Restaurant Kodila is located in the small, unassuming village of Markišavci, just outside Murska Sobota, the capital of Slovenia’s Prekmurje region. Both the location and the restaurant come as a surprise, as you would hardly expect to find a restaurant and delicatessen of this quality in such a quiet village. The restaurant specialises in meat dishes and has earned a Bib Gourmand distinction in the Michelin Guide. We visited for lunch in mid-May and were pleasantly surprised by both the food and the overall experience.
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About Prekmurje
The Prekmurje region is located in the northeastern corner of Slovenia, bordered by Austria to the west, Hungary to the east, and the Mura River to the south. The name Prekmurje literally means “on the other side of the Mura River.”
Unlike many other parts of Slovenia, Prekmurje is relatively flat. However, the northern part of the region has a more gently rolling landscape. Prekmurje is characterised by agriculture, wine production, and spa resorts, with several of Slovenia’s best spa and wellness facilities located in the area.
There is a Hungarian minority in Prekmurje, and parts of the region are therefore bilingual. Some towns, such as Hodoš, Lendava, and Dobrovnik, are fully bilingual. Many Slovenes in the region also speak a distinct local dialect.
About Kodila
Restaurant Kodila is housed in a building that resembles a traditional homestead from the Prekmurje region and the Pannonian Plain. This type of house is known as a cimprača. The roof is covered with rye straw, which in the past was harvested, threshed, and dried by hand. This traditional roofing method allows the building to breathe naturally and helps regulate the indoor climate. The façade is finished with clay plaster, another traditional material that allows the building to breathe and maintain a healthy indoor environment.
On the ground floor, there is a delicatessen where you can buy a wide selection of meat and vegetable specialities. The restaurant itself is located in modern premises on the upper floor. If you enjoy the meat served in the restaurant, you can purchase it in the delicatessen to take home and prepare yourself. The selection also includes many varieties of prosciutto, or pršut as it is known in Slovenian.
The Prekmurje region is known for its many distinctive local dishes, many of which you can try during your visit. However, Restaurant Kodila is not primarily a place to experience traditional regional cuisine. Instead, its focus is on high-quality meat dishes. If you would like to learn more about Prekmurje’s culinary specialities, you can read our blog post about our visit to Restaurant Rajh.
That said, the restaurant also offers a few specialities that are worth highlighting.
- Krškopoljec – A black-belted pig breed that is autochthonous to Slovenia, specifically the southeastern region of Lower Carniola. Restaurant Kodila offers several dishes featuring Krškopoljec pork, including different types of steaks and prosciutto.
- Mangalica – Mangalica is a special breed of woolly pig originating from Hungary. Since the Prekmurje region borders Hungary, the breed is also found in this part of Slovenia. With its thick, curly coat, it looks almost like a cross between a sheep and a pig. The breed is typically raised outdoors and free-range, which makes the meat more expensive but also highly valued by many as some of the finest pork available. Restaurant Kodila serves both steaks and prosciutto made from Mangalica pork.
- Pumpkin seed oil – A regional speciality produced in many parts of eastern Slovenia, including Prekmurje.
Locations
It is worth mentioning that Kodila also has two locations in the capital, Ljubljana. One is located at the market near Prešeren Square, and the other is in the BTC shopping centre. At both locations, you can buy and enjoy a selection of the products and dishes available at the main restaurant. See the restaurant’s website for detailed information.
Getting to Restaurant Kodila
The drive from Ljubljana to the restaurant takes about two hours and ten minutes, covering roughly 185 km on good motorways. Prekmurje is somewhat further from Ljubljana than many other regions, so it can be a good idea to combine a visit to the restaurant with other activities in the area.
From Ljubljana, drive towards Maribor on the A1 motorway (about 130 km). At Maribor, take the A5 motorway and continue towards Murska Sobota. The restaurant is located in the village of Markišavci.
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Our Lunch at Restaurant Kodila
We decided to have a light lunch consisting of several smaller dishes from the restaurant. We saved the opportunity to try the restaurant’s meat specialities for a future visit.
- Mixed Prosciutto – We ordered a plate featuring all of the restaurant’s prosciutto varieties: Mangalica pork, Krškopoljec pork, and a longer-aged variety. All three were excellent, but the Mangalica prosciutto stood out as truly exceptional. It practically melted in the mouth, releasing a rich flavour that filled the entire palate.
- Chef’s Beef Tartare – We also tried the restaurant’s steak tartare, which was, if possible, even better than the prosciutto. Paper-thin slices of beef were served with thin slices of aged cheese and cream, creating a surprisingly delicate combination.
- Caprese Salad – An incredibly fresh salad made with freshly picked tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, served with a dressing based on pumpkin seed oil.
You can read more about Restaurant Kodila on their website. Tables can be reserved via the website, email info@kodila.si or by phone at +386 2 522 3608.
Other Places in the Area
If you travel to Prekmurje to visit Restaurant Kodila, it is worth making a full day of the trip and exploring some of the following places while you are there.
- Radenci - A spa and wellness resort located on the western bank of the Mura River, not far from the Austrian border. The town is also known for Slovenia’s most popular mineral water, Radenska.
- Moravske Toplice - Terme 3000 - Another spa resort in Prekmurje, also featuring an associated adventure park.
- Marof wines - One of the notable wine producers in Prekmurje, offering wines based on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sylvaner, and more. The connection to Austrian wine culture just across the border is clearly noticeable.
Where to Stay
When visiting Prekmurje, it is a good idea to stay overnight at one of the region’s spa and wellness resorts.
- Hotel Livada Prestige - This hotel is located next to the Moravske Toplice – Terme 3000 wellness resort.
- Hotel Izvir - Located in the Radenci spa and wellness resort, this hotel offers both accommodation and access to the spa facilities.
- Villas and apartments - Private villas and apartments available for rent in Prekmurje.
