaurant, the region's star restaurant, and discover its exquisite freshness and creativity.
Michelin plates for two Nova Gorica restaurants
Nova Gorica has traditionally been a popular culinary stop by the Slovene-Italian border. As a unique European border twin-city of two Goricas, it draws culinary inspiration from different cultures and three wine regions that meet in this place. Among the many outstanding restaurants found in the city and vicinity, Michelin awarded two with its recognition of freshness and masterful preparation: the restaurant Calypso in the Perla Hotel, and the restaurant Pikol. More reasons to visit Nova Gorica and explore the Vipava Valley's culinary gems.
