King Matjaž Novo mesto

On the Main Square in Novo mesto, there is a restaurant that attracts the attention of both locals and visitors – Kralj Matjaž. This restaurant and pizzeria has become a recognizable point of the city center, known primarily for its pizza and burgers. With its location in the heart of the old part of the city, it offers a unique experience that combines a historical ambiance with a modern culinary offer, but, like any restaurant, it brings both positive and some less ideal experiences for its guests.

Kralj Matjaž boasts a modern, renovated and stylish interior. The ambiance is described as extremely pleasant, creating a relaxed and hospitable atmosphere. A special feature of the interior is the open kitchen, which allows guests, especially children, to watch the skilled pizza bakers at work. This element adds an interactive touch and transparency to the experience. There is also a covered terrace outside, which allows you to enjoy your meal in the warmer months while overlooking the lively events on the market. The entire image of the restaurant is well thought out and creates a sense of quality.

Culinary Offering: From Classics to Innovations

The centerpiece of the Kralj Matjaž menu is undoubtedly the pizzas . They are prepared in a bread oven that was specially built for them in Naples, which testifies to their commitment to authenticity. Guest reviews of the pizzas are mostly very positive. The dough is often praised as excellent, which is the basis of every good pizza. However, there are also occasional criticisms. Some guests believe that the price of certain pizzas, which fluctuates around 14.50 euros, is too high considering the amount of toppings. Nevertheless, the general opinion is that the pizzas are tasty and of high quality. In addition to classic flavors such as marjetica, the menu also includes more daring combinations, such as pizza with salmon and teriyaki sauce or pizza with pulled pork.

In addition to pizza, burgers are also very popular. Guests often mention them as one of the highlights of the menu and describe them as excellent. There are various versions available, including a chicken burger in an organic bun. In addition to main courses, they also offer other options, such as salads, which also receive praise, and bao buns with pulled beef, which shows the breadth of their offer, which goes beyond the typical pizzeria. For those looking for vegetarian or vegan options, Kralj Matjaž offers vegan bowls and vegan pizzas, which is definitely commendable.

Drinks and Desserts

The drink selection is varied, with an emphasis on home-made products and craft beer. The story of Kralj Matjaž actually began as a pub, which is reflected in their carefully selected beer selection, including their own pale ale. However, not all home-made drinks are equally successful. While the home-made iced tea is rated as good, some guests are less fortunate with the home-made radler. For those with a sweet tooth, desserts from the renowned Križ bakery are available, ensuring high quality at the end of the meal.

Service and Overall Experience

Service is a key part of any dining experience, and opinions are divided at Kralj Matjaž. Most guests report fast and efficient service, which contributes to a positive experience, especially when the restaurant is busy. On the other hand, there are comments that the staff could be more friendly and attentive to guests. One guest mentioned that the waitress took her time to have a snack while he was waiting for the bill. This indicates occasional inconsistencies in the quality of service, which is an area where there is room for improvement.

However, the overall rating of the restaurant is high, indicating that positive aspects such as delicious food , pleasant ambiance and great location prevail. The restaurant has also received several awards from the Wolt platform, including the title of the best rated restaurant, further confirming their popularity.

Practical Information for Visitors

Before visiting Kralj Matjaž, it is good to know a few practical details. Since the restaurant is located in the pedestrian zone on the Main Square, there is no direct parking. The nearest recommended parking is in Kandija, from where it is a short and scenic walk across the Kandija Bridge to the restaurant. This is important information for anyone arriving by car.

Another important limitation is accessibility. The entrance to the restaurant is not wheelchair accessible, which is a disadvantage for people with mobility impairments. Prices are at a mid-range level (level 2 out of 4), which is expected for the location and the offerings. Kralj Matjaž offers the option of dining in, personal pickup and delivery, which allows them to reach a wider range of customers. They also accept reservations, which is recommended, especially on weekends when the crowds are greater.

Schedule and Contact

The restaurant's hours vary from weekday to weekend. Monday through Thursday, they are open in the afternoon, from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, they are open longer, from 10:00 AM to midnight, while on Sundays, they are open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This adjusted schedule reflects a focus on evening events during the week, and an all-day lunch and dinner menu on weekends.

Final Thought

Kralj Matjaž in Novo mesto is undoubtedly one of the more attractive culinary establishments in the city. With its excellent location, stylish ambiance and offer based on quality pizzas and burgers , it successfully appeals to a wide range of guests. Advantages such as an open kitchen, excellent pizza dough and a good selection of craft beers are obvious. However, potential visitors should not overlook some shortcomings, such as occasional fluctuations in the friendliness of the staff, the issue of the price-to-quantity ratio of some dishes and practical obstacles such as parking and accessibility for the disabled. This is a restaurant that offers a lot, but at the same time leaves some room for improvement to become truly impeccable.