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The wildness and cultural history of the Slovenian countryside comes to life on the plate at Hiša Franko, a three Michelin Star restaurant and inn created by self taught chef Ana Roš.
Nestled in the Slovenian Alps, with nearby waterfalls and an ancient forest, patrons will come to be inspired and awed by the interplay of creativity and what nature provides. Hiša Franko’s menu lovingly reflects the local surroundings and challenges the modern pull of globalization in exchange for an experience of the authentic, intuitive, and storied natural abundance that the Soča Valley in the Slovenian Alps has to offer.
Chef Ana has been running Hiša Franko for over 25 years, now alongside three other ventures that are equally interesting and unique, an artisanal bakery, a casual restaurant, and a cocktail line. She appeared on Netflix’s Chef’s Table in 2016, opening the world’s eyes to Slovenian cuisine and culture. Set apart from the mainstream culinary path, Chef Ana has her own style, self created and personally inspired. And even with accolades of multiple Michelin stars, Hiša Franko’s website barely mentions this, focusing instead on their menu, and their philosophy of hyperlocal eating and reverence for nature.
Much of their ingredients are homegrown in their kitchen garden, or foraged in the surrounding nature. Wild mushrooms, forest herbs, high alpine greens, all of it is collected every morning by a member of the team. These ingredients have sustained communities in the Soča Valley for generations, and are now being shared with curious travelers alike. As a result, the menu is deliciously seasonal, focusing on the freshest and most flavorful pairings each day.
“When I step into the forest, something shifts. The weight lifts, my breath deepens, and my senses come alive. It is here where everything begins and my ideas are born.” - Ana Roš.
You’re probably wondering, when the local forest is the biggest inspiration, what ends up on the plate? The summer menu is tailored exactly to the conditions of nature outside. Stone fruits ripened to juicy perfection, wild plants at the peak, garden leaves, beeswax, fresh trout from a local family. Certain menu items may be unexpected, or even unknown, but the team at Hiša Franko encourage open mindedness, inviting guests to relax and fully immerse in the meal.
To add to the magic of your dining experience, Hiša Franko also offers a secluded countryside retreat for overnight stays. The building has always been an inn, built in 1861, and has been reimagined to a rustic luxury standard, with beautifully framed views, no TVs, and plenty of tranquility. The rooms are all complete with private bathrooms, crisp linens, and air conditioning.
You are able to book a one night stay to follow your meal in the dining room, inviting you to disconnect and fully immerse into the heart of the Soča Valley. And the cherry (or stone fruit) on top? Breakfast is served as well, expect more surprises from the garden and the forest, creatively prepared.
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Booking your entire experience at Hiša Franko can be done through their site, where you will select your dining preference for lunch or dinner, and then if you’d like to stay the night as well. The room rates are priced between 230€ and 250€, or $266 to $290 per night. The inn and restaurant can be reached by air, car, train, or bus, with the nearest airport being Trieste Airport–Ronchi dei Legionari in Northern Italy, a one hour drive away. The nearest train stations will be Most na Soči (Slovenia) and Cividale del Friuli (Italy). We know the Slovenian Alps and Hiša Franko must be on your list now.
About the Author:
Eliza is a writer from Southern California, covering travel and culture for Well City Guide. Her work explores the places, rituals, and traditions that have shaped how communities live for generations, and how those threads show up for travelers today. She's a collector of antiques, has a deep interest in history, and is working on a book exploring the impact of nature connection on human health, wellness, and happiness.