Za pumpo, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Za pumpo - a nice simple restaurant behind Petrol gas station on Tržaška street. Busy during lunch hours, not too good with parking, great on sunny days. Recommended to try. See if it fits. 

Edvard Kurnik - sales professional and internet entrepreneur, recenlty launched FormulaKonverzije.com,  born and raised in Maribor - Tezno, now lives in Slivnica, studied at Academia.si, started ExploreSlovenia.si and was ignited by Rok Hrastnik lectures, took 1 year StomperNet.com course, worked for KeterOrganica and Mladinska Knjiga, recently attended an event by Maria Andros a.k.a. Video Marketing Queen, cooperates with BMC International, has 1 son, travelled a lot, hitchiked all the way to Nordkapp, loved Bora Bora and Maldives, while also enjoyed snorkling on the border of Kenya and Tanzania, used to play bass guitar in rock band Kino with which they actually achieved #1 spot on some radio stations in Pomurje, reads Carlos Castaneda, while Richard Bach's Illusions are his all time favourite, without day-to-day limitations he would still help people be better sellers and continue launching new trend projects.

Bistro Zvezda, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Bistro Zvezda - "It didn't take long for Kongresni Trg, and Zvezda Park, to resume their rightful place as the heart of Ljubljana's city centre after reopening to the public in 2011 (now resting on top of a shiny new subterranean parking garage). Thus is was only a matter of time before a restaurant or two moved in to satiate the appetites of a hungry citizens. While Bistro is minimalist in décor, its menu of gourmet lunches and light snacks are nothing if not decadent, and its sophisticated wine list is complimented by an ample selection of cocktails for those wishing to drop by for an after work or late night tipple." - by InYourPocket

Jasna Suhadolc - owner and manager at Virtua PR, a regular in Bistro and would still be even if they would not be her client, one of the best restaurants she's been to was in Toronto, sharing table with Jugo and friends, started Virtua PR right out of EF, never actually worked as an employee, collaborating closely with Virtua IT as they used to be (in more ways than) one, born and raised in Ljubljana with Sarajevo Bey roots, during study also a Tuborg hostess and intern at Gral (now GfK), heavily influenced by Rudi Tavčar, now helping set up Akrapovič Kreativa agency - firstly focusing on very strong Akrapovič brand and then gradually expanding to other clients, has a 6 years old son, regularly visiting concerts such as Michael Buble and Sade in Munich, enjoys aesthetically pleasing parts of life and being social online and offline, recently read The Smashing Book - recommends it to all digital agencies and while she also recommends Zvezda's crunchy chewy hrustljavka, she will one day do all her work pro-bono for young entrepreneurs and fledgling companies with good ideas.

Dok 19, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Dok 19 - "We're always a little sceptical of places that ignore the unwritten rule prohibiting different cuisines from being prepared in the same kitchen, so it was with a leery tongue that we approached the newest establishment to join the fray on Petkovškovo Nabrežje - as burritos, pizzas, pastas, steaks and a full English breakfast all feature prominently on the menu. Lucky for us our scepticism proved to be unfounded yet again. Although nothing we've tried has really impressed us, neither has it disappointed, add in good service and a great location and you have a winner." - by InYourPocket

Jugoslav Petković - born and raised in Jesenice, father fotball player, brother football player and he was also dragged into it for a while, lost Jesenice accent and weird words such as "masa" for pencil already in high school, Soros's Open Society grant took him to Lockport, Lafourche Parish, Lousiana on a 6 month exchange, as a European he was instantly drafted to soccer team only to be reserve goalkeeper, nevertheless Lousiana experience marked him for life in the most positive of senses, he started with mIRC scripting in his early years, advanced through HTML, JS, Perl, PHP, co-founded Mimovrste and Domenca (now D-Labs), investor in Flaviar, taking a serious approach to the whole business angel matter, sees spoils of life (such as BMW convertible) as a way to promote entrepreneurship, due to frequent visits to recently closed Pungaršek/Mangart restaurant, he became friends with chef Dušan who now returned back to Germany, together they've recently visited Ikarus restaurant in Hangar 7 in Salzburg (Need I stress it's a recommended experience?), traveller and a foodie will one day grow his local version of Masdar city to be too big to ignore. Sooner, way better than later. 

Lonček kuhaj, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Lonček Kuhaj - located in the basement of Tehnološki Park 1, serving mostly companies and start ups from the floors above, as well as academics from nearby FRI and FMF faculties. Quick, convenient, but don't come with too high expectations. Green garden will positively surprise you, though. Focus on the subjects of the discussion around the table. Their website is powered by Mitja's Kupi.

Tomaž Frelih - co-founder of Hekovnik and BoundBreaker, grew up in Martinj Vrh near Železniki, a village which was first fully covered with wifi with the help of EU funds, Frelih = Frölich = cheerful, stems from the time of German settlements by Augsburg nobles in Škofja Loka castle, knows how to do golcanje, FRI graduate, worked for LTFE, took part in TDC project where he met Kristjan Pečanac, hence Hekovnik/Simgularis story, currently reading Funky Business Forever, used to read a lot of crime books, was disappointed by several biographies - like Jobs, where the crucial details from early start up to successful sustainable business period are missing, solved partially by Steve Blanks The Start Up Owner's Manual, badminton player, mountain biker and swimmer will one day have a lot of Hekovniks all over the region and will buy out University and re-arrange it so it will be able to produce swaths of students with top skills and international hunger to develop and deliver excellent products and services. Kowtow.

Eksperiment, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Eksperiment - "Offering a bit of everything for everyone, Eksperiment is a difficult place to get a good feel for, which makes the name all the more appropriate. Judging solely from the interior décor and soft moody lighting, you would be forgiven for thinking it's an upscale Asian eatery or trendy bar, while in actuality it's a morning till late night restaurant that specialises in grilled chicken and pork ribs, and serves homemade beer by the pitcher. Of course they also offer breakfast, a fine selection of coffee and an impressive drinks menu, so make of it what you will." - by InYourPocket

Roni Kordiš a.k.a. Had - born and raised in Zagorje with strong and proud local accent, now lives in Izlake, father roots in Kočevje, was repelled from FRI by sheer prospect of Neža Mramor Kosta's Analiza (Calculus) lectures, continued on FOV, but decided not to finish just couple of steps before the finish line with thesis already written (darn!), many years at Ultra with interesting insights, briefly at Sonce.net and then in Oust.me start-up founding team currently on hold, about to launch Beerhunte.rs and be part of Deluxe brand-agency-like problem-solver-solution-maker, 10 years skiing training and 7 years handball training behind him, recently read Jessica Livingston's Founders at Work, was convinced by wife back in 2005 to start writing his Had blog that he named after Hades, writing also DigitalHell and SloPR blogs, mountain hiker and biker, starting running career with first 42k marathon coming up in 2013, with unlimited resources he would devote even more time to blogging, while actively financialy support fledgling start-up scene in Slovenia - like a VC minus stellar expectations. Thrive the playground will.

Nebotičnik, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Nebotičnik - "This restaurant on the 10th floor of the Nebotičnik building looks like something out of New York in the 1920s (or at least films set in New York in the 1920s). A wooden spiral staircase leads down to the large dining area which has been completely restored from the stone floors to the high recessed ceilings, including furniture custom-designed in the style of the 80 year-old originals. With sweeping views of the city in all directions, it offers a dining experience like none other in Ljubljana." by InYourPocket

Nataša Pirc Musar - Information Commissioner of Republic of Slovenia, grew up in Mekinje, not hiding her slight Kamnik accent, her mother was the 13th kid in the family, among the most followed females in Slovenia on Twitter, second only to Katrina Krasal, does not eat raw tomato, though her father would very much liked that, while studying law started working at local TV station in Kamnik, quickly found way to national TV, graduated on the very date she had to to stay on RTV, still and totally passionate about law - human rights in particular, also VP of Europol Joint Supervisory Body, reading Prikrivanje, the third book in trilogy V imenu države, for which information sources and hence publication she was instrumental, avid bowling player - 6th on Masters ranking, only after knee injury folded her handball career, with unlimited resources she would earn her way into 75% parliamentary majority - preferring direct election which would provide a safety plug to the nation in case people would not like the new and improved system she would build then. Checks and balances lady creating new board-game and rules.

Pomaranča, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Pomaranča - these "oranges" are spreading fast all over Slovenia from Ptuj and they have every reason to do that. A very nice place, cool staff, a-la-carte maybe a bit pricey, but during business lunches it's a no brainer for a visit or two. Thumbs up.

In Pomaranča toilet they want you to hit the ball(s) ...

Tomaž Deisinger - Relationship Manager at UniCredit Banka, born and raised in Koper in a medical doctors family, grandfather locomotive operator on Vienna-Trieste route, wanted to study medicine, but ended up falling in love with economy and finance instead, EF graduate and Cotrugli MBA Alumni, student summer PR intern-ship at Port of Koper developed into job in finance dept, also lecturer at UIP, played basketball for Koper club, was ski instructor and is now totally into mountain biking, publishing photos on his biker blog, currently reading book about flat-coated retriever dogs and will one day uptake a Kona Africa Bike like related project.

Ana Bernetič Deisinger - born and raised in Izola with Italian-Balkan roots, non Višnjić passed on many valuable lessons, her maiden name linked to Bernetiči village, wanted to study medicine, but then opted for Psychology at UNITS in Trieste - specialized in development psychology, works with Coccinella kindergarten, writes Čarobna Preproga blog, started organizing animal assisted therapies and will soon try it also herself, just finished and recommends Alenka Rebula's Blagor Ženskam - almost bibliotherapy ready, recently playing piano at friends wedding rekindled her passion for music and will one day have a big farm with lots of animals for others. For experience, exposure and therapy.

Mufi, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Mufi - not very well known, but definitely not be avoided. Friendly staff, good food, distinct ambient. Recommended. By Mustafa Dizdarević and Jasna Abdić.

Janez Kolar - born in Murska Sobota, mother from Kobilje - at the end of the (Slovenian) world, father from beneath Boč, near Castle Borl, where Miha Pogačnik is reigniting Parzival legend, linking us tightly to The Holy Grail, FS graduate, newspaper delivery boy, Slovenijales stipendiary - later declined Moskvič sales job, served JNA in Banja Luka, in early team at GEA College, also lecturer after having an opportunity to stand in for Miroslav Glas, selected as preferred thesis mentor by many students, DHL HR director in Slovenia, while working for Panasonic had the occasion to observe morning corporate anthem listening in Japan offices, built house in Vnanje gorice and ran for mayor, worked in Aerodrom Ljubljana board, Rotarian by heart and enjoyed a great Rotary trip to India, reading David Icke books, has 2 grown up kids, used to sail competitively, father Milan invented Watrek and will be featured at Dragons Den, plays keyboard and will continue to help uncover and show true potential of everybody, starting locally in Ljubljana first. Not unlike Adlers are doing.

The little lamb. Ready for prime time. Peace by piece.

Origano, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Origano - "Located in what was once upon a time the village of Vrhovci, Origano isn't Ljubljana's most conveniently located restaurant, but is nevertheless worth the effort it takes to find. Set in a century-old house, the interior has been extensively modernised in a spacious minimalist style, which is well-suited for the cooking workshops and culture/culinary evenings that frequently take place - with Russia, India, Ireland and Greece all recently featured. In addition to a seasonally focussed à la carte menu, Origano has some of the best set lunches in town, usually consisting of a few lower priced options, a slightly more sophisticated business lunch and something for vegetarians." - by InYourPocket Ljubljana

Tomaž Jug - CEO at Beezway and Advisor at Editor, born and raised near Gorica, flexible with his accent, did a bit of family tree research - found Vojvodina roots, GEA College Entrepreneurship graduate in Portorož, one of the earliest geeks in Gorica with 9600bit modem, started a company with his sister, was a paid DJ, worked for Krea in Gorizia Italy and Arctur, tried with Markendrink, founded Editor with Igor Cej,  which eventually evolved into a franchise which was also his thesis subject, recently their new baby Beezway got funded in by a VC and is now pivoting through Start Cloud series of workshops using Ries' Lean Startup and Steve Blank's Startup Owner's Manual, 7 months old daughter, was recently engaged in last minute (literally) vacation capacity searching in Istria, tinkering most of the time he will one day grow a business accelerator with special ephasis on proper physical environment to the tune of I/O Ventures probably starting in Gorica.

Sometimes they also organize blind dinners in Origano.

Kino Šiška, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Kino Šiška - "After nearly a year of renovation, one the city's most iconic cinemas reopened its doors in 2009 as an urban cultural centre featuring several state-of-the-art preformance halls and exhibition spaces. Dedicated to promoting contemporary music, theatre, dance and experimental events, it already attracts big-name regional and international artists, and is scheduled to hosts around 200 events per year. Most concerts are held in its largest multi-purpose hall, dubbed 'the Cathedral', which can fit over 800 people. Check out their English language website for more info and a full schedule of events." - by InYourPocket Ljubljana

Alenka Bizjak - sister, finishing MF in Maribor to become GP, born and raised in Kranj, father developed first DOS based IS for National Archive, developed leadership competences as a proud member of Rod Stane Žagar mlajši scouts - like Igor, participated in DŠMM, SloMSIC and IFMSA which took her to Australia, Jamaica and UK and got her in contact with Zero Generation trainers, rekindling the fire with HealthcareLSS, was Erasmus exchange student in Aachen volunteered at TEDxMaastricht, is active organizer at TEDxLjubljana, was also au-pair in UK, reading 7 Habits by late Covey, Theory U, watching quality TV series and will one day have her own clinic for integrative medicine while keeping a tab on too much working.

Katarina Bizjak - sister, researcher and lecturer, finishing Ph.D thesis on pedagogical practice, Kranj roots recently replanted to Maribor, FSP graduate, used to be gymnastic trainer, but after practice in Canada with Ljudmila Korolenko realized that world class gymnastics is to cruel and she does not want to be part of it, returned to school sport education to teach at GimB, was a trainer at GIB, TEDxLjubljana organizer, founder of Nora Zabava - circus style animation for and with kids, certified Adler coach, writes sports related articles for Ciciban and Cicido, helped run Poletje.eu project, avid salsa dancer, just about to get married, reading Formule ljubezni and will one day change education system through transforming teachers, spending time with them to influence them to spend more time figuring out what kids really want and can become. Yes they can!

Frks, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Frks - "We usually don't make such lofty pronouncements, but as far as we're concerned this tiny take-away on Kongresni Trg makes the best wraps in town. The menu isn't overwhelming in terms of options, but most of what they do have are exotic concoctions of ingredients that we never would have thought of putting together - that's probably why they make tasty wraps and we write travel guides." - by InYourPocket Ljubljana

Domen Kert - young entrepreneur in the making, born and raised in Ravne with Bavarian roots, just started drinking coffee and calls her grandma "bica", proud Galaxy S III user, second cousin to Vid Kavtičnik, and related to Members of Parliament Göncz, was part of the winning team at Ljubljana StartUp, likes going out of comfort zone and make new connects i.e. with Sandi Češko or President Türk, used to work for Linea Directa, EF graduate, about to become EarPeace distributor, bought golf club set, but never actually made a proper swing yet, reading Millionaire Messenger, 4 Hour Work Week and Thinking Fast and Slow, avid tennis player and Federer fan, will soon do it on new grass court in TPLJ, listens to MorningCoach and will one day have his own Dragn's Den without cameras, support lifting mindset and offer Lumosity as a free service to everybody on the planet. Entreprenosity.

Sputnik Cosmic Caffe, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Sputnik - "Modern and trendy, yet welcoming and unpretentious, Sputnik may be more known as a nightlife venue for Ljubljana's up and coming elite, but during the day it's a popular breakfast and lunch time stop for out-of-town businessmen, white collar workers with offices nearby, and even the odd student who appreciates a subtle ambiance. The menu changes daily, but it tends to lean towards lighter Mediterranean fare with pastas, soups, salads and the like. One of the warm breakfasts accompanied by a strong espresso is a great way to start a day." - by InYourPocket Ljubljana

Marko Petković - Co-founder and CEO at Slidemotion, earned first money by selling New Year's greeting cards when he was six, later selling bags with Istrian graphics in camp  for his father, FE graduate, lead power generation division for Siemens in Slovenia, started Centra Design also in Energetics market, creating many home videos out of pictures brought him to Slidemotion step in his life, has 2 sons, reads a lot of non-fiction books, recommends The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, likes Simon Sinek, played clarinet in PPO Vevče, now getting better and better at playing synthesizer - currently on a new Yamaha PSR S550, travels a lot - recently to Zambia, sailer on Topcat catamaran and will one day earn a psychology degree and then consult on how things can actually get done and seemingly impossible achieved. Mission Psyhossible.

Pri Škofu, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Pri Škofu - "Hidden down a small side street in Krakovo, Pri Škofu is a long-time favourite of cash-strapped university students who still like to enjoy a proper meal from time to time, and you're virtually guaranteed to see at least a couple bespectacled hipsters seated at a table nearby. The €8 lunch specials come in obscenely large portions and are one of the best values in town. Although there's no menu it's also possible to order à la carte, and an English-speaking waitress will gladly rattle off what's available" - by InYourPocket Ljubljana

Andrej Černigoj - assistant to MEP Alojz Peterle, born and raised in Vipava valley, which he still dreams about, scout member, active in many student societies and clubs such as ŠKIS, DOS and ŠOS, worked for Mercator, sent unsolicited letters with CV to all 7 Slovenian MEPs, Alojz called back and offered internship,     solutions for solving non-employability of youth is currently on his map of ideas, actively networked with Slovenians in Brussels, staying in Belgium had a positive impact on his food perceptation - qualitatively and quantitatively, now he also runs regularly usually late in the evening, reading mostly EU reports, recently on Acta, recenty watched Too Big To Fail, expecting his first child soon and will one day renovate all castles in Slovenia and organize a web of vibrant tourism stories around them.

Bicycles in this part of Ljubljana are a privileged species. Cars need to back off on the street.

Gostilna Katrca, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Gostilna Katrca - "Specialising in Tuscan cuisine, this century-old inn has a menu that puts most of its competition to shame. Going well beyond the run-of-the-mill noodle and sauce offerings, this is the place to tuck into some truly fantastic creations, such as pasta with prawns, bacon and chilli pepper or truffle and honey risotto. The meat dishes are also a cut above most, with horse, turkey and wild boar taking centre stage. The recently renovated premises also include several spacious and well-equipped rooms upstairs" by InYourPocket Guide

Simon Ražman - co-founder and CEO at e-manent, born and raised in Koper, zoo technology graduate, worked at Banka Koper, already developed Mlekomat business case in 1995, unfortnatelly 10 years before the trend kicked in, used to have long hair and heavy metal style,  currently among Top20 LinkedIn Slovenes, same generation as Peter Brenko and Andrej Nabergoj, and would without limitations still be developing innovative solutions that would help companies be more agile and effective.

Klopčič - Dom Litostroj, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Klopčič - not at all pretentious, workers lunch place near Litostroj, doing decent catering also. Recommended for reality check on multiple levels. Sobering, recession proof.

A.K. - Associate dean at ERUDIO Business School, born and raised in Kranj, lives in Adergas under Štefanja gora, Erudio is latin for instruct/cultivate, used to work for FSD, was school counsellor and taught knowledge management, runs 21km with Runtastic, likes swimming, has 4 kids, listens to Audible books, recently Gladwell's Outliers and recommends The Happiness Advantage, plays Teach Me French to kids during bedtime and will one day improve school system in general to be more goal oriented and proactive, not unlike Kipp in US.

A safe bet that Klopcic is the biggest bang for the buck. Or fullest stomach for the Euro in this case.

Gostilna Rok, Krtina, Slovenia

Gostilna Rok - not very well known, almost hidden. A hidden gem nonetheless. OK, some polishing still needed, but no regrets even if you stumble upon it by chance. Great service, great shady terrace for hot summer days. And summer it was: day 1. Hot day 1.

Cees Nieboer - HeRoes group founder and owner and LearningPaths representative for EMEA, Dutch native, Haag born, Rotterdam raised, father born  in Indonesia, used to work for IBM years ago in AS/400 marketing, later IBM leasing agency, played and was tennis instructor in Brunei, ISO9000 certification consultant job - mostly via API - had him travelling a lot, moved to Dubai for 11 years, golf HCP 14, Lumina Learning also in portfolio, just finished Have A Nice Conflict, has 4 kids and 1 granddaughter and will one day totally devote himself to animal welfare - establishing shelters. Long live cats and other animals in need.

Rihard Rifelj - business development manager at HeRoes, Novo Mesto born and raised, redeveloped Dolenjska accent, not related to Matej Rifelj, knows his family tree all the way back to 1620, EF graduate and AIESEC Alumni member, Cotrugli Scholarship contest finalist, read Skok v Smetano, in free time works in wineyard, adores home produced Cviček and will one day put all his talents and efforts into promoting Krka tourism - Cviček included. 

Buon Piatto, Mengeš, Slovenia

Buon Piatto - a well known and established pasta&pizza place in Mengeš. Worth trying. Many times. Good food, great service.

Simon Meglič - founder and CEO at ePrvak, grew up in Vir, office in Mengeš, EF graduate, FRI post graduate, worked for Kompas Group, later acquired by Adriatica.net, helped operate and optimize potovanje.si and lastminutecenter.si portals among others, went through 100 Top Tržnikov program, is lecturing UX, does usability testing and sees this as the real growth future, also avid traveller and operates Potnik.si e-zine/community, Logatec Rotary club member, recently read and recommends Champan's Five Love Languages and will one day dedicate himself to travelling and building travel community, while testing and help improve hotel experiences.

Gostilna Jerinček, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Gostilna Jerinček - down the road of the more famous Jurček, but still a decent quick-business lunch place. Daily menus, fast service, efficiency over fancy. Throughput optimized with a nice terrace. 

Mitja Simčič - founder and owner of Kupi, not related to Simčič wines, FRI graduate, did parallel EF study, but dropped it disappointed, Cotrugli MBA Alumni and just recently elected Alumni Club President, started with golf, used to be a DJ, regular Ibiza goer, recently married, re-read Sun Tzu's Art of War, plans to read 360 Degree Feedback, will one day end up as teacher and coach, probably in the field of mathematics and problem solving, while - through wife's influence - becoming increasingly eco-friendly and animal friendly. Solving the Art of 360 Degree Caring.

Krinolina, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Krinolina - tucked away in the cellar of a mighty business building, which used to be HQ of once mighty Iskra group. Decent food, though more on the quantity/speed side of the spectrum, interior decorator tried, but not very hard. One day somebody will improve all that. So far they have no entries in the web guest book. What's a web guest book?

Lidija Dragišić - owner&director at Studio360, born and raised in Novo Mesto with Bela krajina roots, architecture graduate, industrial design masters, worked for Ofis, Sadar+Vuga and D&K before launching her own studio, briefly lived and worked in Vienna, among others worked on awarded rotating storage system, private business club, and Sončna Aleja projects, used to make her own clothes, likes Slovenian designer clothes and fashion was a runner up at her study decision, likes TED talks, has a daughter and lately reads a lot of fairy tales with favourite being Lila Prap and Loes Riphagen. One day she devote most of her energy into raising aesthetic awareness on new levels in Slovenia and changing the landscape on the go. Not unlike what Jamie Oliver is doing with culinary awareness.

Okrepčevalnica Stegne, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Okrepčevalnica Stegne - operated by Murić Esad, "A cheapie where any meal is truly hearty. :)" as commented by one of Foursquare check-in-ers. 

M.Z. - investor and private fund manager, co-founder of Finera and recently (with TS) co-founder and partner at Depoziti.si the first savings deposits coupon discount player in the region, recently moved back to his home hood Šiška, while he also lived in Belgrade for a while, has one kid, expecting another very soon, likes fishing, especially big time tuna, likes good food, many times in good company with Boki and even if he did not have to work for earnings purpose, he would still do the investment game, particularly in factoring area. Speeding up the flow of money is his cup of tea. And there's plenty of fish in that sea to be caught.

Frenk, not the best coffee in town. Unlike Franck.

Big game, big time. Tuna galore.