Chef Ana Roš awarded two Michelin stars, five restaurants get one each

Roš, a self-taught cook who took over the restaurant from her parents-in-law, became the first chef with two Michelin stars in the region.

"Michelin has arrived in Slovenia at a key moment, just at the right time," she told the press. "It's not easy for tourism and the restaurant business right now. We have not laid off people and don't want to. We need each and every guest willing to get in the car and drive to Kobarid," she said.

She believes the rating proves that Slovenia is an excellent culinary destination. "Six restaurants received their stars in the first rating ... Moreover, I know that there are many candidates shortlisted for the stars and there will be great surprises coming up next year."

Roš has been celebrated for years, having been named the World's Best Female Chef by the World's 50 Best Restaurants culinary portal in 2017 and a year later made the Best Chef Awards list of 300 top chefs in the world alongside Kavčič.

She became even more widely know outside Slovenia after being featured in the Chef's Table series streamed on Netflix.

Michelin also launched its first guide to Slovenian restaurants at the ratings presentation that took place via videolink today.

A total of 52 restaurants have been awarded, however Gwendal Poullennec, Michelin Guides international director would not say how many had been reviewed in total.

He did say, however, that many, above all the starred ones, had been tested several times to make sure the experience was consistent. He also said that Michelin inspectors were excited over Slovenia's versatility and potential.

The Bib Gourmand designation for exceptionally good food at modest prices went to nine restaurants: Etna of Igor Peresson in Divača, Ruj of Peter Patajac near Divača, Gostišče Grič of Luka Košir near Horjul, Jožef of Sadmir Talić in Idrija, Na Gradu of Damjan Fink in Ljubljana, Rajh of Leon Pintarič near Murska Sobota, Mahorčič of Ksenija Krajšek Mahorčič near Kozina, Gostilna Repovž of Meta Repovž near Sevnica and Evergreen of Mojmir Marko Šiftar in Smlednik.

Six restaurants were noted for sustainability: Gostišče Grič, Monstera Bistro with chef Bine Volčič in Ljubljana, Hiša Franko, Gostilna za Gradom with chef Davide Crisci in Koper, Gostilna Krištof of chef Uroš Gorjanc near Brdo pri Kranju, and Mahorčič.

The Plate Michelin, a designation for fresh ingredients and carefully prepared meals, went to as many as 37 restaurants.