Thanks to the proximity of Italy, and in particular of Trieste, a historic coffee town, the coffee in Ljubljana is generally very good, but four establishments in Ljubljana will serve you coffees that are a notch above the rest. You’ll discover coffees with subtle aromas and an incredible variety of flavours. To enjoy an excellent coffee, perhaps the best of your life, visit one of these four cafés, all located in the centre of Ljubljana. You can find the addresses on the map at the bottom of this article.
Café Cokl, next to the castle
This little café is right next to the castle funicular (the one I advised you not to take). This little stall has a cosy, authentic atmosphere, which is rare in Ljubljana bars. Unlike the other two establishments in this selection, here you can enjoy your coffee on the terrace.
Café Cokl’s terrace is very pleasant in summer.
During the summer, this small café also serves iced espresso, macchiato and cappuccino. Try the ice macchiato, a coffee served iced with a little milk. Stop by right after your tour of the Ljubljana market (this magnificent market is open every day from Monday to Saturday morning).
Crno Zrno, a real Colombian café
Opened six years ago by Alexander, a Colombian married to a Slovenian, Crno Zrno serves excellent coffees prepared with great care. Alexander’s shop is located right next to theexcellent Hotel Lesar on a beautiful, pedestrianised street in Ljubljana that doesn’t get very busy. Trust Alexander to make you one of the best coffees of your life. He has tested hundreds of techniques, temperatures down to the degree, different grammages and utensils to reveal all the flavours of the coffee he imports from the best terroirs in Colombia (He returns there every year in February to make his selection).
In summer, opt for a refreshing cold brew coffee or, even better, one of the two tonics mixed with coffee (a must-try).
There’s no terrace here, but make a stop to chat to Alexander at the counter in English or Spanish. This is my favourite of this selection. Just before or just after your coffee, you can go to the end of the street, to El patron, a cosy little restaurant run by a Mexican chef who serves good tacos (take the three taco combo for €13).
Worth knowing: Alexander has had a child and now only works at weekends, a little more often during the summer. Check the opening times before you come.
Stow, the City Museum’s secret café
Stow coffee roaster is a secret café located inside the Ljubljana City Museum. With its large bay windows, I like to sit there in winter to work while enjoying a coffee from Guatemala, Kenya or Ethiopia. You can choose between a single coffee for €2 or a double shot for €3.50.
Please note: at the height of summer, because of the bay windows, it can get a bit hot. I therefore recommend frequenting this bright café during the winter, as there, those large bay windows become a real asset.
Fun fact: Tim Cook, the boss of Apple, came here for a coffee in September 2024. Here
Cafetino, a local institution
In Stari trg, the pedestrian street most frequented by tourists, Cafetino serves a huge variety of coffees. The place has long been a favourite with Ljubljans who love a good cup of coffee. As in the other three cafés in this selection, you can buy delicious ground coffee here. I don’t really like the inside of the café, but the terrace gives you a real taste of the bustle of the city.