Croatia makes history with first two Michelin stars awarded in its 2024 selection
A Brief Introduction to the Michelin Guide
The Michelin Guide is an internationally acclaimed publication that highlights the best in global gastronomy. Established in 1889 by André and Édouard Michelin, founders of the Michelin tire company, it initially served as a travel companion for motorists, offering maps, travel tips, and recommendations for dining and lodging. Over time, its restaurant section became the centerpiece, evolving into the prestigious guide we know today, synonymous with culinary excellence.
The Michelin Guide awards restaurants in several categories:
MICHELIN Stars: From one to three stars, recognizing extraordinary culinary quality.
One MICHELIN Star: Highlights high-quality cooking, worth making a stop for.
Two MICHELIN Stars: Denotes excellent cooking that is worth a detour.
Three MICHELIN Stars: Reserved for exceptional cuisine that makes a restaurant a destination.
Bib Gourmand: Recognizes restaurants offering excellent food at moderate prices.
Restaurant Recommendations: Highlights exceptional dining experiences worth discovering.
Croatian Cuisine: A Blend of Cultures and Traditions
Croatia’s cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences, blending Mediterranean elegance with hearty Central European flavors. Coastal areas, rich in seafood, olive oil, and fresh herbs, offer light Mediterranean dishes, while continental regions excel in robust and warming specialties like stews and roasts.
This distinctive culinary heritage has positioned Croatia as a must-visit destination for gastronomic explorers, with its restaurants increasingly gaining international recognition through the Michelin Guide.
Michelin Guide Croatia 2024 Highlights
This year’s edition of the Michelin Guide Croatia celebrates the nation’s culinary artistry, with an impressive lineup of restaurants showcasing innovative gastronomy, fresh local ingredients, and expert techniques.
1 Two MICHELIN Stars restaurant
10 One MICHELIN Star restaurants (1 new)
3 MICHELIN Green Star restaurants
11 Bib Gourmand restaurants (1 new)
71 Recommended restaurants (7 new)
Two Michelin Stars: Croatia's First Two-Star Restaurant – AGLI AMICI Rovinj
Chef Emanuele Scarello and his young brigade have made history in Rovinj, setting up their establishment along the elegant marina promenade. This modern yet charming location features a large terrace offering breathtaking views of the azure sea and leafy islands. As night falls, the illuminated Church of Saint Euphemia further enhances the magical atmosphere.
The kitchen is led by the resident and highly talented chef Simon De Lucca, who presents two exceptional menus:
“Rovinj”: Inspired by the sea.
“Istria”: Showcasing land-based flavors.
Both menus highlight the finest local produce, skillfully prepared with well-mastered techniques.
One MICHELIN Star: Now Featuring 10 Restaurants
For the first time, Croatia boasts 10 restaurants in this prestigious category:
Monte (Rovinj): Avant-garde gastronomy.
Boškinac (Novalja): Creative dishes with local ingredients.
Nebo by Deni Srdoč (Rijeka): Modern, imaginative dishes.
Noel (Zagreb): Contemporary cuisine.
Pelegrini (Šibenik): Modern takes on local traditions.
Dubravkin Put (Zagreb): Mediterranean flavors - New in 2024.
Alfred Keller (Mali Lošinj): Modern cuisine.
Restaurant 360 (Dubrovnik): Modern Mediterranean cuisine.
LD Restaurant (Korčula): Modern culinary creations.
Korak (Jastrebarsko): MICHELIN Green Star recipient emphasizing sustainability.
Bib Gourmand Restaurants
Croatia has 11 Bib Gourmand restaurants, offering exceptional value for money. Impressively, 3 of these are located in Istria, solidifying the region’s gastronomic reputation.
Alla Beccaccia (Valbandon)
Batelina (Banjole)
Konoba Malo Selo (Buje)
Michelin recommended Restaurants in Istria
With 71 restaurants on the Michelin recommendation list, Croatia continues to shine as a gastronomic hotspot.
Impressively, 14 of these are in Istria, showcasing the region's culinary diversity:
Three New Recommended Restaurants in 2024:
Wine Vault Restaurant – Levante Edition (Rovinj)
Spinnaker (Poreč)
Konoba Zijavica (Mošćenička Draga)
Meneghetti, Bale
Tekka by Lone, Rovinj
Cap Aureo, Rovinj
Morgan, Brtonigla
San Rocco, Brtonigla
Ribarska koliba, Pula
Konoba Buščina, Umag
Luciano, Buje
Marina, Novigrad
Damir & Ornella, Novigrad
Badi, Lovrečica
Experience Michelin-Level Luxury with Bel’Istria Chauffeur Services
Just as Michelin restaurants set the standard for culinary excellence, Bel’Istria Chauffeur Services redefines elegance, comfort, and style in transportation.
Whether you’re indulging in a two-star masterpiece at Agli Amici Rovinj or uncovering hidden gems in Istria, our chauffeur service ensures your journey is as unforgettable as the dining experience itself. We take care of every detail so you can relax and savor the flavors, ambiance, and creativity of Croatia’s finest restaurants.
Bel’Istria Chauffeur Services—your Michelin-level partner in travel.
For More Information
For the full list of Michelin-recognized restaurants in Croatia and further details, visit the official MICHELIN Guide announcement:The MICHELIN Guide Croatia 2024
Disclaimer: The photographs included in this article are sourced from the official MICHELIN Guide website.