Kralj Matjaž

Good people, good vibes and great food.

Kralj Matjaž is a contemporary hospitality brand with three locations in Novo Mesto – in the historic town centre on Glavni trg (Main Square), in the Supernova Novo Mesto shopping centre, and in the Drska district. Established in 2018 by former professional basketball player Matjaž Smodiš and entrepreneur Matevž Slokar, it was created with the vision of offering high-quality food prepared from locally sourced ingredients, combining a modern culinary approach with inspiration from Italian gastronomy.

At its Glavni trg location, Kralj Matjaž brings together a pub, pizzeria and city café under one roof. Guests can choose from Neapolitan pizzas, gourmet burgers, fresh salads, pasta dishes, desserts, and a wide selection of hot and cold drinks. A special highlight is the range of house craft beers brewed exclusively for Kralj Matjaž, alongside the signature King’s Coffee, prepared from a carefully selected blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. The lively terrace on the Main Square is a favourite meeting place for both locals and visitors who wish to enjoy excellent food and drinks while soaking up the atmosphere of Novo Mesto’s historic centre.

The premises on Glavni trg have been associated with hospitality for decades. They were once home to the renowned Mestna Kavarna (City Café), one of Novo Mesto’s most iconic cafés and a popular gathering place for local residents, visitors, artists and businesspeople. Today, Kralj Matjaž continues this tradition of hospitality and social life, giving the historic venue a new chapter through contemporary cuisine, a welcoming atmosphere and its role as one of the city’s favourite meeting places.

At the Supernova Novo Mesto location, the focus is on the signature Kraljeve pogače (King’s Flatbreads), inspired by the Roman-style pizza al taglio. These crispy, generously topped flatbreads combine the culinary traditions of Dolenjska with authentic Italian flavours. The menu is complemented by house craft beers, King’s Coffee, desserts and a selection of light bites, making it an ideal choice for a quick meal or a relaxed break while shopping.

The third Kralj Matjaž location is Slavka, situated in the Slavka Gruma neighbourhood (Drska) of Novo Mesto. With its youthful atmosphere, quality coffee, refreshing drinks and excellent food, it offers a relaxed setting for everyday socialising throughout the day.

All Kralj Matjaž locations share the same philosophy – using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, embracing a modern approach to cooking, and creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Whether stopping for a Neapolitan pizza in the historic town centre, a gourmet burger and a glass of craft beer, or a freshly prepared flatbread while shopping, guests can enjoy a contemporary dining experience that successfully blends local tradition with creativity and an urban lifestyle.

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