Jožica Inn and Pizzeria

Gostilna i Pizzeria Jožica, located in Zgornje Rute in Gozd Martuljek, is one of those culinary spots in Gorenjska that has achieved an enviable reputation among visitors and locals alike. With an exceptionally high average rating based on thousands of reviews, it ranks among the very popular restaurants in the region. However, guest experiences are not unanimous, creating a complex picture that is worth analyzing in more detail before deciding to visit.

The establishment boasts a long tradition dating back to 1932, which gives it a touch of homeliness and proven quality. This historical charm is combined with a modern offer, characterized by two main pillars: a pizzeria and a tavern with grilled dishes. It is this duality that attracts a wide range of guests, from families who want a relaxed lunch with pizza, to couples and groups looking for a more sophisticated culinary experience with meat specialties.

Masterpiece from the bread oven: Pizzas that impress

Judging by the many positive reviews, the pizzas at Jožica are undoubtedly one of the main trump cards. Guests describe them as extremely tasty and rank them among the best they have ever tried. It seems that the kitchen has found the perfect balance between Neapolitan and classic styles, creating a unique product that many have praised. The dough is clearly carefully prepared, and the ingredients are of high quality, which contributes to a full and satisfying taste. Recommendations for delicious pizzas are so common that we could say that Jožica is a safe and proven choice for lovers of this dish. In addition to pizzas, some other dishes are also often praised, such as the homemade lavender lemonade, which is a pleasant and refreshing addition to the menu.

Friendly staff and idyllic surroundings

Almost all visitors, regardless of their final assessment of the food, highlight one key positive feature – the extremely friendly, responsive and professional staff. This element is key to the overall experience in any inn , and at Jožica they seem to be well aware of this. A friendly welcome and helpful service create a pleasant atmosphere that makes guests feel welcome. The location also contributes to the positive experience. The terrace or garden offers a beautiful view of the Martulj Group of the Julian Alps, which turns dining into a special experience. The arranged parking lot is an additional convenience that facilitates access and contributes to a carefree visit.

The two sides of meat supply: from excitement to disappointment

While the pizzas and the attitude of the staff receive almost unanimous praise, the picture is much more diverse when it comes to meat dishes, especially the specialties. On the one hand, we have guests who are enthusiastic about the grilled menu. They particularly highlight the steak with truffles as a dish that they highly recommend, and generally praise grilled dishes . This shows that the kitchen has mastered the preparation of classic meat dishes that meet the expectations of lovers of good meat.

However, there are serious caveats surrounding the most expensive and prestigious dishes on the menu – the dry-aged steak platters. Recently, several guests have reported an extremely negative experience that is a stark departure from the restaurant’s reputation. The complaints are very specific and focus on several key points:

• Decline in quality and quantity: Guests who have visited the restaurant multiple times have noticed a drastic deterioration in the steak platter. The amount of meat is reportedly significantly less than in the past, and the selection of cuts of meat is also said to be worse.
• Inappropriate preparation: The most pressing issue seems to be the inability to properly prepare the meat to the guest's preference. Orders for "medium rare" resulted in perfectly cooked ("well done") steaks. When guests complained about the meat, they received almost raw ("blue") meat on a second attempt, indicating a lack of feeling or even resentment on the part of the chef.
• Substitution of ingredients: Most concerning is the observation that the dry-aged specialty plate was served with cheaper cuts of meat, such as veal chop, instead of the promised and expected tomahawk steak. This casts doubt on the transparency and fairness of the offering.

These discrepancies between expectations and reality for the most demanding dishes are a serious warning sign. They point to a potential inconsistency in the kitchen that is unacceptable for high-end dishes. While good food in the form of pizza and classic grilled dishes is clearly a constant, ordering dry-aged steaks seems to be risky at the moment.

Final thought: Who will enjoy Jožica the most?

Gostilna i Pizzerija Jožica remains one of the key culinary destinations in Gozd Martuljek, offering a lot with its pleasant atmosphere, beautiful views and exceptionally friendly staff. If you are looking for a place for a relaxed dinner or lunch, where you will enjoy one of the best pizzas in the area or proven grilled dishes, you will probably leave very satisfied. Fans of traditional Slovenian cuisine, such as štruklji and mushroom sauces, will also find something for themselves here.

On the other hand, guests tempted by premium meat offerings such as dry-aged steaks should be more cautious. Recent experiences indicate serious problems with consistency and quality in these dishes. It seems that the restaurant is at a crossroads, where it will have to address the critics and rebuild the trust of the most demanding guests. Until that happens, Jožica is primarily a reliable choice for excellent pizza and a pleasant experience in the heart of the Alps, while for a top-notch steak experience, it may be better to look for another alternative.