Where you and me, yesterday and today, come together.
For more than four decades, Don Bobi Restaurant (Gostilnica Don Bobi) has stood on the banks of the Krka River in Novo Mesto, as the first restaurant in the Dolenjska region to introduce an Italian-inspired culinary concept. Its story began in 1978, when Ivan purchased a house by the river with the dream of one day opening a restaurant. In 1983, the business welcomed its first guests, serving homemade coffee, spirits and traditional Carniolan sausage. Later, his son Robert and his wife Vlasta transformed the family business into the region’s first restaurant with a distinctive Italian influence, naming it Don Bobi. Today, the restaurant is proudly run by the family’s third generation. While its recipes and flavours combine tradition with a contemporary approach, the heart of the family story remains unchanged, complemented by a fresh perspective on modern culinary trends.
The atmosphere at Don Bobi is warm, welcoming and unmistakably homely – a place where the family’s story can be felt from the first greeting to the final bite. Its excellent location near Novo Mesto’s historic town centre makes it an ideal stop while exploring the city. The restaurant offers an intimate setting with around 60 seats, making it equally suitable for a romantic dinner, family celebrations, gatherings with friends or business lunches.
The kitchen impresses with a harmonious blend of traditional Slovenian cuisine and Mediterranean-Italian flavours. The menu features freshly prepared pasta, homemade gnocchi, often served with truffles or mushrooms, seafood risottos, grilled meat dishes, creative seafood specialities and outstanding seasonal dishes. Many guests continue to return for the restaurant’s renowned fish and seafood specialities, fresh fish, shellfish and classic seafood pasta dishes, which have become Don Bobi’s signature for decades. Every dish is prepared with precision and great respect for the quality of its ingredients. An extensive wine list, attentive service and meticulous attention to detail complete the dining experience.
Don Bobi Restaurant has earned a reputation as a place where tradition, family hospitality and outstanding cuisine come together to create a memorable dining experience. Every visit tells the story of generations who have preserved their culinary heritage while embracing new ideas, creating a restaurant that guests are always happy to return to.
Awards, Certifications and Recognition:
- Restaurant Guru – Best in the City: Italian (2020)
- Wolt Awards (2021)
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