In Bezena near Ruše, a short distance from Maribor, Gostilna Vernik is a traditional Styrian inn whose family restaurant story began in 1967, when Ivanka Vernik opened the establishment. Today, the kitchen combines inherited recipes with contemporary presentation. In summer, a shaded garden beneath mature walnut trees offers a place to dine close to the Drava cycling route.
Signature dishes include stuffed rabbit, braised venison in hunter's sauce and Vernik's mrenke, traditional sausages wrapped in caul fat. The stuffed rabbit earned the restaurant an international Golden Chef award in 1985. The menu also features Styrian mushroom soup, buckwheat with mushrooms and Grandma's Plate. Several house dishes and Vernik's elderflower juice carry the regional Naše najboljše (Our Finest) quality certificate.
The inn holds the Gostilna Slovenija designation for Slovenian culinary heritage. Another curiosity is Vernik's Orchestra, a mechanical music box more than a century old, which can be heard by prior arrangement. Family cooking, Slovenian wines and local history remain central to the experience.
Working hours
Wednesday–Saturday: 11:00–20:00
Sunday: 11:00–17:00
Monday–Tuesday: closed
Public holidays: closed
Contact
Offer
Martin's Wine & Dine 2026
With its welcoming, homely atmosphere, the restaurant serves traditional house specialities made with local ingredients from Slovenian producers. The food is complemented by wines from around 20 Styrian and Slovenian winemakers. The restaurant holds the Gostilna Slovenija and Naše najboljše quality labels and has been awarded its first fork by the Falstaff guide.
St. Martin’s three-course menu with wine pairing
Choice of soup – Mushroom soup made with Pohorje mushrooms and buckwheat groats, or creamy pumpkin soup with pumpkin seeds and Styrian pumpkin seed oil.
Duck breast fillet – Duck breast cooked pink, homemade mlinci (traditional flatbread pasta), braised red cabbage, chestnut purée and a baked local apple.
Drunken pear – Pear poached in red wine, chocolate ganache and sponge cake crumble.
St. Martin’s takeaway
Available to pre-order for 3–4 people: a whole oven-roasted duck, braised red cabbage, homemade mlinci, sautéed potatoes, chestnut purée and baked apple.
Reservations are required. Bookings must be made at least 24 hours before the event starts.
