Sokol: "Fun Slovenian Food (and beer) for Tourists" Gostilna SOKOL Tip by travelfrosch

Jet-lagged and looking for a simple dining option, we settled on Sokol, the renowned "authentic" Slovenian restaurant in Ljubljana. And it brews its own beer, so how bad could it be?

Well, in truth, it was just fine, if nothing special. Our waiter seemed to enjoy playing his part in full traditional dress, even as he spoke better English than I. He relished explaining the more bizarre menu items, and seemed genuine in his efforts to convey Slovenian culture to us jet-lagged tourists. He was quite happy I decided to sample the house beer, and asked several times if I was enjoying it (I was).

Favorite Dish: Sara tried some mushroom soup in a bread bowl to start, then had some veggie risotto as a main course. I skipped the appetizer (though I did help Sara eat her "bowl") and ordered the "stag steak with porcini mushrooms" as a main course. Sara said her food was fine. As for my dish, while the venison itself was of excellent quality, the "porcini mushrooms" were really standard mushrooms in a salty gravy that tasted like it was from a can. Not altogether surprising, but just a touch disappointing.

The beer, as I mentioned earlier, was an unfiltered home-brew and served in a 1/2 liter rubber-stopper bottle. It was very good.

Address: Ciril-Metodov trg 18, SI-1000 Ljubljana
Comparison: about average
Directions: From the Triple Bridge, head towards the castle one block, then turn left at Ciril-Metodov trg. The restaurant will be on your right.
Phone: +386 1 439 68 55
Price: US$11-20
Rating: 3
Theme: Local
Website: http://www.gostilna-sokol.com