Must-see restaurants in Istria

  • Restaurant Zigante

    Central & Eastern Istria

    Foodies from afar come to this destination restaurant belonging to Istria's top truffle company, located a few kilometres below Motovun in the village of…

  • Konoba Vela Vrata

    Central & Eastern Istria

    Located 5km northwest of Pazin in the hilltop village of Beram, this rural tavern serves some of the best handmade pasta, gnocchi and truffle dishes you…

  • Marina

    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…

  • Konoba Batelina

    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…

  • Konoba Mondo

    Motovun

    Just before the outer town gate, this little tavern with a small side terrace serves imaginatively conceived and poshly presented Istrian mainstays, many…

  • Konoba Daniela

    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…

  • Sv. Nikola

    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…

  • Farabuto

    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…

  • Milan

    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…

  • Pizzeria Da Sergio

    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…

  • Humska Konoba

    Central & Eastern Istria

    The town's tavern serves first-rate Istrian mainstays on a lovely outdoor terrace offering panoramic views. Start with a shot of biska (white mistletoe…

  • Restaurant Kvarner

    Central & Eastern Istria

    This Labin old-town restaurant has a terrace overlooking the sea, a menu of authentic Istrian fare and a loyal local following. Handmade fuži (Istrian…

  • Stari Podrum

    Central & Eastern Istria

    Istrian mainstays are served with a creative touch at this upmarket restaurant, located in a beautiful valley a five-minute drive out of Momjan. The…

  • Agroturizam Nežić

    Central & Eastern Istria

    For a light Sunday meal of truffle-infused antipasti served with homemade bread – such as cheese drowned in olive oil, Istrian prosciutto and truffle…

  • Vodnjanka

    Istria's West Coast

    This excellent regional restaurant offers personable service and delicious food in several rustic rooms. Specialities include fuži (homemade egg pasta)…

  • Monte

    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…

  • Vodnjanka

    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…

  • Artha Bistro

    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…

  • Toklarija

    Central & Eastern Istria

    At this beautifully converted 600-year-old olive mill in the mountains south of Buzet, eccentric owner Nevio Sirotić serves delectable, homemade slow food…

  • Puntulina

    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…

  • Agroturizam Tončić

    Central & Eastern Istria

    For a solid meal featuring the best lamb and potatoes under peka (a domed baking lid), head to this tavern in the hamlet of Čabarnica, near Zrenj. Food is…

  • Nono

    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…

  • Ročka Konoba

    Central & Eastern Istria

    One of the town’s stone buildings houses this worthwhile regional restaurant, which has outdoor tables and a fireplace indoors. It's a great place to…

  • Bookeria

    Rovinj

    With little flower-adorned tables spilling onto the square, this sweet little cafe is a favourite Rovinj breakfast spot. Options include eggs, toast,…

  • Barba Danilo

    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…

  • Damir & Ornella

    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,…

  • Konoba Rustica

    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…

  • Konoba Dolina

    Central & Eastern Istria

    This low-key locals' favourite is worth the drive for its unassuming vibe and honest, simple fare featuring Istrian dishes, many with truffles. From…

  • Corso

    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…

  • Velo Kafe

    Central & Eastern Istria

    Dominating Labin's Tito Square, this popular, vine-shaded, multitasking spot serves everything from brunch to beefsteaks. Grab a seat on the street for…

  • Burgerija

    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…

  • Grota

    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…

  • Fresh

    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…

  • Konoba Klarići

    Central & Eastern Istria

    This delightful stone tavern in the hamlet of Klarići, 10km south of Svetvinčenat, serves superb homemade Istrian pastas and its own exquisite wines. In…

  • Konoba puli Pineta

    Central & Eastern Istria

    Located on the edge of the town of Žminj, 7km north of Svetvinčenat, this tavern is known around Istria for its superb homemade pasta and grilled meats.

  • Konoba Morgan

    Central & Eastern Istria

    For a fine gastronomic experience, head to this rural restaurant, 2km northeast of Brtonigla off the road to Buje. It has a lovely terrace on a hill, with…

  • Kamene Priče

    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…

  • Maestral

    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…

  • Martin Pescador

    Central & Eastern Istria

    The fishing village of Trget is best approached from the sea as the drive, past a decaying industrial port, is hardly inspiring. Right on the waterfront,…

  • Gourmet

    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…