Michelin Guide Croatia 2025: Istria leads the way with 4 Michelin Stars
- Bel' Istria
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 2
Istria leads the way with 4 Michelin Stars, 2 Bib Gourmand, 13 Michelin-Recommended Restaurants
Croatia’s gastronomic scene continues to evolve, with the 2025 Michelin Guide bringing two new Michelin-starred restaurants and a growing number of regional highlights. This year marks not only the expansion of Croatia’s fine dining reputation—but also a long-awaited moment for Istria’s Cap Aureo and Split’s Krug.
This selection reflects a growing culinary scene that balances innovation with regional identity—across both coastal and inland Croatia.
Croatian Cuisine: Local Ingredients, Global Recognition
Croatian gastronomy blends Mediterranean finesse with Central European heartiness. On the coast, fresh seafood, olive oil, and wild herbs shape light and elegant dishes. Inland, traditional recipes draw from rustic techniques, slow cooking, and regional produce.
This balance of cultures and terroir continues to position Croatia as a rising culinary destination—now increasingly visible on the Michelin map.
Michelin Guide Croatia 2025 Highlights
1 Two MICHELIN Stars restaurant
12 One MICHELIN Star restaurants (2 new)
3 MICHELIN Green Star restaurants
12 Bib Gourmand restaurants (2 new)
74 Michelin-Recommended restaurants
Two MICHELIN Stars
Agli Amici, Rovinj
Croatia’s only two-star restaurant, Agli Amici, maintains its elite status with tasting menus inspired by the sea (“Rovinj”) and land (“Istria”). Chef Simon De Lucca leads a young, talented brigade under the guidance of Emanuele Scarello.
One MICHELIN Star Restaurants
New in 2025:
Cap Aureo, Rovinj – Refined, seasonal cuisine by chef Jeffrey Vella
Krug, Split – Chef’s counter concept with local focus and fermentations
Retained from previous years:
Monte, Rovinj
Boškinac, Pag
Nebo, Rijeka
Noel, Zagreb
Pelegrini, Šibenik
Dubravkin Put, Zagreb
Alfred Keller, Mali Lošinj
LD Restaurant, Korčula
Restaurant 360, Dubrovnik
Korak, Jastrebarsko (also a Green Star recipient)
Green Star Recipients
Korak, Jastrebarsko
Zinfandel’s, Zagreb
Konoba Mate, Pupnat (Korčula)
These restaurants are recognised for their commitment to sustainable practices and close relationships with local producers.
Bib Gourmand Restaurants (Great Value)
Croatia’s 2025 edition of the Michelin Guide includes 12 Bib Gourmand restaurants, recognized for offering outstanding quality at moderate prices.
New in 2025:
K.užina, Split
Konoba Pescaria, Mošćenička Draga (Kvarner region)
Istria’s Bib Gourmand selections (confirmed 2025):
Alla Beccaccia, Valbandon
Konoba Malo Selo, Buje
These enduring favourites continue to represent Istria’s commitment to honest, flavourful, and accessible cuisine.
MICHELIN Special Awards 2025
The 2025 edition brings not only stars and selections but also three Special Awards, honouring those who elevate the dining experience beyond the plate:
Young Chef Award: Gabriela Filca, resident chef at Nebo in Rijeka. At only 23, Gabriela’s delicate, technically sound cuisine ensures a seamless evolution of the restaurant’s modern voice.
Service Award: Vera Korak, host and co-owner of Korak near Zagreb. Known for her intuitive, grounded hospitality and deep understanding of her family estate and territory.
Sommelier Award: Dinko Lozica of LD Restaurant, Korčula. For his ability to bridge winemakers and guests with empathy, precision, and curiosity.
Istria: The Leading Voice
If one region in Croatia can claim consistency, creativity, and depth in equal measure, it's Istria.
With
four (4) Michelin stars (Agli Amici, Monte, Cap Aureo),
two (2) Bib Gourmand establishments, and
thirteen (13) Michelin-Recommended restaurants
Istria today holds the most Michelin recognitions of any region in Croatia.
Far from being trend-driven, the region offers an ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation—delivered with care, purpose, and deep respect for place.
Michelin-Recommended Restaurants in Istria
Among the 74 Michelin-Recommended restaurants across Croatia in 2025, Istria holds a strong presence, confirming its diverse and vibrant food culture.
Restaurants confirmed in 2025 include:
Meneghetti, Bale
Tekka by Lone, Rovinj
Wine Vault Restaurant – Levante Edition, Rovinj
Ribarska koliba, Pula
Morgan, Brtonigla
San Rocco, Brtonigla
Luciano, Buje
Spinnaker, Poreč
Konoba Buščina, Umag
Marina, Novigrad
Damir & Ornella, Novigrad
Badi, Lovrečica
Batelina, Banjole (previously Bib Gourmand, now listed among Michelin Recommendations)
Konoba Zijavica, Mošćenička Draga (Kvarner, often included in Istrian itineraries)
What’s Next: Emerging Talent
Restaurants such as Mano2 in Zagreb—led by chef Hrvoje Kroflin—are often named as “next in line.” Its modern elegance and technical precision have made it one of Croatia’s most respected fine dining destinations.
Meanwhile, Split’s momentum is undeniable, reflected in Krug’s first star and K.užina’s Bib award—confirming the city’s role in Croatia’s evolving food landscape.
And with each passing year, the line between local excellence and international acclaim grows thinner.
Michelin-Level Journeys with Bel’Istria
If you're planning to experience Croatia’s finest tables, Bel’Istria Chauffeur Services is here to make the journey seamless. Whether it’s a curated tasting experience, a road trip across Istria’s wine and truffle regions, or a quiet evening at a starred restaurant, we handle the details—so you can enjoy the flavours.
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 2025 is unveiled
Disclaimer: The photographs included in this article are sourced from the official MICHELIN Guide website.
A Brief Introduction to the Michelin Guide
The Michelin Guide is one of the world’s most respected culinary publications. Founded in 1900 by André and Édouard Michelin, the guide originally served as a resource for early motorists. Over time, its focus shifted toward hospitality—particularly restaurants—eventually becoming a global standard for culinary excellence.
The Michelin Guide awards restaurants in several categories:
MICHELIN Stars
One Star: High-quality cooking, worth a stop
Two Stars: Excellent cuisine, worth a detour
Three Stars: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey
Bib Gourmand – Excellent food at moderate prices
Green Star – Sustainability and environmental commitment
Recommended Restaurants – Consistently good restaurants selected by Michelin
