From 9 to 18 October 2026, Restaurant Week will once again take place across Slovenia, inviting food lovers to discover selected Slovenian restaurants and their special menus. Two restaurants from the Municipality of Novo Mesto are also taking part in this autumn culinary experience – Gostilnica Barba and Hiša Fink.
This year’s Restaurant Week puts the spotlight on high-quality local ingredients and foods bearing the “Selected Quality – Slovenia” quality scheme. The combination of contemporary gastronomy and the local environment is also one of the defining features of Novo Mesto’s culinary offering.
More information about the participating restaurants, special menus and reservations is available on the Restaurant Week website.
Hiša Fink – tradition with a contemporary twist
Hiša Fink is also taking part in Restaurant Week. Located by the Krka River in Irča vas, it has been developing its culinary story for many years by bringing together tradition and contemporary cuisine. Its kitchen draws inspiration from Dolenjska, its ingredients and culinary heritage, while traditional dishes are prepared with a modern approach. Hiša Fink has been awarded three Gault&Millau toques for many years.
Photos: Hiša Fink archive.
Gostilnica Barba – a new addition to the Michelin Guide
This year is particularly significant for Gostilnica Barba. The restaurant on Topliška cesta was included in the Michelin Guide Slovenia 2026 for the first time and is among the new restaurants recognised in the Michelin Selected category. The Michelin Guide has thus recognised it as one of the recommended restaurants in Slovenia.
At Gostilnica Barba, the cuisine is rooted in authentic home-style cooking with a contemporary twist. The team also draws inspiration from Dolenjska’s culinary tradition, with an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Photos: Gostilnica Barba archive.
Together, the two restaurants represent an important part of Novo Mesto’s contemporary gastronomic offering – each with its own story, approach and interpretation of local flavours.
Autumn is also a time for culinary discovery
Novo Mesto’s gastronomic identity is shaped by a blend of local ingredients, Dolenjska tradition, wine and contemporary creativity. Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to visit Novo Mesto and explore its culinary offering. Pair a special menu with a stroll through the historic town centre, along the Krka River or a visit to one of the town’s cultural attractions. You can also continue your autumn day among the vineyards and wine cottages in the surrounding hills.
Novo Mesto’s culinary offering will once again take centre stage in November, when this year’s Taste Novo Mesto takes place. Hiša Fink and Gostilnica Barba are both participating in this year’s edition. November will offer another opportunity to discover local flavours, traditional dishes and contemporary interpretations of Dolenjska’s culinary heritage.