Event Details
What is Odprta kuhna – Open Kitchen in Ljubljana?
Every Friday from March to October, Pogačarjev trg in the heart of Ljubljana becomes Slovenia's most beloved street food market. Odprta kuhna, which translates as Open Kitchen, was founded in 2013 and has grown into a weekly ritual for locals and visitors alike. The concept is brilliantly simple: dozens of Ljubljana's best restaurants and independent chefs set up their kitchens on the square and cook fresh in front of you, while you wander from stall to stall assembling a meal. The 2026 season opened on 20 March and runs through autumn. Entry is always free.
Highlights
- More than 65 vendors and over 280 different dishes across the season
- Food prepared fresh and live in front of visitors at every stall
- Slovenian classics alongside Asian, Mexican, Indian, Korean and Balkan specialities
- Local wines, craft beer and the popular Brina cocktail bar
- Occasional guest chefs, street artists and DJ sets
- Free entry; dishes and drinks are paid per stall
- Stunning setting between Ljubljana Cathedral, the castle hill and Plečnik's market arcades
- Occasional guest appearances in other Slovenian cities such as Ptuj
Program and 2026 Season
Open Kitchen takes place on every sunny Friday from March through October. The market opens at 10:00 AM and runs until 9:00 or 10:00 PM depending on the weather. The 2026 edition marks the 14th season of the market. Around one third of the vendor lineup is refreshed each year, ensuring new surprises every visit. The best stalls are usually the ones with the longest queues of locals. A recommended strategy is to do one full lap of the square before ordering anything. The 2026 lineup included žlikrofi, ramen, smash burgers, pad thai, štruklji, Korean BBQ, truffle specialities and vegan options.
Important note: the market can be cancelled at short notice in case of rain. Before visiting, check the official Odprta kuhna Instagram or Facebook account on the morning of your planned visit.
Getting There
Pogačarjev trg is located in Ljubljana's city centre, just a few minutes on foot from Prešeren Square, the Triple Bridge and the castle hill. The easiest way to arrive is on foot, by BicikeLJ hire bike or by public bus (stops: Krekov trg, Zmajski most or Pošta). Visitors coming from further away can find well-located accommodation through Booking.com. For day trips around Slovenia, car rental options are available via Discover Cars.
Visitor Tips
- Do a complete lap of the square before ordering; the best stalls reveal themselves on the first round.
- Share dishes and try small portions from multiple vendors rather than committing to one large meal.
- Bring a card; some stalls do not accept cash.
- Look out for local Slovenian wines and the Brina cocktail stand on site.
- Arrive before midday for shorter queues; after 1:00 PM the square fills up considerably.
- Check social media on the morning of your visit in case the market is cancelled due to rain.
- Combine the visit with a walk along the Ljubljanica river and a relaxed dinner in the Old Town.
