Michelin recognitions of restaurants in northwestern Istria

A great recognition was once again bestowed upon the Istrian gourmet scene this year, when the prestigious Michelin Guide 2018 listed a whopping 15 Istrian restaurants. Of the 15 restaurants chosen from the heart-shaped Croatian peninsula, 8 of them are located in our Northwestern province, a hub for traditional cuisine that has now been transformed into a must-visit gourmet destination. Keep reading for our short introduction to the big 8!

First on the list, in alphabetical order, is Damir & Ornella. This family owned and operated restaurant is known for its raw fish specialities as well as menus that are presented orally rather than in traditional, printed style. Once you’ve eaten there, you’ll be officially considered part of the family!

Next up is Konoba Čok, serving fresh, first-class fish, caught by local fisherman, in a laid-back family atmosphere. The food here is straightforward and uncomplicated, prepared by the family’s son, while the parents exercise the long-standing Istrian tradition of hospitality by ensuring that their guests are well taken care of.

For meat lovers, Konoba Morgan is a must. This restaurant serves up classic Istrian cuisine with an emphasis on meat dishes, not to forget their specialties of Istrian prosciutto and homemade pasta.

If you’re looking for a seaside atmosphere, Marina is the perfect choice. Located right across from the marina in Novigrad, this creative, classic and friendly restaurant serves only a select few dishes featuring fresh, local and in-season ingredients.

Also located near the sea is Pergola, a family-owned restaurant serving freshly caught and simply prepared fish and seafood. It even includes two apartments on the second floor above the restaurant for those who just can’t get enough of Istria and the cuisine!

Lastly, if you’re a romantic, head to San Rocco, located in Brtonigla, and enjoy a decadent meal in this hotel restaurant, situated in an elegant stone house just a few kilometers away from the sea.

The Badurina family restaurant in Lovrečica features modern interior décor and a modern menu with seafood creations. The house specialties are raw fish, bread-baked sea bass and Badi buzara. The kind, professional service makes the perfect addition to the delicious meals.

Inspired by traditional Istrian cuisine, Konoba Buščina's culinary creations have been putting smiles on the faces of food lovers for more than 20 years. The fine details in this konoba's rustic interior, its friendly atmosphere, and its delicious fish and meat specialties show the feminine touch of its owner.

The restaurant is located in Livade, Croatia’s renowned mecca of truffles, which you can taste here in a variety of gourmet dishes. In the authentic setting of a charming stone house, the friendly staff of the Zigante restaurant will serve you black and white truffles with pasta, juicy steaks, and even ice cream!

The restaurant is part of the luxury San Canzian Village & Hotel near Buje. Its terrace is the perfect place to enjoy the amazing creations of Luciano’s gourmet artists. Its cuisine combines modern and traditional elements, with exquisite wines to round out the meal. 

The Marušić family has been running this legendary konoba near Buje for two generations now. Its guests often say that the scents and flavours of meat specialities and homemade pasta made according to old recipes bring back beautiful childhood memories. A tip: Be sure to try their gibanica dessert.