Kunstelj Inn is a family-run restaurant in Radovljica overlooking jaw-dropping views of Jelovica plateau and the Julian Alps. It has a long tradition that dates back in 1873 and it is located close to the entrance to Radovljica’s medieval old town within just a few minutes from the train and bus station.

For the past 5 years Maja, the fourth generation, has been managing the inn. Kunstelj Inn is one of the participating Taste Radolca restaurants and featured in the Gault&Millau restaurant guide so as it takes part in spring and autumn Restaurant Week. Throughout November you can indulge your taste buds in special Radolca menu (The month of Taste Radolca) based on local ingredients. Maja, who learned from the best chefs and recreates old recipes, prepares with her team Slovenian traditional food with a modern twist using seasonal and local ingredients. Simple and tasty!

The inn that is popular with locals and tourists is a favorite place for group celebrations as well because it offers specious and cosy dining halls (small and great hall) and rooms (The Old Inn, Hunter’s Room, Poet’s room, Toni’s Room, Golfer’s room). What really makes a home-feeling inn, is the warmness, hospitality and knowledge of the staff.

Besides that, gorgeous patio (close by you can find the descendant of Slovenia’s oldest vine!) offering magnificent views of the Julian Alps with Triglav mountain dominating the sky is the place for fine dining in the warmest months. A pleasant meal with a view is guaranteed.

After exploring Radovljica attractions (Museum of Apiculture, Pharmacy and Alchemy Museum, Lectar Workshop and Museum) we were very hungry and we were looking for a good traditional cuisine with a laid back atmosphere which we found it at Kunstelj Inn. We were welcomed by a waiter who pointed us to the nicely decorated room. During dinner time, we had entire Hunter’s room for ourselves. This room used to be a favorite dining room of Tito, former president of Yugoslavia.

“What would you suggest us to taste?” we asked the waiter who without any doubt suggested we need to try a wild bear tagliata with green porridge and pear and a bottle of Kunstelj craft beer. I love buckwheat so I chose chicken with buckwheat and vegetables. And of course, beef soup. Great home style cooking, prepared with love and local ingredients. We ate slowly and enjoyed every bite. The service was very quick and efficient. When it comes to food, we are very picky because we know how a real carrot should taste. Green porridge was something new for us while wild bear tagliata was very juicy and perfectly done. We could not resist tasting mixed plate of homemade desserts (apple strudl, gibanica, honey struklji dumplings, raspberry cheese cake, Radolca cake).

I need to admit that Rado’lca cake was a highlight of our sweet culinary experience at Kunstelj Inn. It is made out of honey dough, walnut cream, apple purée. As Maja explained:” Radolca cake was my experiment but now it is one of our sweet bestsellers. The ingredients for the cake are simple and we are buying honey, walnuts, apple and flour from local providers.” Trademarked Grizike (cake pops), invented by Maja, are another bigger attraction in Radovljica. Believe it or not, Maja prepares 2000 cake pops for Radovljica Chocolate festival. And what is grizika? Grizika is a delicious cake on a stick that lures even the most demanding foodies. You grab one and you want to get another one immediately. What is sure, you will not leave the restaurant Kunstelj hungry.

Besides the restaurant, Kuntelj Inn offers 10 tastefully furnished and spacious rooms. We stayed at deluxe double room with extra bed overlooking the Julian Alps and garden that provides comfortable bed and sofa, wardrobes for storage, mini fridge, a safe box, a flat screen TV, bathroom with underfloor heating, wooden ceiling.

It was amazing to sit on the sun bed chairs besides flourishing vegetable garden and admiring the magical mountain landscape including out highest peak Triglav. Self-service breakfast was yummy.

Even though our weekend was short, we really enjoyed it to the fullest. For sure Kunstelj Inn is one of the most popular restaurants in Slovenia and a great place to sample Slovenian culinary heritage.

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