Inn at “Kuklju” Margareta Damjanić sp

The Inn at "Kuklju" is a name that has been synonymous with traditional cuisine in Veliki Lašče for decades, if not centuries. The house with a rich history, whose roots date back to at least 1778, continues the family tradition today under the leadership of the sixth generation. It is run by Margareta Damjanić, who, together with her brother, head chef Andrej, and sister Petra, takes care of preserving the culinary heritage, while adding a modern touch to it. Nevertheless, the experiences of guests show that a visit to this renowned inn brings both exceptional pleasures and some potential challenges, for which it is good to be prepared.

Culinary offer: The highlights of homeliness

The central part of the offer at Kuklj is undoubtedly homemade food , prepared according to old recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Many guests are delighted with the quality and taste of the dishes. Some specialties stand out in particular, which have become the trademark of the inn.

• Mushroom Soup: Often mentioned as one of the best dishes guests have ever tried, its secret is said to be the addition of Cviček, which adds a distinctive sourness and fullness of flavor to the soup.
• Gluhi štruklji: This Dolenjska specialty made from yeast dough without a filling is brought to perfection at Kukelj. Guests describe them as exceptionally light and fluffy, served with just buttery crumbs and roast sauce, which emphasizes their simple yet ingenious texture.
• Roasts and meat dishes: From roast beef with porcini mushrooms to pork rib – the meat dishes are prepared with care and sensitivity. The pork neck roast is particularly praised, as it is considered a true Sunday treat due to its juiciness.
• Tarragon potica: The sweet star of the menu is undoubtedly tarragon potica. Some visitors return just for it, describing it as "fantastic" and "incomparable." Despite the possibly higher price, many say it's worth every penny.

Upon arrival, guests are often greeted with homemade cracklings, which creates a pleasant feeling of welcome and hints at the authentic culinary experience that follows.

Ambience and service: Between warmth and unpredictability

The interior of the inn preserves the spirit of the past, with stone arches and an old black kitchen, which create a sense of homeliness and historical weight. The tables are beautifully set, which testifies to the attention to detail and the desire to make guests feel special. Numerous positive reviews praise the extremely pleasant atmosphere and service, which makes guests love to return. The hostess Margareta is described as friendly and energetic, someone who presents the dishes in detail to the guests and takes care of their well-being.

However, it seems that the quality of service can be inconsistent. There are also completely opposite experiences. One customer reports an extremely negative incident where she waited in vain for 15 minutes for staff in a seemingly open pub, only to be given a glare by the cleaner as she left. Such an experience casts a shadow over the otherwise reputation for hospitality and points to possible serious shortcomings in the organisation.

What to look out for: Schedule and (non)existence of a menu

Extremely limited working hours

The most important information for anyone planning a lunch or visit at Kukelj is their opening hours. The restaurant is open exclusively on weekends, on Saturdays and Sundays between 12:00 and 17:00. This decision, made after the pandemic, allows the team to work more focused, but for potential guests it means that a visit during the week is impossible and that a reservation is almost necessary on weekends. In addition to the restaurant, there is also a pastry shop, Peka Kukelj, which has slightly longer opening hours.

Menu access and price transparency

Gostilna pri Kuklju does not have a traditional menu. The menu, which usually consists of around five main courses, is presented orally or on a blackboard. This may be part of the charm and tradition for some, as it allows the chef to adapt the menu to seasonal and local ingredients . On the other hand, this approach causes problems. Some guests have complained about the poor selection, which reminded them of a canteen. An even bigger problem may be the lack of transparency in pricing. One reviewer points out that they were eventually charged for the crackling they received as a welcome gift without being warned in advance. Such practices can leave a bitter taste in the mouth, regardless of the quality of the food.

Gostilna pri "Kuklju" Margareta Damjanić sp is undoubtedly a restaurant with soul and an exceptional culinary offer, based on the rich Slovenian tradition. For lovers of top-notch home-cooked food , unforgettable štruklji and perhaps the best tarragon potica in Slovenia, this is a destination worth visiting. However, a visit requires planning. Potential guests should be aware of the extremely limited schedule, prepare for possible waiting or even a bad experience with the service, and accept an unconventional approach to the menu that may not suit everyone. It is a place of high culinary standards, but it could benefit from greater consistency in service and communication with guests.