Michelin Star Restaurants in Croatia -
Full Guide 2022
by Welcome Center Croatia | Last updated Feb 22, 2022 | Published on Feb 22, 2022
Croatia is hardly a country people would think of to sample its cuisines. Typically, tourists will visit countries like Italy and France. If you are that kind of tourist, you may want to include Croatia in your list of countries to visit. Did you know Croatia has several restaurants with a Michelin Star? A Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants that meet specific international culinary standards. Here are a few quotes from Croatians on their restaurants to understand the country better.
"For the entire Croatian gastronomic scene, the awarding of the prestigious Michelin stars in the circumstances of the Coronavirus pandemic is an exceptional success. This is very important for Croatian tourism because our country now has 10 Michelin-starred restaurants or a total of 79 restaurants with a label from this prestigious gastronomic guide," commented the director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, Kristjan Stanicic.
He added that "This is a confirmation of the quality of Croatian gastronomy, i.e., our overall tourist offer in this segment, which is one of the main motives for many travel enthusiasts around the world. For us, the presence of our country in Michelin guides represents additional promotion and visibility, but also motivation in our efforts to make Croatia a prominent and internationally recognized gastronomic destination."
"Croatia is a particularly interesting destination that allows travelers and gourmets to enjoy authentic and diverse gastronomic experiences. The country offers local chefs' local products of exceptional quality, which makes them surpass themselves day by day," commented Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of MICHELIN.
Having understood the country and its restaurants, we need to identify nine Michelin Star restaurants in Croatia below:
1. 360, Dubrovnik
Restaurant 360 is in the town of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO heritage site. Its stunning terrace stretches along medieval walls and fortress of St John. The elegant dining room combines historic stone walls and design décor pieces with a view of the glassed-in kitchen.
The restaurant serves dinner exclusively. Also, there are two 5-courses tasting menus and abbreviated options through A la Carte Menu. Their cooking techniques borrows those from the French methods. When it comes to spices, they use Dubrovnik & Mediterranean ones.
Quotes
"To cook means to respect the resources of the land." Marijo Curić, Executive chef.
''A striking restaurant built into the historic town walls sit on the curved battlement terrace for an impressive view of the old port. The sexy cocktail bar and lounge has intimate booths, and the modern open kitchen features a decorative tank teeming with fish. Classic dishes are presented in a modern style.'' – MICHELIN guide inspectors.
Website:www.360dubrovnik.com
Email:info@360dubrovnik.com
Telephone:+385 20 322 222
2. Pelegrini, Šibenik
Lunch or dinner at restaurant Pelegrini is a culinary experience like no other. Located in the heart of the historic city Šibenik, it's considered one of the country's most attractive gourmet hotspots. The owner and top chef, Rudolf Štefan, treats your taste buds to contemporary cuisines with local flavors. Being one of Croatia's best chefs, he has received a Michelin star, four toques and 17/20 points from Gault Millau, and 94/100 points from Falstaff. Pelegrini also has a beautiful terrace where you can wine and dine.
Restaurant Pelegrini offers a tasting menu as well as a 4-course dinner menu. The menu varies per season, and Chef Rudolf Štefan works with seasonal local ingredients and small producers from the region. Striving for improvement, Rudolf and his team develop new dishes each winter.
Dubrovnik's 360 restaurant and Sibenik's Pelegrini restaurant received Michelin stars in 2018.
Quotes
''Situated opposite the beautiful cathedral of St James, this restaurant has a few small tables arranged outside on the steps in summer and is named after the fine old building in which it is housed. The decor here is a light, elegant mix of old and new, and the service excellent. "Rudi" Stefan, the self-taught owner-chef, puts plenty of energy into expressing the best of himself and the region, creating modern meat and fish dishes from top-quality ingredients. The tasting menu allows you to create your own dining experience by choosing the exact number of courses you require and the individual dishes which tempt you.'' – MICHELIN guide inspectors.
Website:www.pelegrini.hr
Email:reservations@pelegrini.hr
Telephone:+385 22 213 701
3. Noel, Zagreb
The only Michelin-starred restaurant in the capital got its appraisal in 2019. The upscale restaurant is in downtown Zagreb and serves top-quality contemporary dishes in a trendy, refined dining ambiance.
The head chef, Bruno Vokal, uses carefully selected and locally sourced organic ingredients to create his masterpieces. He took over from Chef Goran Kočiš, who owns the restaurant.
Chef Bruno Vokal has a rich international experience with stints at many top restaurants in Austria, Montenegro, and the UK. When he returned to Croatia, he began working with Mario Curić. Mario's restaurant, Restaurant 360; received a Michelin star.
Quotes
''A fashionable restaurant with soft lighting and trendy, internationally-inspired furnishings, where guests can enjoy exciting, colorful cuisine prepared by the owner-chef. The delicious modern and creative dishes served here are accompanied by a selection of Croatian, French and Italian wines carefully chosen by the sommelier-partner.'' – MICHELIN guide inspectors.
Website:www.noel.hr
Email:pr@noel.hr
Telephone:+385 1 4844 297
4. Draga di Lovrana, Lovran
Hotel restaurant Draga di Lovrana is situated on a mountain reef, surrounded by green hills and the azure sea. This historic establishment was built in 1908 but burned down a few decades later, in 1923. It wasn't until 2005 when owners Christian and Sanja Nikolac renovated and reopened the place as a gourmet restaurant.
The restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean delicacies made with products from the Kvarner region. You can enjoy your meal in an elegant dining room next to a fireplace. From here, you have an extraordinary view of the sea, mountain Ucka, and the Kvarner islands. You can also sit down on the terrace, which offers a spectacular panoramic vista.
Zagreb's Noel and Lovran's Draga di Lovrana received Michelin stars in 2019.
Quotes
''The chef prioritizes locally sourced produce in recipes that are balanced and of the highest quality, creating modern, imaginative, and highly memorable dishes. Breathtaking location, with views from the dining room and outdoor terrace, plus a choice of attractive guestrooms.'' – MICHELIN guide inspectors.
Cap Aureo’s wine list is customised and carefully created to accommodate different Croatian and international wines to enlighten your gourmet experience.
Website:www.dragadilovrana.hr
Email:info@dragadilovrana.hr
Telephone:+385 51 294 166
5. LD Terrace, Korčula
The Lešić Dimitri Palace lies within the ancient walls of the medieval town of Korčula, off Croatia's coast.
LD Terrace offers al fresco fine dining. Their ingredient-focused menu is based on what is available on land and at sea. Their Head Chef and Head Sommelier united to create a unique but local dining experience for guests. Together, they have developed a gastronomic identity rooted in the rich Dalmatian cuisine.
From the restaurant, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Pelješac channel and the Korčula archipelago. Additionally, there is a beautiful interior space and two rooms for a unique private dining experience.
Quotes
"Inspiration is all around us. It's just a matter of surrounding yourself with the environment
and focus on what Mother Nature provides us with each season." - Marko Gajski, Head Chef.
''Situated on the road, which runs around the picturesque historic center, this restaurant offers an outdoor area for alfresco dining in fine weather – just a few meters from the water – with a romantic view of the sea, the islands, and the peninsula. Superb Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on local products, especially olive oil and excellent fish (don't miss the sea bass!), as well as more exotic ingredients and creative touches, which come as a pleasant surprise. The more limited choice at lunchtime.'' – MICHELIN guide inspectors.
Website:www.ldpalace.com
Email:reservations@ldrestaurant.com
Telephone:+385 20 601 726
6. Boškinac, Novalja
Boškinac restaurant is in a beautiful stone building which houses a 4-star boutique hotel, winery, and tavern. This fine-dining spot is famous for its delicious traditional island cuisines.
Situated in Novalja on the Island of Pag, the surroundings offer an idyllic backdrop for your gastronomic experience. On the island's culinary heritage, Chef Boris Šuljić presents a vast selection of local flavors. At Boškinac, you can taste Mediterranean island cuisines in a stylish, contemporary, and warm ambiance. In the cellar below the hotel, there is a cozy tavern where you can enjoy wine tastings, live music, and domestic specialties.
Although there have been kitchen staff changes, the cuisine remains the same. They serve specialties from the island such as olive oil, cheese, lamb, fish, and wine. Served on two tasting menus, the dishes are creative.
LD Terrace in Lesic Dimitri Palace in the Old Town on the island of Korcula, and Boškinac in Novalja on the island of Pag, were awarded Michelin stars in 2020.
Quotes
"The simplicity that respects the perfection of the ingredients themselves, and the reinterpretation of tradition, though controlled in its creativity and playfulness, is the main philosophy of our restaurant," – Chef Boris Šuljić.
Website:www.boskinac.com
Email:restaurant@boskinac.com
Telephone:+385 (0)91 6106 365
7. Alfred Keller, Mali Lošinj
Alfred Keller, who has a Michelin star, manages the restaurant. He takes a thoughtful approach in preparing dishes like meat and fish. He sources his spices from Lošinj Island and its immediate surroundings.
When you visit the restaurant, do not forget to try out his tantalizing BBQ dishes. He prepares them with Thai salsa mint.
Croatia has a long history of wine-making. The country has over 300 wine-producing regions. You can expect to savor wine from different regions; both from old and new world wine regions.
The restaurant's inspiring interiors reflect Chef Michael Gollenz's renewed vision for dining. For your dining enjoyment, the restaurant has a section that you can view the Čikat Bay.
Quotes
''Respect for the tradition without compromising innovation is my way to bring to Croatia the best dining experience out there.'' - Chef Michael Gollenz.
Website:www.losinj-hotels.com/restaurant-alfred-keller
Email:booking@losinj-hotels.com
Telephone:+385 (0)51 260 700
8. Nebo, Rijeka
The restaurant contains breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, the coast, and the unspoiled island of Cres. The menu, comprises 5, 8 or 14 courses. Most of its dishes use locally-produced spices. With its exquisite professional service and a wine list, you have a reason to frequent the place.
Quotes
"My dishes are a creative and contemporary display of Mediterranean and Croatian tradition, with recipes and ingredients originating from all over Croatia.'' – Chef Deni Srdoč.
Website:www.neborijeka.com
Email:info@neborijeka.com
Telephone:+385 51 600 119
9. Agli Amici, Rovinj
To make tasty dishes, this restaurant has collaborated with the Scarello family. The family is the reason the restaurant has a Michelin star.
This elegant place is in the strip between the Grand Park Hotel Rovinj and the marina. Its picturesque terrace offers a natural panorama of the sea.
Chef Emanuele Scarello created three tasting menus: Godia, Istria and Rovinj. The three pathways convey the restaurant's concept of sustainability, passion and exploration.
Alfred Keller in Mali Lošinj, Nebo in Rijeka, and Agli Amici in Rovinj were each awarded one Michelin star in 2021.
Website:www.maistra.com/agli-amici-rovinj
Email:agliamici@maistra.hr
Telephone:+385 (52) 642084