Housed within the historic walls of the castle, the restaurant combines refined elegance with a genuine sense of welcome, creating an atmosphere that is both impressive and relaxed. From the moment we arrived, the staff were friendly, professional and attentive without ever feeling too formal. There is a calm confidence to the service here that immediately puts you at ease.
Before dinner, we began with two fine glasses of Penina Brut Réserve, which felt like the perfect way to start our evening. Crisp, fresh and beautifully balanced, it set the tone wonderfully and complemented the sense of occasion that comes with dining in such a remarkable location.
We opted for the six course seasonal tasting menu, a decision we were glad we made, as it offered a carefully curated journey through flavours and textures, with each dish thoughtfully paced and beautifully presented.
Red Beet Carpaccio was the opening dish, served with gorgonzola mousse, thyme crackers and roasted pine nuts. Visually striking and delicately composed, the earthiness of the beetroot was lifted by the creamy, slightly sharp gorgonzola mousse, while the thyme crackers added a gentle herbaceous note. The roasted pine nuts brought warmth and texture, making this a refined yet approachable start to the meal.
"Every dish was masterfully presented, thoughtfully composed and a pleasure to eat."
Tuna Tartare followed, prepared with soy sauce, quail egg and peanuts. Fresh, clean and beautifully balanced, the quality of the tuna was immediately apparent. The quail egg added richness without heaviness, while the soy sauce provided depth. A subtle crunch from the peanuts completed the dish and added an extra layer of interest.
Risotto With Smoked Trout And Pumpkin arrived next, accompanied by pumpkin purée and dried olives. This course delivered comfort with elegance, the risotto cooked to perfection and rich in texture. The smoked trout added depth, while the sweetness of the pumpkin was balanced by the savoury notes of the dried olives, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish.
Grilled Sea Bass was served with a millet pudding, julienne vegetables and beurre blanc sauce. Light, elegant and expertly prepared, the fish was delicately grilled and full of flavour. The millet pudding introduced a subtle textural contrast, while the beurre blanc tied everything together with a silky richness that elevated the dish without overpowering it.
Pulled Duck Leg came next, served with Jerusalem artichoke purée, cherry gel, port sauce and polenta made from Bohinj. This was the standout course of the evening and a personal favourite. The duck was tender and deeply flavoured, complemented beautifully by the smooth, earthy purée. The cherry gel added a refined sweetness, the port sauce brought depth and richness, and the polenta grounded the dish with comforting warmth.
White Chocolate Mousse provided a refined and refreshing conclusion, paired with fennel ice cream and crumble. The mousse was light and delicately sweet, while the fennel ice cream introduced an unexpected freshness that cleansed the palate. The crumble added texture and balance, ensuring the meal ended on a high note.
Guests also have the option to enjoy a wine flight alongside the tasting menu, but we instead opted for a bottle of their Slovenian 2018 Dolfo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich and expressive, with notes of dark fruit, subtle spice and well integrated tannins, it paired beautifully with the later courses, particularly the duck, and showcased the quality of Slovenian wines superbly.
Every dish was masterfully presented, thoughtfully composed and a pleasure to eat. Combined with the stunning setting, the service and relaxed atmosphere, it was an exceptional dining experience from start to finish.
The Bill: £86 per head
