Filip Matjaž represents the fifth generation of restaurateurs in the Matjaž family. Although he never attended culinary school, he earned a degree in Istrian gastronomy from the Faculty of Tourism Studies – Turistica. Before opening his own restaurant, COB, in 2019, he managed his family’s restaurant Tomi and trained in several acclaimed international kitchens.

A former member of the Slovenia Junior Culinary Team, Filip earned multiple medals at the Culinary World Cup and Culinary Olympics, and in 2017 achieved third place at the European Young Chef Award in Barcelona, later serving as a regional ambassador for Slovenia – European Region of Gastronomy 2021.

His strong commitment to sustainability has also been widely recognized. In 2020, both Filip and COB received the Green Key eco-label, joined the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism, and were awarded the Green Cuisine Label by the Slovenian Tourist Board.

In recent years, he has been celebrated as one of Slovenia’s most promising young chefs, known for his creative, forward-thinking approach and deep respect for Istrian culinary heritage.