At the end of November, Noon, a spot that brings a fresh vibe to the town with its healthy and nutritious bowls blending local ingredients with Californian creativity, opened its doors next to Čevljarska ulica in Koper. If you’re after a quick, delicious lunch that highlights natural flavors and creative combinations, Noon is the perfect choice.
Inspired by California, rooted in Koper
Noon was founded by Matija Blažič from Koper and his wife Anna, originally from California. “We spent over a decade living in the US, where we loved exploring the culinary world in our free time,” says Matija. After the Covid pandemic, they decided to return to Slovenia with their family, wishing to bring a touch of Californian spirit to their hometown. California is known for its thriving culture of healthy living, sports, fitness, and nutritious food. “There’s a strong emphasis on fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruits, high-quality meat, and ‘clean’ eating, which resonated deeply with me. The diverse cultures that coexist there bring immense creativity to gastronomy,” he continues, explaining how this inspired him and showed what can be achieved with even the simplest ingredients, as long as they are of high quality.
Noon is tailored for active individuals seeking a quick, healthy, and delicious lunch alternative. “We wanted to create a place where freshness, local ingredients, and great food come together,” says Matija. The initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive: “We’re grateful for the encouraging responses, which reassure us that our concept is the right one, even though it’s new and different.”
A vibrant variety of flavors
The menu at Noon features nutritious bowls crafted with high-quality ingredients like fresh vegetables, legumes, protein (chicken, beef, etc.), two types of rice, and a variety of toppings. “Seasonality is at the heart of how we prepare our bowls,” says Matija. “For example, our Market Bowl currently features kale, pumpkins, apples, and walnuts—all sourced locally,” explains Matija.
The Sun and Burrito bowls, inspired by Mexican and Mediterranean flavors, are loved by both vegans and meat lovers. And according to Matija, “You can’t go wrong with the Asian-inspired Rainbow bowl.” He adds, “We offer something for everyone. We are targeting active individuals, families and town center employees who have limited time for lunch,” he continues. The menu has recently been expanded to include daily soups, with additional hot meals planned for the colder months.
Local quality and fast service
At Noon, ingredients are sourced from local farms and cooperatives. “We take pride in being sustainable, using seasonal, locally-sourced, and high-quality ingredients,” says Matija. All bowls can also be made vegan. The place is dedicated to fast service and flexibility. “Our customers can also pre-order meals through our website and just pick them up,” adds Matija. Delivery through WOLT will be available soon.
If you visit Noon, you’ll have the chance to meet Matija in person as he prepares fresh bowls behind the counter daily. And you’ll sense the presence of his wife Anna in the space she designed, embodying modernity and freshness. “You’ll also be greeted by our dog Njoko, our mascot, who happily entertains customers while they wait in line,” says Matija with a laugh.
Čevljarska ulica – A street with soul
For Matija, choosing the location was a crucial decision. “I’m a native of Koper, even though I spent over 10 years living abroad. I feel a strong connection to my hometown. The people’s temperament, lifestyles, the variety and quality of ingredients… For me, this is the perfect combination, so I knew we had to open in Koper,” he explains. He is especially fond of Čevljarska ulica for its rich history and ongoing gastronomic transformation. “Steeped in history, the street is evolving into a true culinary oasis. With new spots like Smash Burger, Tabot Ištrarija, Avokado, and others, it has become a symbol of diversity and cohesion,” says Matija. With Noon, he aims to contribute to the revitalization of the town center and enhance the offerings on this vibrant street.
Koper in December
Matija views Koper as an exceptional, family-friendly town, filled with parks, playgrounds, and opportunities for active leisure. He is particularly impressed by the newly landscaped coastal park leading to Žusterna. “You can experience everything here—from culture and cuisine to sports,” says Matija, who leads an active daily life with his wife Anna, their two daughters, and two dogs. “People in Koper are friendly, fun, and inclusive. You can often share a laugh with strangers, and that’s something I really love about our town. Plus, the sense of safety here is incredibly valuable,” adds Matija.
In December, when Čevljarska ulica transforms into Fairytale Street, Matija also suggests taking a stroll through the festively lit Koper. “Fantazima is magical, so don’t miss it. And be sure to check out the new spots in town—Koper is developing and offers a truly diverse experience,” he concludes.
