In this thesis, I explore user experiences in Michelin-starred restaurants that align with the concept of fine dining, using qualitative thematic analysis of visitor reviews on TripAdvisor. Visitors of these restaurants pay significantly higher prices, so they expect an exceptional experience with outstanding food quality, innovation, top-notch service, ambiance, and art. The research question this thesis focuses on is: "Which elements of haute cuisine influence visitors' evaluation of their experiences in Slovenian Michelin-starred restaurants?" This thesis addresses various aspects of gastronomy, including slow food, nouvelle cuisine, and haute cuisine, and conducts an analysis of visitor reviews on TripAdvisor to understand the factors influencing guest experiences. Through thematic analysis of user experiences, I found that guests of Slovenian Michelin restaurants evaluate their experience based on five key elements: service, flavours of the dishes, beverage selection, the reputation of the restaurant and chef, and the use of local ingredients. Among these, high-quality service is the most important factor, as it enhances guest loyalty, but the significance of the other four elements should not be overlooked. Carefully selected combinations of food and beverage flavours, which Michelin chefs strive to enrich primarily with local ingredients, contribute to the promotion of Slovenian cuisine on a global level, develop Slovenian culinary identity, and preserve our cultural heritage.
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