Second violin

Located at Stari trg 21 in Ljubljana, Druga violina is much more than just a regular restaurant . It is a social enterprise with a clear vision and mission that goes beyond just culinary offerings. It was founded with the aim of integrating people with special needs into the labor market, actively fighting stereotypes and creating a space where every individual can contribute their talents. The name itself, "Druga violina", carries a strong message: just as every instrument in an orchestra is important for harmony, every individual is indispensable in society. This philosophy is reflected in every corner of the restaurant, from the friendly service to the carefully prepared dishes.

More than just a meal: a social mission at the heart of the restaurant

The central and most praised aspect of Druga violina is its social model. As a project of the Center for Training, Work and Welfare (CUDV) Draga, the restaurant offers job training and employment to young people and adults with special needs. They are actively involved in the work processes, mainly as assistants in the service, which allows them invaluable work experience and a sense of inclusion. Many guests emphasize the exceptional warmth, friendliness and cordiality of the staff, which creates a unique and homely atmosphere that is difficult to find elsewhere. This culinary experience is thus enriched with the feeling that by visiting you are supporting a noble cause and contributing to a more inclusive society.

Culinary offer: between tradition and occasional challenges

The menu at Druga violine focuses on traditional Slovenian cuisine , prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes classic home-made dishes such as beef soup, goulash with polenta, veal ragout and, of course, the famous štruklji. There is a big emphasis on the daily lunch menus in Ljubljana , which are very affordable. This is also one of the main reasons for its popularity among both locals and tourists looking for an authentic and cheap lunch in the city center. There is also a good vegetarian menu .

However, there are some fluctuations in the quality of the food. While some dishes, such as the Prekmurska gibanica, often receive exceptional praise, other guests point out occasional shortcomings. Some reviews include comments that the chicken in the "Flying žganci" dish was overcooked, or that the salad does not reach the expected freshness, as the dressings (vinegar and oil) are sometimes of poor quality. This shows that although the food is beautifully presented and based on good basics, Druga violina is not a destination for haute cuisine, but rather for an honest, home-cooked meal. Nevertheless, most guests find the price-quality ratio to be more than fair.

Atmosphere, service and practical aspects

The interior of the restaurant is decorated in a rustic, homely style, which creates a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. In addition to the indoor spaces, they also have an outdoor garden on the cobbled street of Stari trg, which is extremely popular in the warmer months. However, this is where one of the main challenges arises, which is mainly pointed out by regular local guests. Due to its high visibility on online portals such as TripAdvisor, long lines of tourists often form in front of the restaurant. The problem is that Druga violina does not accept reservations for outdoor tables, which means that locals who would like to enjoy a quick lunch outdoors during the week are often left without a place. This creates a certain friction between the needs of the local population and tourist demand.

Strong and weak points

For an easier overview, we have collected the key advantages and disadvantages mentioned by guests:

• Advantages:
  • Exceptional social mission and support for people with special needs.
  • Very friendly, warm and welcoming staff.
  • Affordable prices and excellent value for money.
  • Authentic Slovenian cuisine and homely atmosphere.
  • Great location in the old town.
  • Accessibility for people with disabilities.
• Disadvantages:
  • Occasional fluctuations in food quality (e.g. overcooked meat, bad salad).
  • It is impossible to reserve a table in the outdoor garden, which causes crowds and long waiting times.
  • Individual criticisms of the attitude of the service management, which is said to not always be at the same high level as the friendliness of the employees and their clients.
  • Limited opening hours (Monday to Saturday until 4pm) limit the restaurant mainly to brunch and lunch offerings.

In short, Druga violina is a restaurant with a soul. A visit is not just a meal, but an act of support and inclusion. While it may not satisfy the most demanding gourmets who seek perfection in every dish, it will certainly delight everyone who appreciates homeliness, warmth and a good story. If you are willing to overlook a minor culinary flaw and want to support an important social project with your money, then a visit to Druga violina is definitely the right decision.