First round
BackPrva Runda in Celje is not just another pub in a row. It is clear upon entering that this is a place with ambition, driven by a recognizable face – Tilen Belošević, a contestant from the ninth season of the popular cooking show MasterChef Slovenia. This fact in itself raises expectations and promises a culinary experience that goes beyond the classic offer of fast food restaurants. The place at Ljubljanska cesta 20b thus tries to combine the relaxed atmosphere of a pub with high quality food, which it succeeds with distinction in some areas, but leaves room for improvement in others.
Culinary offerings: More than just burgers
The central part of the offer and the main magnet for many visitors are undoubtedly the burgers . The opinions of the guests are largely unanimous - the burgers in Prva Runda are at the very top of the Celje offer. The "Loaded Burger" stands out in particular, which many describe as the best in the city at the moment. Praise goes to all components: from the soft but firm bun that does not get soggy, to the house sauces that add a unique touch, and the key element - the juicy beef patty that retains its shape while eating. The sweet potatoes, which are crispy and tasty, and additional sauces that round off the entire meal also contribute to the positive experience. It is obvious that a lot of effort and knowledge is invested in the development of recipes and the selection of ingredients, which is probably a direct result of the owner's cooking passion and experience.
However, the menu doesn't end with burgers. Prva Runda offers a holistic approach to catering, as it also offers breakfasts and daily brunches. This shows the desire for the place to live throughout the day and appeal to different profiles of guests - from those looking for a quick and quality lunch during the workweek, to those who want a relaxed dinner on the weekend. The offer is also complemented by theme nights, which promise additional variety and create a sense of community. Of course, as befits a pub , there is also a wide selection of beers available, which go well with a variety of food.
Atmosphere and ambience
The space is furnished in accordance with the concept of a modern pub - the atmosphere is pleasant, relaxed and informal, but at the same time tidy enough to make guests feel comfortable. It is an environment that invites socializing and is suitable for both couples and larger groups. The owner Tilen Belošević, as some guests point out, personally tries to make visitors feel welcome, which certainly contributes to a positive overall experience.
Achilles' heel: Fluctuations in serve
Despite its strong culinary side, Prva Runda's biggest challenge seems to be in the area of service . Guest opinions here are sharply divided and reveal considerable inconsistency. While some praise the friendliness of the staff, others report experiences that severely tarnish an otherwise good impression. Recurring criticisms relate to several aspects of the service.
Slowness and carelessness
Several guests have highlighted the slowness of the staff. Reports of waiting up to 20 minutes just to place a food order or descriptions of a waiter who would rather stay behind the bar in an empty place than approach a table indicate a lack of proactivity and attentiveness. Such inertia not only frustrates guests, but also represents a lost opportunity for additional sales. One guest even wrote that this is a "bar afraid of making money" as there was no opportunity to order an additional drink or pay the bill without going to the bar.
Disinterest and lack of knowledge of the offer
Some reviews mention staff who seem confused, disinterested, and unaware of their own offerings. The case of a waiter who couldn't explain the difference between two types of fries and brought the more expensive version without asking, or the case of a waitress who, when ordering a lactose-free cappuccino, didn't know which one was right and showed no interest in resolving the situation, are signs of systemic deficiencies in staff training and motivation.
Serious errors in orders
The most worrying are reports of more serious errors and inappropriate treatment of customers. The experience of a guest who received the wrong burger, and then the second waiter threatened her that she would have to pay for both and discuss it with the boss, is an example of extremely poor practice that can permanently damage the reputation of the restaurant . The same applies to the case of a 45-minute wait for a regular toast that eventually arrived cold. Such incidents show that communication within the staff and the organization of work are sometimes not at the expected level.
Final Rating: Culinary Potential vs. Service Reality
Prva Runda is a place with two faces. On one side is the promising good food , driven by the enthusiasm and recognition of the owner, known from the world of haute cuisine. Burgers are the stars of the menu for a reason and could put the place on the map of must-visit culinary stops in Celje. On the other side is the inconsistent and sometimes problematic service , which can completely ruin the experience. The feeling is that the culinary vision is far ahead of the operational execution in the area of working with guests.
For a potential visitor, this means a certain risk. If the desire to try one of the best burgers in the city is at the forefront and you are willing to overlook any shortcomings in the service, a visit is definitely recommended. However, if you expect impeccable service, where you will feel completely taken care of from the first moment, then it may be better to adjust your expectations a little. Prva Runda undoubtedly has the potential to become one of the leading success stories in Celje's catering industry, but only if it manages to raise the quality of service to the level of its excellent food.
