The road through the Julian Alps to the pretty village of Kranjska Gora, an hour’s drive from the capital Ljubljana, must rank among Slovenia’s most scenic drives. It also leads to Milka, a chic architect-designed luxury hotel with a two Michelin-starred restaurant and to-die-for mountain views.

At the helm of the 25-seat fine-diner is Milka co-owner David Žefran, a self-taught young chef who just six years ago was flipping burgers. “I’m a quick learner,” he quips.