Top 10 Istrian restaurants from the Michelin Guide
Food is one of the most important reasons behind the rising popularity of Istria as a destination of choice.
Centuries old gastronomic traditions have been sustained on Croatia’s largest peninsula, and are the base of today’s fantastic restaurant scene. With 16 restaurants in the Michelin guide, Istria is recognized as one of the most exciting gastro destinations in the world at the moment. What makes it special is a unique blend of marine and continental landscapes, which is directly reflected in local food – fresh fish and seafood are combined with ingredients from the inland, such as the local Boškarin kettle, white and black truffles and sensational wines, all sourced on less than 3.000 km² of this picturesque Croatian region.
Here are our top 10 favourite restaurants with incredible local food, both traditional and modern, all included in the Michelin guide:
1. Monte, Rovinj
In the heart of Rovinj’s old town, right beneath St. Eufemia church, there’s a hidden jewel – Monte, one of the top restaurants in the country. Chef Danijel Dekić creates a spectacular fine-dining experience in both presentation and creative techniques, which result in a perfect contemporary twist on the traditional Istrian food. This combination of old and new is also noticed in the cosy ambience of the charming old town house and a beautiful terrace located in the historic courtyard. What is special about Monte is that the majority of the ingredients are sourced from the authentic local fishermen, farmers and producers, so the freshness and quality of the food are top-notch. What awaits you food-wise are three exciting six-course degustation menus which can be mixed and matched, all showcasing the best Istria can offer. Also, it is worth noting that Monte is one of the first Croatian restaurants to gain a Michelin star, leading the way for many others. If you plan to explore Rovinj, make sure to make a reservation in Monte, you definitely won’t regret it.
2. Zigante, Livade
Another hidden jewel of this region, and by that we mean literally hidden underground, are truffles. They are a specialty of Zigante, a restaurant set in a charming stone house in Livade, near the medieval town of Motovun. Once you get inside, you can expect a traditional interior, smell of truffles and exceptional service. So, if you would like to fully experience the unique flavors of this rare fungi (sourced in the nearby Motovun forest with specially trained truffle dogs) in contemporary appetizers, desserts and everything in between, this is definitely a place to be. Once you are in Istria, you simply cannot leave without tasting the local “fuži” pasta with black truffles, and there is no better place to do so then in Zigante, which is basically a synonym for a truffle in Croatia.
3. Pergola, Zambratija
If fresh seafood is more of your thing, our recommendation is Pergola, a stunning family run restaurant which will make you feel right at home. Simple meals prepared with local ingredients are done exquisitely and creatively, and you get to enjoy them in a very relaxed, friendly atmosphere, just a few hundred meters from the beach on the very north of the peninsula. They started as a small traditional family restaurant in 1996, opened by the current chef Fabricio Vežnaver and his father. During the last decade the talented young chef placed the restaurant in some of the best and most exciting in this part of Europe. This obviously hasn’t gone unnoticed – apart from being chosen as one of the top local restaurants by the Michelin guide, Pergola has also been recognized by the prestige Gault Millau. The imaginary food design can be experienced through 3 degustation menus with 4, 5 or 6 courses, which change seasonally.
4. Meneghetti, Bale
Medieval hilltop town of Bale, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, is the home of Meneghetti, which is also recommended in Michelin Guide. This hotel restaurant is situated in an upscale traditional stone mansion and serves classic Istrian cuisine with a creative twist and some of the best local wines. The simplest way of describing the ambiance is perhaps by calling it traditional luxury. Surrounded by forest and fields, this fabulous rustic establishment is the perfect place to relax and enjoy exceptionally crafted food. Even though it is hard to choose, our top pick on the menu is the turbot fillet with white beans hummus, fava beans and basil pistou – an explosion of taste and textures that will not leave you disappointed.
5. Agli Amici, Rovinj
We are back in Rovinj – Agli Amici is one of the newest additions to the Michelin Guide, opened in 2019 and is already rewarded with 1 star. It was established in collaboration with the Scarello family from Godia, Italy, where they have owned a 2 Michelin star restaurant of the same name for generations. The vision of chef Emanuele Scarello for this new venture was to combine the best of Godia, Istria and Rovinj in a thrilling gastronomic creation. Located in Istria’s most luxurious hotel to date – Grand Park Hotel, Agli Amici offers three exceptionally crafted tasting menus, paired with the finest local wines. You think it can’t get better than that? Well, it can! The restaurant and its terrace have astonishing views of Rovinj’s old town and St. Catherine island. The experience of Agli Amici (“to friends” in Italian) is something that should not be missed, because it really is something that you will remember for a very long time, not just for the gastronomy, but also the setting, service and a dreamy atmosphere.
6. Sv. Nikola, Poreč
Another combination of traditional Italian and Croatian food awaits you in Sv. Nikola, one of our favourite restaurants in Poreč, where you will be able to taste the true flavour of this region of Europe. Recognized by both Michelin and Gault&Millau, Sv. Nikola offers fresh seafood, meat and a plenty of local delicacies, served on the seafront with magical views of the charming Saint Nicola island. You really can’t go wrong with choosing anything on the menu, but our warm recommendation is the fish fillet in scampi and scallop sauce (“Mali školj”), a true, authentic taste of the Adriatic sea on a plate, which will make you excited to come back for more the next day.
7. Marina, Novigrad
This intimate, seafront restaurant is located right beside a marina in Novigrad, and offers a limited selection of masterful seafood dishes. Fun fact about Marina – there’s no written menu, as it is never defined in advance! The reason for this is the chef Marina Gaši’s insistence on the ultra fresh ingredients, sourced directly from the Adriatic sea. As the weather changes, so does the availability of the ingredients, and so does Marina’s inspiration. What this means is that every time you get to visit this special place you will be in for a surprise. This might sound risky, but take our word – it will always be a positive one. Relaxed atmosphere, great views, freshest possible food and a nice surprise – what more can you ask for? Make sure to stop by (the Michelin and Gault Millau experts already have) if you like new experiences and something unexpected.
8. Konoba Buščina, Umag
If you are looking for something traditional and rustic, and you find yourself near the wonderful Umag, make sure to visit Buščina. This exceptional restaurant is listed in gastro guides as Magnar ben, Gault&Milau and Michelin Guide.
Locally sourced fish, meats, wines and olive oils are made into a harmony of flavours that are unique to this part of Croatia, and it has been like that for more than 20 years in this wonderful family-owned restaurant.
The love that the family has put into this place can be felt in the cosy traditional interior and fantastic food inspired by local culture and history. Most of the menu changes with seasons, and our top pick from the constant repertoire is somewhat of an Istrian classic – Boškarin (local type of kettle) goulash with homemade gnocchi – a perfect rustic comfort food which will make you start planning your next holiday in Istria right away.
9. San Rocco, Brtonigla
Stone house in the small town of Brtonigla is home to this intimate hotel restaurant. San Rocco offers creative dishes crafted from some of the best local ingredients, which makes for an interesting contemporary twist to the local traditions. Apart from being awarded by Michelin, Gault Millau and many others, chosen as the best restaurant in Croatia by Croatian Tourist Board, it is also a member of Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe, placing it in the top of the European gastronomic scene. The ambiance is as magical as the food – the pool-side terrace with views of the olive garden and untouched nature is a true Istrian dream. And special attention wine lovers – San Rocco’s wine cellar has more than 250 wines from the region. Extra points from us for using their own home-made olive oil, it is really a nice touch that adds to the homey and warm atmosphere of the place.
10. Damir & Ornella, Novigrad
Last, but not least, Damir & Ornela is a perfect place for super-fresh, raw fish food enriched with extra virgin olive oil and some truffles. It sounds simple, but believe us – it is nothing short of spectacular. Interior is also simple, warm and welcoming, and you can expect a very non-pretentious relaxed atmosphere, despite the recognition from Michelin and Gault Millau. And so are the owners Damir & Ornela, they don’t mind giving some attention to every curious guest and share their life and cooking philosophy with them. The simplicity of the menu and dishes, combined with a family-style atmosphere, is what makes this a truly unique and breathtaking place, definitely a must-visit in Novigrad.
If you are a foodie, Istria is a perfect place to visit. Respect for long history and traditions, unique local ingredients, in combination with endless creativity of local chefs, result in an exquisite experience for your taste buds that will make you come visit again for sure. The only problem you might encounter is choosing which one of these ten restaurants will you visit first.
Bon Appétit!
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