It used to be that breakfast just didn’t translate well. For many Europeans, a shot of coffee and a bread roll is plenty to get them started for the day. But within the past few years a trend has developed in Ljubljana, and many restaurants have begun to serve more than just the typical coffee-and-croissants to early risers.

                While most Ljubljana cafes and restaurants tend to be open from as early as 7 AM, oftentimes the only treats on offer to satisfy hungry bellies are stale sandwiches or rolls from the day before. There are some notable exceptions, however, and the following establishments offer both English menus and English-speaking waitstaff to accommodate hungry foreign guests.

                For basic breakfasts, Abcedarium Café (Ribji trg 2) has a newly expanded menu, including a selection of three-egg-based dishes (from 600 SIT) including country style (with onions, garlic, bacon and tomatoes) and Florentine (spinach, bacon and cheese). The café also offers sausages, muesli, and cornflakes. Though the interior is a bit stale, their breakfasts are served in a timely manner. They also have outdoor tables which should be set up for guests soon.

                Another spot is Ambient (Čufarjeva 3; closed Sundays), which boasts a trendy interior and outdoor dining from 7 AM. Sandwiches and croissants start from 300 SIT, and you can also ask the waitstaff to make you an omelette, which is not included on the English menu (from 600SIT).

                Triglav Grill and Bar (Mala ulica 5) also boasts relaxed outdoor dining and a reasonably priced menu that is a bit more substantial than eggs and breads. From 7 AM – 10.30 every day except Sundays, guests can choose from ham and eggs (300 SIT), veggie or meat omelettes (300 SIT), or a selection of cereals and fruit. They will also serve you steak and chips from 7 – 11AM. The friendly waitstaff are usually accommodating of special requests, especially for vegetarians.

                For the tea-obsessed, perennial favourite Cajna Hiša’s (Stari trg 3) with dozens of varieties can’t be beat. Pair your vanilla green tea with flavoured croissants (from 180 SIT), yoghurt, fruit, and cereal (400 SIT) and veggie or meat omelettes (550/650 SIT). Or choose one of their breakfast offers of an extra-large coffee, croissant and juice (600 SIT). Cajna Hi{a serves breakfasts from 9AM throughout the day (closed Sundays), and the outdoor dining area in front of the teahouse will be open soon.

                The cozy, French-themed Le Petit Café (Trg Francoske revolucije 4) also offers outdoor dining from 7.30 AM on weekdays and 9 AM – 3 PM weekends. Their breakfast offer includes bread, an omelette and orange juice (700 SIT). Also available is a selection of cereals (400, with fruit 450) and egg dishes, including eggs with truffles (1100 SIT) or mushrooms (1000 SIT), or make your own from a variety of ingredients. Toasties are also on offer in the morning. The waitstaff are usually happy to accommodate special requests or substitutions.

                Tomato (Ob zeležnici 16 and Šubičeva ulica 1) has new breakfast offers that include a menu with two eggs, bread, Nescafe, and juice (600 SIT). A sausage, bread, and orange juice combo (600 SIT) is also available, as are their daytime toasties with milk or hot chocolate (500 SIT). Both Tomato branches serve breakfast from 7-10 AM (closed Sundays).

                A bit further out is Casa del Papa (Celovška cesta 54a), which serves omelettes and egg dishes (from 700 SIT) after 10 AM daily. They also offer cereals (500 SIT) and sandwiches (from 700 SIT). Sit in the garden for a lovely breakfast ambience.

                For the true power-breakfast (considered brunch by some), head to the Hotel Union (Miklošičeva 1; Tel: 01-308-1270) every day from 6-10 AM for what the hotel calls “an Anglo-American-style breakfast.” The large buffet includes both hot and cold dishes. A favourite with the business crowd, it’s best to book ahead, especially with larger groups. The hotel can also make special dishes for guests preferring kosher or vegetarian dishes. Coffee and tea are included for €11 per person.

                Now that spring has arrived, the sunshine is out in the morning, and the early-morning street-side cafes have returned, perhaps it’s time to ask if a great breakfast could indeed be the start of a great day.

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