Share this link publicly on your Facebook page between now and Valentine's Day, and you can win a free dinner for two from one of the restaurants below! Email ljubljana@inyourpocket.com for more info.

Valentine's Day is fast approaching once again, and although some may brush it off as yet another American capitalism driven perversion of sacred Catholic tradition, its roots as a romantic holiday actually date back to a fellow called Geoffrey Chaucer, aka the author of the Canterbury Tales and the father of English literature.

However, regardless of history, religion, facts and other such inconveniences, at the end of the day the 14th of February represents an opportunity (or perhaps an obligation depending upon whom one speaks to) for men to show their wives, girlfriends, partners, mistresses and/or long-time crushes that they do in fact understand what it means to be romantic.

While we won't even pretend to be capable of offering any sage advice in this department, we have compiled a list of Ljubljana's Top 10 most romantic restaurants for those still looking for an appropriate venue at which to wine-and-dine their special someone in the near future. Please also note, that in order to avoid the pressure of deciding exact rankings, the locations below have been listed alphabetically.


1. Don Felipe



Ljubljana's only proper Spanish restaurant would likely stand out even if had some competition. Lots of exposed wood and worn floors give the place a charming rustic feel, and the service is excellent (if not overwhelmingly fast during peak hours). A lengthy tapas menu is complimented by an equally extensive wine list, and the daily three-course lunch special should keep you busy for a good hour and a half for less than €10. Check their website for details about upcoming Flamenco shows, which are usually held every couple of weeks. 


2. Gostilnica XXI



With its low arched ceilings, moody red walls and touch of rustic furnishings this homey low-key restaurant is one of our favourite places to come when we're in the mood for traditional Slovene cuisine in a great setting. Fresh homemade dishes of all sorts are are the speciality here, including deer, fish and wood-baked meats, and the menu changes daily depending on the season and whims of the head chef. Even the beer, juice and brandy is homemade, and there's also an excellent selection of Slovene wines.


3. Lunch Café Marley & Me



Acres of stripped pine, friendly professional service and one of the best kitchen smells in the city, despite the name this intimate bistro-type restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner as well and comes highly recommended. Standouts from the small yet varied menu include the large and tasty salads, delicious pastas and some truly memorable meat and fish dishes. Be warned though, the place is immensely popular, and waiting for a table during the day is a common occurrence.


4. Manna



This high-class and expensive restaurant bills itself as heavenly food here on earth, and as soon as you enter the interior positively glitters. The menu features some of the most rarefied ingredientsSlovenia has ever seen such as Japanese wagyu beef as well as a full selection of both Slovenian wines and some of the best wines and spirits from around the world. Every detail is just so in this beautiful space and it was thus no surprise when the restaurant recently had the distinction of being visited for lunch by American First Lady Laura Bush, you'll see the picture commemorating the event as you enter the door.


5. Mencigar Nobile



Across the road from St Joseph’s Church, Mencigar Nobile is a wonderfully unpretentious restaurant specialising in traditional food from the Prekmurje region of northeast Slovenia. The three dining areas, known as the Glažar, Janc and Goričko rooms are decorated with classic folk motifs and cooking utensils and are, as are the clientele that frequent them, as a diverse as it gets. A popular place for coffee and a break with teenagers and workers during the day, the evenings see a slightly classier crowd descending for the excellent, good value food and occasional folk-related nights of entertainment.


6. Namasté



Lots of greens, oranges and golds and some nice exotic touches create a relaxing atmosphere inside a super restaurant specialising primarily in dishes from Rajastan and the Punjab. Using the best spices imported directly from India, the owners stress the fact that the dishes, both meat and vegetarian options are made individually from mild to extra hot. By all accounts the food is excellent.


7. Romansa 1971



This restaurant on the ground floor of the Maxi Market shopping centre still manages to exude a small bistro-like ambiance, thanks in large part to its pleasant soft lighting, beige tones and open kitchen. Floor to ceiling windows and ample seating on the terrace also offer some prime people watching for those who are interested. The menu tends towards light and fresh international dishes, and the place is exceedingly popular for business lunches - which can be viewed in advance on the restaurant's website.  


8. Shambala



Great value Asian food in a quiet, side street location. Head out back to the covered garden and order any of the tremendous stir fries, though do not forego the starters: tempura made with shrimps make great nibbles. There is plenty for vegetarians on the menu (not always the case in these parts).


9. Sushimama



The first - and for a long time only - Japanese restaurant in Slovenia, the small and intimate Sushimama’s interesting little touches beyond the actual food include a subscription to Wallpaper magazine and the brave act of putting the sushi chef on display as he works in the restaurant. The extensive menu features every Japanese favourite from soups to noodle soups, a number of delicate rice- and noodle-based dishes to of course the sushi itself. Complimented by an extensive list of cocktails and wines, the restaurant is marking its territory as the first and finest of its kind.


10. Špajza



An exceedingly classy affair with chunky, creaking wooden floors, a number of different rustic-feel rooms to eat in, an extensive menu of Slovenian and international dishes, and an antique silver cash register in the entrance. Located on one of the old town's quaintest most photogenic streets, it's popular with many people including business professionals, tourists and couples. During the summer months they have one of the most romantic courtyards in Ljubljana.


Share this link publicly on your Facebook page between now and Valentine's Day, and you can win a free dinner for two from one of the restaurants above! Email ljubljana@inyourpocket.com for more info.