GARDEN
BackVRT, located at Wolfova ulica 4 in Ljubljana, is more than just a quick coffee stop; it is a concept that draws on the rich local history and intertwines it with the city's contemporary vibe. The full name, VRT Beli volk, reveals the deeper meaning of the location. Once upon a time, this was the courtyard of Primičeva Julija, the inspiration for the greatest Slovenian poet France Prešeren, and later the famous Pri belem volku inn. Today, VRT continues the tradition of socializing and creating, but in a renewed, modern guise, targeting visitors who seek both aesthetic perfection and quality offerings.
Ambience: An oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city
The strongest asset of the place is undoubtedly its pleasant ambiance . As the name suggests, the space is designed as a garden, full of greenery, which creates a feeling of calm and escape from the city noise. A unique plant with large leaves attracts special attention, which some visitors highlight as an unforgettable detail. The interior is stylish, modern and comfortable, which invites you to sit for a longer time. The carefully selected background music also contributes to the pleasant atmosphere, which, according to guests, is just right – not too loud and suitable for relaxed conversation. The space is described as a boutique stage, a mental break and a cultural meeting point, which indicates the ambition to be more than just a classic restaurant. This is a place where people come for good energy and a sense of homeliness.
Services and catering
Most guest reviews praise the service. The staff are often described as fast, elegant and helpful. Fast service is key, as it allows guests to focus on enjoying the ambiance and offerings without feeling neglected. This aspect is an important part of the overall guest experience , and VRT seems to achieve high standards in this area, as evidenced by the many positive reviews.
Drinks offer: Between top quality and questionable prices
The food and beverage offerings at VRT are diverse, but also a source of very different opinions. While some products receive exceptional praise, others are the target of harsh criticism, mainly due to their pricing policy.
Coffee that inspires
Coffee lovers will probably find something to their liking at VRT. Many guests have pointed out that they serve truly top-quality and good coffee , which they rank among the best in Ljubljana. For many, a quality cup of coffee is the reason for regular returns. One of the visitors even remarked that the offer would be complete if the popular coffee drink "Bamble" was added to the menu.
Cocktails: Unique or overpriced?
The area where opinions are most divided is definitely the cocktail bar . On the one hand, some claim that the cocktails at VRT are something special, something you can't find anywhere else in Ljubljana, and praise them for their uniqueness. The bar's website proudly highlights house cocktails such as the Amaretto Sour, Coconut Old Fashioned and Berries & Cream Sour, which shows a serious approach to mixology.
However, there is another side to the story. Several guests expressed deep disappointment, believing that the value of the cocktails was disproportionate to their price. A specific example mentioned is a €9.50 cocktail that was said to consist mainly of a large ice cube, while the liquid itself was only enough for a few sips. Criticism also falls on the simple presentation, which does not justify the high price. For some, the pleasant atmosphere is not enough to outweigh the feeling that they did not get adequate value for their money.
Iced matcha and other drinks: Price shock
Similar criticisms have also been made of other drinks. The experience of a guest who paid €6.10 for an iced matcha with oat milk stands out. She described the price as absurdly high compared to other cafes in the center of Ljubljana , where prices for a similar drink are significantly lower. This example points to a pricing policy that some visitors perceive as excessive and unjustified, which can ruin an otherwise positive experience. A look at the official price list reveals that an iced matcha costs €5.50, which is still high, while an iced chai latte costs €5.20 and an espresso tonic costs €5.00.
Final rating: A place with two faces
VRT Beli volk is undoubtedly one of the most aesthetically pleasing and pleasant corners in the center of Ljubljana. It is an ideal choice for those looking for a nice place to socialize, work, or simply enjoy a cup of excellent coffee. Fast and friendly service and a unique "garden" concept are big pluses that attract many visitors. The location, embedded in the history of Prešeren's love, adds additional charm.
However, potential guests should not overlook the criticisms regarding prices and value for money, especially for cocktails and some other specialty drinks. While prices in the city center are generally higher, VRT seems to exceed the limits that some consumers are willing to accept on certain items. The decision to visit thus depends on individual priorities: if ambiance comes first and you are willing to pay more for it, you will probably enjoy VRT. However, if value for money is key for you, you may have mixed feelings when you leave. Despite all this, VRT remains an important point on the Ljubljana restaurant and bar map, and it is worth visiting – but be aware of both sides of the coin.
