Istria's West Coast
Both situated by and helmed by a Marina (hot-shot chef Marina Gaši), this inventive restaurant serves seafood dishes that manage to be both playful and…
Must-see restaurants in Istria's West Coast
Pula
This family-run tavern is well worth a trek to Banjole, 6km south of central Pula. It only serves seafood, and it's some of the best, most creative and…
Poreč
In the sweet little village of Veleniki, 5km east of Poreč, this rustic, family-run tavern is known for its steak tartare, huge beefsteaks, ravioli…
Poreč
Gazing out towards the island of the same name, St Nick's is the swankiest restaurant on the waterfront strip but it's not remotely snooty – the service…
Pula
It's worth a trek to this nondescript residential area, about 1.5km southwest of the centre, for stylish decor, but more importantly, finely executed…
Pula
An upmarket vibe, seasonal specialities, clued-up sommeliers and an olive-oil expert make this hotel restaurant, in an oddly dingy part of town, one of…
Rovinj
It's worth waiting in line to get a table at this old-fashioned, two-floor pizzeria. It dishes out Rovinj's best thin-crust pizza, with a huge range of…
Istria's West Coast
This excellent regional restaurant offers personable service and delicious food in several rustic rooms. Specialities include fuži (homemade egg pasta)…
Rovinj
The first restaurant in Croatia to be awarded a Michelin star, Monte offers a choice of three differently themed six-course Modern Istrian menus (one…
Pula
Locals swear by the real-deal home cooking at this no-frills spot. It’s cheap, casual and cash-only, and there's a reassuringly brief menu that focuses on…
Poreč
Vegetarians, vegans and broad-minded omnivores will be spoilt for choice at this meat-free restaurant, tucked away on a side street near the main square…
Rovinj
For an added burst of romance, book ahead at this family-run restaurant and request a table on one of the rocky terraces clinging to the cliffs circling…
Poreč
Be warned – the wheels of pizza here are supersized and one is enough for two, especially if you order a salad to go with it. Some of the creations are…
Rovinj
The last place you might expect to find one of Rovinj's best restaurants is on a campsite 3.5km from the centre. Only a handful of choices are offered on…
Rovinj
With little flower-adorned tables spilling onto the square, this sweet little cafe is a favourite Rovinj breakfast spot. Options include eggs, toast,…
Istria's West Coast
One of Istria’s best restaurants, this 28-seat tavern – located down an unlikely lane near the harbour in Novigrad – is famous for its twitchingly fresh,…
Istria's West Coast
Located 5km out of Umag on the road towards the Slovenian border, this much-lauded tavern serves the best thin-crust pizza, pastas and dry-aged steaks in…
Pula
The upstairs dining room of this popular cafe-bar serves tacos, pork ribs, stir fries and spring rolls – but it's included here on the strength of its…
Poreč
Loud rock music fills this bright little joint, where a dozen different meaty burgers are served, and one vegetarian one, with local craft beer to wash it…
Rovinj
Right by the green market, this tiny place is a great spot for coffee, sandwiches and people-watching. Or come back after the beach for a glass of wine…
Pula
Best for a quick and wholesome bite, this tiny sandwich-and-salad bar serves sandwiches, toasted panini, tortillas and extremely fresh-looking salads. If…
Istria's West Coast
Enjoy the whimsical decor of this artsy oasis while tucking into dishes brimming with seasonal and local ingredients, named after jazz greats. If you're…
Rovinj
Grab an alfresco table at this tavern on the water's edge for simple food and great views of the old town; it's a wonderful place to watch the sunset. If…
Poreč
Comforting Italian concoctions come in all shapes and forms here – penne, tagliatelle, fusilli, gnocchi and so on. There are also pizzas from a wood-fired…
Poreč
For the best seafood in Poreč, head down the narrow alleyway to find this small place that specialises in local seafood, risottos and truffle dishes. The…
Poreč
Tucked away just off the main street, this lovely tavern serves great fish and shellfish dishes in a cosy setting. The food is usually spot on but some…
Rovinj
Located right on the harbourside, this excellent restaurant is headed up by a stellar team. The food is as local and fresh as it gets, with lots of…
Rovinj
A 4km taxi ride out of town, this family-run, summer-only tavern serves seasonal dishes using its own veggies, fish and meat, including peka dishes (baked…
Istria's West Coast
Situated just back from the marina, a 20-minute walk north of the old town, this relaxed restaurant crafts delicious dishes using local ingredients…
Poreč
Inside the medieval Pentagonal Tower, this upmarket restaurant has two alfresco patios in a stone vault, and a roof terrace with great views. It serves a…
Poreč
This tavern does interesting cold appetisers and solid mains. Try the fish platter for two, which contains only freshly caught ingredients. It's also a…
Rovinj
Tucked away in an old-town alleyway, this small, pretty tavern serves well-prepared if pricey Mediterranean fare. If it isn't in season, you probably won…
Pula
This simple seafood joint in a residential area buzzes with locals at lunchtime, who come for fresh fish dishes. The marinated sardines are to die for…
Istria's West Coast
This waterside restaurant serves superbly fresh shellfish, right from the source. Enjoy oysters, scallops and mussels, or fish (priced by the kilogram) on…
Rovinj
Graze on good Istrian standards, either in the eclectic interior crammed with marine knick-knacks or at the clutch of outdoor tables with water views.
Pula
Respectable Croatian thin-crust pizzas and decent pasta dishes served on an upstairs terrace.
