Half past ten

At Litijska cesta 47 in Ljubljana, there is a place whose name is known to almost all lovers of grilled food – Deset v Pol. Since 2002, it has been considered one of the first real Sarajevo čevabdžinicas in the city, which gives it a certain reputation and tradition. With an overall rating of 4.5 based on more than a thousand reviews, it is clear that this is a popular spot, but, as the experiences of guests show, it is not without its shortcomings. The range of services is wide, as they allow dining in the place, personal pickup and delivery of food , and they also have access for people with disabilities.

Culinary offer: More than just čevapčiči

The heart of the offering at Deset v Pol is, of course, Balkan cuisine, based on grilled meat specialties. Their menu is expectedly focused on the classics that guests look for in such restaurants .

• Čevapčiči and related dishes: The absolute stars are of course čevapčiči in a bun , which are offered in portions of five, ten or even fifteen pieces. Many guests describe them as extremely juicy and tasty, and the bun as soft and never dry, which is key to an authentic experience. In addition to čevapčiči, there are also sudžukice (spicy sausages), pleskavice (also in a cheese version) and uštipci, which are a mixture of minced meat, cheese and bacon.
• Party Plates: For larger groups, there are various plates available, such as the "Small Plate" for two or the more elaborate "Sarajevo", "Large Plate" and "Merak Plate" for four. These combinations offer a cross-section of their offerings, including čevapčiči, sudžukica, veal cutlets and chicken.
• Other grilled offerings: The menu also includes chicken skewers, pork shoulder, and veal chops, which means that the selection is wide enough for those who want something other than minced meat.
• Side dishes and salads: The obligatory side dishes like kajmak, ajvar and onions are of course available. They also offer prebranec (baked beans), roasted peppers and the classic Shopska salad.
• Desserts: To end the meal, traditional desserts such as baklava, tufahija, and hurmašice are available, rounding out the entire experience.

Positive aspects: What impresses guests?

The large number of positive reviews shows that Deset v Pol often hits the mark. Guests regularly praise the quality and taste of the food, especially their signature čevapčič . Many rank them among the best in Ljubljana, which is a big compliment in a city with strong competition in the field of Balkan cuisine . One factor that visitors often highlight is the fast service; some report that they received their food within a mere ten minutes of ordering. This is a big advantage for those looking for a quick and tasty lunch in Ljubljana .

The friendliness of the staff is another element that is regularly mentioned in positive reviews. Small touches, such as complimentary baklava at the end of the meal, create a pleasant impression and contribute to the feeling of hospitality. The ambiance of the place is described as spacious and pleasant, allowing for a comfortable experience for both couples and larger groups. The option of ordering by phone and picking up in person is a practical solution for those who would prefer to enjoy their grilled food at home.

Negative aspects: Where does it get stuck?

Despite the many compliments, there are also serious complaints that point to a much different side of the experience at Deset v Pol. Most concerning is the inconsistency in the quality of the food. Several customers, including long-time guests, have reported a noticeable decline in quality recently. One diner described an experience where he received burnt and apparently reheated meat, which is far from the standards one would expect from a reputable restaurant . Even more problematic was the staff's response to a complaint, which was summed up with the nonchalant statement "desi se" (it happens). Such an attitude shows a lack of respect for the customer and seriousness in dealing with errors.

Another concern raised by some customers concerns finances and transparency. There have been complaints about small portions for the price, which contradicts the general belief that Balkan cuisine offers hearty meals. Although the restaurant is officially classified as a low-priced establishment (1), some believe that the prices, including drinks, are too high for what is offered. The most serious complaint in this area is the alleged failure to issue invoices unless the customer specifically requests one. One customer even reported that the bill she requested included items she had not ordered. Such practices, while perhaps isolated, cast doubt on the integrity of the business.

Final thought: Culinary risk or safe choice?

Deset v Pol is clearly a restaurant with two faces. On one side is an established name backed by hundreds of satisfied customers who swear by their good food , speed and friendliness. For many, it is the first choice for authentic čevapčiča in a bun in Ljubljana. On the other side are warnings about inconsistency, poor complaint handling and potential billing irregularities. It seems that a visit can be a hit or a major disappointment. Potential guests have to decide whether they are willing to take the risk in the hope of a top-notch culinary experience, which the place undoubtedly has the ability to offer when everything comes together. For some, this will be part of the charm, while for others, it will be a reason to look for a more reliable alternative.