Michelin star at the Open kitchen

What an honour!

Through the years, a lot of you have asked us (really, not in an Instagram way) what are the criteria for the eateries joining the Open kitchen, bringing us joy and happiness each friendly-weathered Friday at Pogačarjev trg. The recipe is quite simple: quality + creativity + novelty = success!

It’s this recipe that makes the Open kitchen stand out among other food markets all over the world, and surely it’s these characteristics that have propelled many of our eateries to the top in the recent blossoming of the Slovenian culinary field.

In less than 10 years of our culinary adventure, we hosted a lot of incredible chefs and their extraordinary teams at the Open kitchen. Many of them have gained recognition since then, even world fame, many of them were noticed by prestigious culinary guides. But before all of that took place, we were able to enjoy their delights right here in the centre of Ljubljana. Truly, what an honour!

Before the Michelins' visit stirred the culinary scene, the Open kitchen hosted more than 80 % of restaurants now awarded a star (5 out of 6 for those not fond of math). Isn’t that just great? And do you know what’s even more special? One of those restaurants is returning to Pogačarjev trg this year!

In the 10th season of the Open kitchen, we will be joined by Atelje! For the first time, a Michelin star will shine on Pogačarjev trg. The incredible chef Jorg Zupan has thought of the menu fitting for the occasion but forwent any pretentiousness or vanity often attributed to high-end restaurants. The oysters, caviar and other raw watery delights have never looked so inviting. As if some stardust was added.

For a proper Michelin experience, you can also stop by some other eateries. You will find the famous red plaquette hung outside Shambala, Dvor Jezeršek and two returnees of this season - Restaurant Maxim and JB restaurant, joining us shortly.

However, more than any awarded plaquette, we honour the many qualities of each vendor presenting their offer at the Open kitchen. Their dedication, creativity, eagerness, diligence, boldness and wholeheartedness. From first - Namasté (who was the first to sign a contract in 2013) to last - Birdie Foodielab (joining us this Friday) - we love them all!