Špica Caffe Ljubljana Review 2026: Riverside Cafe for Locals

Ljubljana Cafe Recommendation

Špica Caffe

© Text/Photos by Nomad Ssalmi

Cafes along the Ljubljanica River are

always bustling and lively, aren't they?

If you venture a little further down the river,

past Ljubljana's busiest streets,

you'll discover a lush, green spot

where the laughter of locals

outshines the chatter of tourists.

This hidden gem is none other than

Špica Caffe, nestled at the confluence

of the Ljubljanica River and the Grubar Canal.

1. Špica Caffe Basic Information

Špica Caffe is perfectly situated where the Ljubljanica River branches,

offering breathtaking, unobstructed river views.

It's a tranquil retreat where locals come to soak up the sun and unwind,

far from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Of all the cafes I visited in Ljubljana,

this was the place where I felt most connected

to the peaceful everyday life of the city.

2. Exploring the Cafe

The first thing that catches your eye at the cafe

are the freely arranged chairs and white parasols along the riverbank.

Facing directly where the rivers meet,

you can sit back and feel a sense of healing

just by taking in the serene view.

The area is often filled with families pushing strollers

and locals walking their dogs,

making you feel like you've truly become

a part of Ljubljana's local scene.

Watching the boats gracefully glide by on the river

is another simple pleasure unique to this spot.

Across the river, a dog was repeatedly diving and swimming,

which kept me entertained for quite some time.

At the cafe, I saw a grandmother and grandson enjoying gelato,

and someone else sipping a cocktail alone,

gazing out at the river.

Even though it was a bright, sunny day,

the shade of the trees made it pleasantly cool,

perfect for a relaxing break.

3. Menu and Beverage Review

Špica Caffe offers a variety of drinks, gelato, and food.

I couldn't photograph the entire menu,

so I only captured the coffee and beer sections that we ordered from.

The prices here are quite reasonable

compared to the cafes along the bustling Ljubljanica Riverfront.

Since it was a hot day,

I was craving a refreshing cold drink, and to my delight,

they had iced coffee options, which can be surprisingly hard to find in Europe!

My husband ordered a draft beer, perfect for the weather,

and I opted for an iced latte.

✅ Union Draft Beer 500ml: 3.80 Euro

We tried Slovenia's national beer,

Union, on tap.

It was wonderfully crisp and refreshing,

ideal for sipping by the river on a warm day.

A smaller 0.3L size (3.10 Euro) is also available

if you prefer a lighter drink.

(Honestly, it's not an incredibly amazing beer, but it hits the spot!🤫)

✅ Iced Latte: 3 Euro

This iced latte boasts a delightful balance of creamy milk and rich espresso.

Served beautifully in a glass,

it's perfect for snapping some Instagram-worthy photos with the river as your backdrop.

When it first arrived, I briefly wondered if they'd mistakenly brought a hot one,

but it was indeed iced!🤣

Perhaps because of the intense sunshine,

many patrons were ordering gelato.

Beyond what we ordered,

they also offer classic coffee options like

Americano (2.50 Euro) and Cappuccino (2.70 Euro).

4. Final Thoughts

If you're exploring Ljubljana and looking to unwind

with a coffee or a beer,

I highly recommend visiting Špica Caffe.

While the lively riverside cafes near the Old Town are great,

sometimes immersing yourself in the everyday lives of locals,

like you can here, makes the journey even more memorable and enjoyable.

I hope this post helps you plan a wonderful trip.