Food Capital
Food Capital?
Is the twin city of Nova Gorica – Gorizia not only a capital of culture, but also of food? This coming weekend, certainly yes – as the European Capital of Culture hosts Okusi ob meji / Gusti di Frontiera, the biggest eno-gastronomic festival in the wider region. But there are quite a few reasons why this corner of Primorska is a true “culinary mecca” all around the year. Discover why:
Annual Okusi ob meji / Gusti di Frontiera festival
This year, from 25 to 28 September, the streets of Gorizia and the Europe Square will come alive with aromas and flavors. More than 400 stalls from 50 countries will be set up in 17 themed “villages.” Alongside local culinary masters, visitors will taste specialties from Latin America, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Balkans, Austria, France, Northern Europe, and more. Vegetarian, vegan and street food villages will also add their unique flavors.
And it won’t be just about food – cultural “nourishment” will be delivered by live music and entertainment at Europe Square:
Elevators
& Big band RTV Slovenija
Friday, Sept 26
Magnifico & band
Gong Orchestra, Balkan Boys
Saturday, Sept 27
Big band NOVA z gosti
Nuša Derenda, Lea Sirk, Tatjana Mihelj, Tish, Kristina Oberžan …
Sunday, Sept 28
The area with the most Michelin stars in Slovenia
Northern Primorska can proudly call itself the epicenter of Slovenia’s fine dining. It is home to the greatest number of Michelin-starred restaurants: the world-renowned Hiša Franko under chef Ana Roš in Kobarid with 3 stars, the Dam restaurant in Nova Gorica, and Gostilna pri Lojzetu in Vipava, each with 1 star. The Perla’s a-la-carte restaurant Calypso has for years carried Michelin recommendation, offering a degustation menu that’s a true culinary journey – also perfect as a gift voucher.
Where cultures, landscapes and climates meet
The cuisine here is shaped by a crossroads of worlds – Mediterranean meets Continental. This is reflected in the produce, wines and culinary creations. Mediterranean flavors blend with the richness of the Vipava Valley and Brda – rebula, pinela, zelen wines, cherries, peaches, persimmons … On the Karst, prosciutto, teran wine and olive oil reign supreme, while in the Soča Valley and nearby mountains, Tolminc cheese, trout and hearty spoon dishes warm the tables. In just one hour, you can travel from the sea to the Alps – and taste it all on a single plate.
Osmice – a true Primorska culinary tradition
Dating back to the 18th century under Empress Maria Theresa, osmice gave farmers the right to sell their homemade wine and produce tax-free for eight days a year (hence the name). Today, osmice are still thriving – in simple wine cellars, farm courtyards and rustic taverns, visitors enjoy home-cured prosciutto, salami, cheese, štruklji, bread and, of course, the local wines. More than food, osmice are a celebration of hospitality, community and authenticity – one of the most genuine ways to experience the heart of Goriška and the Karst.
Hit’s culinary story
Hit also plays a central role in shaping the gastronomic landscape of this region. Its restaurants and chefs combine variety with refinement: at Calypso (Perla) and Tiffany (Park) you’ll find sophisticated menus, intimate atmosphere and excellent service. For fast and diverse dining “all you can eat” style, visit Oceanis (Perla) or Panorama (Park) buffet restaurants, or the Drive-in restaurant – perfect for a quick bite before an evening of gaming. For pizza, there’s Sabotin, for bistro-style dining Lipa, and for a sweet stop, the Dolce Vita café with its homemade desserts.