No visit in Slovenia will ever be complete without an excursion to the monumental Ljubljana Castle standing atop Castle Hill.
Book a table right inside the castle at the exquisite Strelec Restaurant, famous for being one of the most extraordinary restaurants in all of Slovenia. This smashing expedition starts with a walk up the mountain, gazing upon the most majestic of views along the way.
It is an easy trek up as there are a mixture of bountiful stairs and generous paved paths. Sure enough, this pleasure trip will leave you in perfect awe by the beauty of Ljubljana!
Arriving at the castle will appease wanderlust in itself. Strelec is located at the highest point of the tower, completely preserved in its glorious history whilst refurbished to the most up-to-date specs. It had very artistic, modern decor which framed the castle stone walls so impeccably. The interior walls featured awe-inspiring unique art highlighting three different layers of colors – beige, green and red.
The wall was carved to divergent levels in order to expose the colors etched in time. Strelec’s art wall represents Slovenian fairytale and folklore stories. I was thoroughly impressed by its phenomenal, one-of-a-kind setting.
There’s a door that leads out to the battlements which had more seating and, of course, spectacular views. After contemplating in admiration throughout the tower, we were seated at a table near the window with further views galore.
“Strelec is voraciously a ravishing and superb culinary discovery.”
Shortly after being seated, Jurij, our cordial server came by carrying a basket of white and brown bread with the perfect conversational starter plate of pâté and cream. We were welcomed with enticing homemade chicken liver and beautifully roasted asparagus with aged cheese foam, herbal oil and delightful crumbles of discomposed egg yolk.
The liver headlined mild flavors with a delectable bubble cone that came with it. The cone gave a convivial and crunchy texture and gusto, while the puree provided the opposing effect that balanced the richness of the liver. The asparagus was all-in-all a fun, light and refreshing dish. What a merry welcome!
The first course was a gratifying plate of raw salmon with beets and piquant greens served with white Slovenian wine that had fruity notes called Pinela. This was an exhilarating dish, ideal for the spring weather.
The second course was a plate of immaculate porcini mushrooms, bacon, scallops with thyme oil and bacon foam. Yes… bacon foam. We were mind-blown with this dish, additionally served with orange Slovenian Batic Wine.
Tasting orange wine for the very first time atop the tower castle in dazzling Slovenia was quite exquisite! This dish contained essences of bacon, so soft and flavorful. The mushroom, scallop and bacon altogether was as marvelous-tasting as it sounds. The porcini mushroom savor pranced with the bacon in spectacular unison. Strelec is voraciously a ravishing and superb culinary discovery!
Strelec’s third feature course was a fillet of beef with spring onions and potato served with a remarkable 2013 Refosco MonteMoro.
The yellow and brown sauce of the beef fillet was astounding with the soft and delicious steak. It was cooked warm with mostly pink-to-red center and soft and juicy on the inside – just the way I like it. A striking orange garnish scattered around the plate provided a light yet sensational consistency. With the wine, this dish was a wondrous, razzle-dazzle of flavors.
The fourth course was an alluring dessert made of ice cream with roasted honeycomb. This dessert fabulously and firmly concluded the flavor party in our mouth in a breathtaking fashion. What an astonishing end to our culinary adventure inside the Ljubljana Castle!
Compliments to the chef, Igor Jogadic, for his brilliant preparation and precise cooking. A most magnificent setting paired with wondrous meals, do make reservations here in advance. Surely, a sunset viewing would be outstandingly popular.
Divine views, a historic location, stupendous interiors, terrific service and a memorable culinary experience awaits you at a castle in Slovenia!
Sponsored by Strelec Restaurant | Kaval Group | Grajska planota 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia | +386 31 687 648 | All views, posts and opinions shared are my own.