Slovenia is gaining recognition as a hidden tourist gem where lovers of authentic experiences, culinary masterpieces and architectural attractions meet. In Your Pocket encourages providers and tourism stakeholders to present themselves to the public and recognises the effort, work and achievements of providers, who are gaining prominence among foreign visitors and travellers.
The “Best of” recognition raises the reputation of providers and continues the tradition of the evaluation, which consists of an expert panel and the general public, who can vote for the best provider in selected categories.
Author Ksenija Benedetti won in the new all-Slovenian Speakers category among twenty finalists.
Learn more about In Your Pocket here.
All the winners
Minister of Culture, dr. Asta Vrečko presented awards to the best in culture:
- Best Museum: National Museum of Slovenia
- Best Gallery: Cukrarna
- Best Festival: Ljubljana Festival
- Best Event: Film under the stars
- Best Cultural Experience & Venue: Kino Šiška
- Best Cultural Place of Interest around Ljubljana: Arboretum Volčji potok
- Best Architecture in Ljubljana: Cukrarna
- Best Cultural Ambassador of Ljubljana: Bojan Cvjetićanin — Joker Out
The awards in the cafe category were handed out by Janža Pavlin, sales manager at In Your Pocket:
- Best Cafe: POLO Cafe & Bar & STOW
- Best Ice Cream: VIGO
- Best Desserts: Čopomana
- Best Coffee in Slovenia: ILLY
Melinda Rebrek, executive producer of LJFW, presented the awards to the best in shopping:
- Best Fashion Stores in Old Town: IKONA Ljubljana
- Best Shopping Centres: Aleja
- Best Home & Design Stores: Rogaška Kristal
- Best Concept & Gift Stores: 1001 dar
- Best Culinary Shops: Dobrote Dolenjske
- Best Artisan Bakeries: Ana Bakery
- Best 2nd hand & Vintage Stores: Humana
- Best Optic Stores: Optika Clarus
- Best Accessories & Jewellery Stores: Zlatarna Celje
- Best Global Brand Monostores: Tommy Hilfiger
- Best Real Estate: Stoja Trade
- Best Slovenian Designers: Matea Benedetti
The category of the best experiences in Ljubljana was presented by Niko Slavnić, director of the brand In Your Pocket Slovenia:
- Best Outdoor Activity: Bananaway SUP Adventures
- Best Indoor Fun: Woop! Challenges (and Supernova)
- Best Tours & Experiences: Ljubljana Castle Tour
- Best Artisan Handcrafted Experiences (by Visit Ljubljana): Print your own poster in an old print shop
- Best to get Around: BicikeLJ
- Best Attraction in the Ljubljana Region: Velika Planina
- Best Attraction in Ljubljana: Odprta Kuhna
Best culinary providers:
- Best Slovenian Food: Hiša pod Gradom
- Best Business Lunch & Dinner Restaurant: Cubo
- Best Bistro in Ljubljana: Le Petit Cafe
- Best Pizza In Ljubljana Old Town: Pop’s Place Pizza
- Best Pizza Around Ljubljana: Antica
- Best Pizza in Ljubljana: Parma
- Best Global Cuisine: Cantina Mexicana
- Best Burgers: Hood Burger
- Best Vegan or Vegetarian Restaurants: Barbarella BTC Bistro
- Best Asian Restaurant: Sushimama
- Best Street Food: Burek Olimpija
- Best Balkan Restaurant: Gostilna Čad
- Best Inn Around Ljubljana: Gostilna Pr’ Kopač
- Best Chef In Ljubljana: Luka Jezeršek — Gostilna na Gradu
- Best Gluten-Free Restaurant in Ljubljana: Dežela Okusov