Croatia's restaurants offer an unparalleled dining experience with stunning seaside views

Photo: Meguphotography

June 27.2024.

From Adriatic with love: Croatia's cuisine climbs the Michelin ladder in 2024

Croatia has long been celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, historic cities, and crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. But in recent years, this Mediterranean gem has been making waves in the culinary world, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.

Blog written by Matej Duspara Passionate world wanderer, always taking the road less travelled

With the release of the latest Michelin Guide for Croatia, the country's gastronomic scene has reached new heights, offering an irresistible blend of tradition, innovation, and world-class dining experiences.


A Milestone Achievement: Croatia's First Two-Michelin-Starred Restaurant

The 2024 Michelin Guide for Croatia brought exciting news that rippled the country's culinary community. After years of anticipation and a growing number of one-star establishments, Croatia has finally earned its first two-Michelin-starred restaurant. 

Agli Amici in Rovinj, owned by the esteemed Scarello family, has achieved this remarkable feat, solidifying Croatia's position on the global gastronomic map.

Located on the picturesque promenade between the Grand Park Hotel and the marina in Rovinj, Agli Amici opened its doors in 2021. The restaurant earned its first Michelin star in its first year, thanks to the refined menu crafted by renowned chef Emanuele Scarello. Now, with two stars to its name, Agli Amici offers a unique dining experience that blends the best of Italian and Croatian cuisines, a true testament to the country's culinary diversity.

The fusion of traditional techniques and modern gastronomy is placing Croatia on the global culinary map

Chef Scarello has designed two tasting menus, "Rovinj" and "Istria," which bear his distinctive signature. These culinary journeys embody a philosophy of honest cooking, sophisticated simplicity, and strong personality. Each dish tells a story through flavors, where the richness of Italian tradition meets the aromatic essence of Istria, blending influences from the sea, the land, and its bountiful produce.


A Legacy of Culinary Excellence

The success of Agli Amici in Rovinj is deeply rooted in a rich family heritage that dates back to 1887. The restaurant is an extension of its namesake in Udine, Italy, which boasts two Michelin stars. Chef Emanuele Scarello and his sister Michela, a talented sommelier, carry forward a culinary tradition that has evolved through generations, adding a personal touch to the restaurant's success.

Their story began with a small colonial goods shop in Udine, which gradually expanded into a trattoria and eventually a full-fledged restaurant. The Scarello siblings grew up immersed in this world of food and hospitality, learning from their mother, a Gaston Lenôtre's Parisian culinary school graduate. This family-oriented approach to gastronomy, combined with a commitment to creativity and quality, has been the driving force behind Agli Amici's success in Italy and Croatia.


Croatia's Culinary Landscape: A Diverse Palette of Flavors

While Agli Amici's two-star rating is a significant achievement, it's just a glimpse of Croatia's rich culinary offerings. The country now boasts a total of 11 Michelin stars, 11 Bib Gourmand recognitions, and 71 Michelin recommendations, showcasing the depth and breadth of its gastronomic scene. From the coastal delights of Dubrovnik's 360 to the innovative cuisine of Zagreb's Noel, each Michelin-starred restaurant offers a unique interpretation of Croatian culinary traditions, demonstrating the country's diverse gastronomic landscape.

From the coastal delights of Dubrovnik's 360 to the innovative cuisine of Zagreb's Noel, each Michelin-starred restaurant offers a unique interpretation of Croatian culinary traditions. The recent addition of Dubravkin Put in Zagreb to the one-star list further emphasizes the country's commitment to culinary excellence.


Beyond the Stars: Exploring Croatia's Gastronomic Treasures

While Michelin-starred restaurants offer exceptional dining experiences, Croatia's culinary appeal extends far beyond these prestigious establishments. The country's diverse regions offer a tapestry of flavors influenced by Mediterranean, Central European, and Balkan traditions.

Croatia's Michelin-starred restaurants offer an exquisite blend of local ingredients and innovative cooking

Visitors can indulge in fresh seafood along the Adriatic coast, savor truffles and olive oil in Istria, or explore the hearty dishes of inland Croatia. The country's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients is evident in its markets, konobas (traditional taverns), and agritourism experiences.

Croatian wines, particularly those from regions like Istria, Dalmatia, and Slavonia, have also gained international recognition. Wine enthusiasts can explore picturesque vineyards and sample unique varietals such as Plavac Mali, Malvazija, and Graševina.


A Sustainable Approach to Gastronomy

Croatia's culinary scene is focused on taste and sustainability. The Michelin Guide has recognized this commitment by awarding Green Stars to restaurants like Korak in Jastrebarsko, Zinfandel's in Zagreb, and Konoba Mate in Korčula. 

These establishments prioritize eco-friendly practices, showcasing Croatia's dedication to preserving its natural resources and culinary heritage.

As Croatia continues to gain recognition in the culinary world, there has never been a better time for food lovers to explore this captivating country. 

Coastal Croatian cuisine, highlighted by fresh seafood and local produce, is capturing the attention of food enthusiasts worldwide

From Michelin-starred fine dining to traditional konobas, from wine tasting in rolling vineyards to truffle hunting in ancient forests, Croatia offers a gastronomic adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.


Experience Croatia's Culinary Renaissance

Whether you savor the innovative dishes at Agli Amici in Rovinj, enjoy fresh oysters in Mali Ston, or explore the vibrant food markets of Zagreb, you'll discover that Croatian cuisine is a celebration of flavors, traditions, and the country's bountiful natural larder.

So, pack your bags and prepare your palate for an unforgettable journey through Croatia's culinary landscape. Croatia is poised to become Europe's next great culinary destination with its perfect blend of tradition and innovation, stunning locations, and warm hospitality. Come and taste the difference for yourself!


Complete list of Michelin restaurants in Croatia

2 MICHELIN STARS

  • AGLI AMICI ROVINJ, Rovinj

1 MICHELIN STAR

  • 360, Dubrovnik
  • KORAK, Jastrebarsko
  • DUBRAVKIN PUT, Zagreb
  • LD, Korčula
  • ALFRED KELLER, Mali Lošinj
  • BOŠKINAC, Novalja
  • NEBO, Rijeka
  • MONTE, Rovinj
  • PELEGRINI, Šibenik
  • NOEL, Zagreb

GREEN MICHELIN STAR

  • KORAK, Jastrebarsko
  • ZINFANDEL’S (Esplanade), Zagreb
  • KONOBA MATE, Korčula

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