Ana Roš is a Slovenian Chef who transformed a family restaurant into a global destination by celebrating the Soča Valley with bold, inventive cooking rooted in local ingredients.
Self taught and highly technical, Roš brought Slovenia to the world stage, earning top awards and shifting perceptions about sustainable, ingredient driven cuisine.
Ana's Background and Self Taught Training
Ana Roš did not follow the traditional culinary school path. Born in 1972 in Šempeter pri Gorici and raised in the Soča Valley, she studied International and Diplomatic Sciences at the University of Trieste. Her formal education was not culinary, yet she developed deep gastronomic knowledge through hands on learning.
After meeting Valter Kramar in 2000 and joining his family business, Hiša Franko, Roš worked front of house before becoming Head Chef in 2002. She learned techniques from her Mother in Law, local producers, and a small circle of mentors while experimenting rigorously in the kitchen to refine her distinct style.
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Ana Roš Restaurants & Businesses
Roš is best known for elevating Hiša Franko into an internationally acclaimed restaurant, but she has expanded her influence with new ventures that promote Slovenian ingredients and craft.
| Born | 1972, Šempeter pri Gorici, Slovenia |
|---|---|
| Flagship | Hiša Franko, Kobarid |
| Michelin | Three Stars (2023) and Green Star for sustainability |
| Other Ventures | Pekarna Ana (bakery, 2022), Jaz (bistro, 2023) |
- Hiša Franko – The family restaurant in Kobarid transformed under Roš into a tasting menu driven destination. Her work at Hiša Franko blends mountain and river ingredients with precise technique and seasonality.
- Pekarna Ana (2022) – A bakery in Ljubljana focused on sourdough breads and pastries made from Slovenian grains, fruits, and nuts, highlighting local cereal varieties and traditional methods.
- Jaz (2023) – A bistro concept in Ljubljana showcasing more casual expressions of Slovenian flavors and accessible dishes that extend Roš’s culinary reach beyond fine dining.
Hiša Franko remains the centerpiece of her culinary identity, combining hyper local sourcing, foraged ingredients, and collaborations with regional producers to create a sense of place on the plate.
Ana Roš's Other Ventures
Beyond restaurants, Roš amplifies Slovenian food culture through product collaborations, public speaking, and culinary projects that champion sustainability and biodiversity.
- Bakery and Bistro: Pekarna Ana and Jaz broaden her engagement with everyday eating while supporting local grain economies.
- Promotion of Slovenian Producers: Roš works closely with farmers, foragers, cheesemakers, and vintners to preserve traditional varieties and elevate small producers.
- Public Engagement: Through workshops, pop ups, and festival appearances, she shares techniques and the story of the Soča Valley with international audiences.
Ana Roš Shows
Ana Roš gained wide recognition after appearing in the Netflix series Chef's Table, which introduced her philosophy and the landscape of Slovenian cuisine to a global audience.
- Chef's Table (2016) – The episode focused on Roš’s personal journey, her commitment to place based cooking, and the emotional intensity she brings to her craft, generating international interest in Hiša Franko.
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Ana Roš Awards and Accolades
Roš’s career has been marked by rapid and significant recognition.
- World's Best Female Chef – Named by The World's 50 Best Restaurants academy in 2017, acknowledging her influence and creativity.
- Michelin Recognition – Hiša Franko earned two Michelin stars in 2020 and became the first Slovenian restaurant awarded three Michelin stars in 2023. The restaurant also received a Green Star for sustainability.
- International Honors – Roš appears on numerous best chef lists and receives invitations to cook and lecture worldwide, raising Slovenia’s culinary profile.
Ana Roš Personal Life
Raised in the Soča Valley, Roš grew up with strong ties to nature and regional food traditions. Before cooking she trained as an alpine skier and was on the Yugoslavian youth national team, an experience that shaped her discipline and focus.
She married Valter Kramar in 2022. The couple has two children and co operate Hiša Franko, with Valter serving as Sommelier and partner in the business. Roš speaks multiple languages, which helps her connect with international guests and collaborators.
Ana Roš Family and Friends
Roš’s move into the kitchen was rooted in family: she joined her partner's family restaurant and learned from relatives and local elders. Her collaborations with producers and chefs are often longstanding relationships built on trust and shared respect for place and seasonality.
Her personal network includes foragers, farmers, and artisans from the Soča Valley who supply the unique ingredients that define her cuisine.
Ana Roš Chef Profile: Conclusion
Ana Roš is a modern Chef who redefined how a small region can be represented on the world culinary stage. Self taught and fiercely curious, she turned Hiša Franko into a laboratory of local flavors and sustainable practice.
Her awards, bakery and bistro projects, and media presence have not only elevated Slovenian cuisine but also inspired a generation of chefs to prioritize terroir, biodiversity, and emotional honesty in cooking.
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