Restaurant Vander
Modern, urban and designer
Luka Železnik
An urban resort
There are a lot of restaurants and tourists on the banks of the Ljubljanica river, which is why Vander is ‘the’ place to go for those who want to be in the heart of the city but not where everyone else is and for those who also don’t want to eat what everyone else is eating. The new team with a new impetus and ideas isn’t trying to copy its predecessor whilst also ensuring that its new look and ideas don’t drive away former guests. And Vander remains not only a boutique hotel but also a boutique restaurant!
The food is eclectic, which is a reflection of the Australian owner and the young chef, whilst also being Slovenian and even traditional – though not classic – and all dishes are made from the freshest ingredients. Hence the boar is wild, the chicken is local, the ribeye steak is Australian but with Slovenian side dishes, the octopus is from the Adriatic, and the fish is wild.
Recommendation
So close to the busy city centre but nonetheless somewhat tucked away in a corner beside the Ljubljanica river, Restavracija Vander is the place to go for a different lunch or a romantic dinner. There is a small pool on the intimate rooftop terrace – the ideal place for a power breakfast, business meeting or after-hours party, while the cellar is full of wines that the Australian owner amassed during his global travels as well as a large selection from Slovenia.
Wine list
sommelier Leon Furman, 160 wine labels
Ambience
A designer hotel that wins everyone over featuring a restaurant with geometric lines and shimmering materials
Specialities
Michelin Plate
Vander Urbani Resort hotel
