Exclusive restaurants in Croatia, istria
Just to give a brief introduction, the Michelin Guide is a book (guide) released for selected countries, providing restaurant recommendations. Part of their ratings includes stars (one to three stars): Michelin stars are a rating system used by the red Michelin Guide to grade restaurants based on their quality. It all began in Clermont-Ferrand in central France in 1889 when brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin founded their eponymous tire company, fueled by a grand vision for the French automobile industry.
In order to help motorists plan their trips and boost car sales and tire purchases, the Michelin brothers produced a small guide with useful information for travelers, including maps, tire-changing instructions, petrol stations, and, importantly, a list of places to eat or find shelter for the night.
Currently, there are several types of Michelin recognition, including MICHELIN Stars, Bib Gourmand, and Restaurant Selection.
MICHELIN STARS:
A dining establishment awarded One MICHELIN Star guarantees a stop-worthy experience with its high-quality cooking. For those seeking excellence, Two MICHELIN Stars represent not just a meal but a detour-worthy culinary journey. The pinnacle of gastronomic achievement, Three MICHELIN Stars mark a venue where exceptional cuisine transforms dining into a truly special and unforgettable journey.
Bib Gourmand:
The Bib Gourmand award highlights restaurants considered the best value for money within the Michelin selection. These establishments offer very good food at a moderate price.
Restaurant Selection:
Michelin inspectors are on the road year-round, searching for new restaurants to share with food lovers. Once a restaurant meets the MICHELIN selection standard, their findings are regularly published for immediate enjoyment.
Our Cuisine and Michelin
Many people worldwide may not know where Croatia is located, let alone its cuisine. Due to its geographical location on the Balkan Peninsula, often referred to as the gateway to Europe, Croatia is influenced by various cultures, shaping its diverse cuisine. Within Croatia, culinary preferences vary from the continental part to regions closer to the sea. The continental part leans toward spicy and hearty flavors, suitable for warming the body in winter, while coastal areas blend the gentle tastes of the Mediterranean.
This diversity makes Croatian cuisine unique and esteemed in global gastronomy. Despite being a small country with less than 4 million people, Croatia boasts 11 Michelin-starred restaurants in 2023, along with 14 Bib Gourmand recommendations. With each passing year, Croatia continues to gain renown in the Michelin Guide across various categories.
Michelin Restaurants and Recommendations in Istria, Croatia
Anyone who has visited Istria can attest to its status as a haven for enthusiasts of good food and wine. The region, divided into Green and Blue Istria, captivates with rich, seasonal ingredients from both land and sea. Given that we know what all Istria has to offer, one of our experiences is precisely hedonistic – it encompasses various options where everyone can find something of interest, from blue and green cuisine to wine and olive tastings, as well as dining in exclusive restaurants. So here are the tree restaurants in Istria with one Michelin star;
Monte, Rovinj ✽
A family legacy since 1985, Monte in Rovinj, owned by chef Danijel Djekić and sommelier Tjitske, remains a gourmet oasis where tradition is highly valued.
Draga Di Lovrana, Lovran ✽
Located in the Učka Nature Park, Draga di Lovrana offers a secluded, elevated gastronomic experience with Chef Goleš expertly handling local, fresh ingredients.
Agli Amici, Rovinj ✽
Led by Chef Emanuele Scarello, Agli Amici brings Michelin-starred cuisine from Godia to Rovinj, offering a unique gastronomic experience.
Bib Gourmand
Batelina, Banjole
A family-owned seafood restaurant praised by Anthony Bourdain, Batelina focuses on fresh, daily catches, showcasing the quality of Istrian blue cuisine.
Alla Beccaccia, Valbandon
A long-standing restaurant elevated to new heights in 2023, Alla Beccaccia offers excellent green Istrian cuisine with a commitment to fresh ingredients.
Konoba Malo Selo, Buje
This tavern is a true representation of an authentic place in Istria where you can enjoy a plate of excellent pasta with truffles, as well as perfectly crafted and homemade prosciutto.
Selected Restaurants:
Sv. Nikola, Poreč
Johnson, Moščenička Draga
Puntulina, Rovinj
Morgan, Brtonigla
San Rocco, Brtonigla
Villa Ariston, Opatija
Ribarska koliba, Pula
Zigante, Livade
Meneghetti, Bale
Marina, Novigrad
Cap Aureo, Rovinj
Luciano, Buje
We hope this comprehensive guide to exclusive restaurants proves helpful, and we are confident you will be delighted by our food and service. If you want to find out more about Michelin restaurants in Croatia, you can check a full list on their website.