MAK Restaurant

Maribor is the capital of Štajerska and one of the best places in Slovenia to eat, since it sits among vineyards, orchards and farms that supply a rich variety of produce, and the city has developed a lively restaurant scene in the past decade. MAK Restaurant belongs to the younger, more creative end of that scene. It is a restaurant that places the emphasis on what the kitchen can do with seasonal ingredients, rather than on a fixed menu, and the idea of dining there is to put yourself in the hands of the chef and see what the season has brought. It is the kind of place that food-minded visitors seek out when they want to taste something beyond the usual regional classics.

Seasonality is the guiding principle. In a restaurant of this type, the dishes change frequently, depending on what local farmers, growers and foragers supply at the time, and the chef builds the meal around what is at its best. That might mean young vegetables and herbs in spring, tomatoes, peppers and berries in summer, mushrooms, game and pumpkin in autumn and root vegetables, preserved foods and cured meats in winter. A menu that changes with the produce also keeps the kitchen creative, and regular guests are rewarded with new dishes. Local and organic suppliers are favoured, and herbs, flowers and vegetables are often grown specially. The wine list is likely to highlight Slovenian producers, with a good representation of the Štajerska region and other parts of the country, and the staff can match wines to the courses. Details of the current format, price and opening days should be confirmed with the restaurant directly, since fine dining venues often have limited days and need advance booking. Mention any allergies or dietary needs when you reserve.

It is worth saying that a restaurant of this kind puts its effort into the plate and the glass, rather than into décor, and visitors who expect a lavish interior may find a simpler room than they imagine. The pleasure is in the food and the conversation.

Maribor offers other rewards for those who travel for food and drink. Lent is the old riverside quarter with the world's oldest vine, the Drava River Promenade is a pleasant walk, Kavarna HiKoFi is a place for coffee, and Maribor Castle, Maribor Cathedral, Freedom Square Maribor, the Judgement Tower, Calvary Hill (Kalvarija) and the Maribor Art Gallery cover the sights. Cultural Tours and Historic Sites explain the history, and Beautiful architecture adds to the walk. The surrounding wine hills offer tastings at family estates.

It suits food lovers and couples celebrating something. Book well ahead. Maribor’s food scene rewards curiosity, and MAK is one of its more adventurous addresses.