HOME > Chowhound > International Archive >


Croatian Restaurants/where should this be

I am a London based food writer and i have just finished a project in Istria and Kvarner Gulf area of Croatia.
So here is a list of my top restaurants.

Le Mandrac.
For the freshest fruit of the sea,cooked to a very high standard and a wine list
chosen with care.At the waters edge in Volosko harbour,Opatija.
www.lemandrac.com Tel. 00385 (0)51 701357

A Konobo style place,serving great local produce in the village of Sovinjsko
Polje,5 miles south of Buzet.
Tel. 00385 (0)52 663031

Here they specialize in truffles in an atmospheric setting in the village of Livade,
3 miles north of Motovun.
www.zigantetartufi.com Tel.00385 (0)52 664302

Pri Lojzetu.
Set in a mansion on a hilltop, they were first to introduce great slow food to this
area.In the village of Dornberk,which is in Vipava valley,just over the border in
Tel. 00386 (0)5 3687007

Booking is reccommended,



PS. Am new and not sure where this should go. Thanks

  1. Click to Upload a photo (10 MB limit)
  1. Euro Kevin,

    I just stopped by last week at Zigante in Livade, and they have been closed for quite a while for remodeling. Still in the middle of the works right now.

    Just curious, when was the last time you eat there?

    9 Replies
    1. re: RicRios


      I was there in Feb and they opened on march 25th having closed for one month. Sorry to hear you were unlucky, a few days later......., or were you in the locality anyway?

      1. re: Euro Kevin

        Just curious where else you ate at in the Istria / Kvarner Gulf area. Do you have a list of places or other reviews? I just moved to Pula from New York. I'm just looking for some good places to eat. Looking forward to checking out the ones you recommended above. Thanks

        1. re: DoctorDaveNYC

          A few more restaurants worth a visit and not far from Pula.
          Monte and Veli Joze in Rovinj. Ulixes in Porec and Dvi Murve, 2 miles north of Porec, also Due Fratelli which is 1 mile east of Labin towards Rabac.

          1. re: Euro Kevin

            Two good Kvarner restaurants.
            Zlatna Skoljka.
            A lovely little place serving lots of fish dishes and not too expensive.It's at Kruzna 12a, Rijeka.
            Tel. 00385 (0)51 213782

            This is the place for a wide variety of Istrian plates and well worth a visit. It's in Kastav village, 6 miles north of Rijeka.
            Tel. 00385 (0)51 691425

            Booking advisable.

          2. re: DoctorDaveNYC

            Try this one near Opatija.

            Mala krčma Skalinada in Volosko

            The proprietor is Aleksej Cervar, a Slow Food fellow who opened it up about a year ago. If you google it, there's a review in Croatian.

            1. re: shoo bee doo

              Went back to Istria and Kvarner recently and had a lovely time. Best restaurant was Le Mandrac in Volosko, a fatastic experience.
              Konoba Dani in Umag was also very pleasing and it was nice to sample their own wine and olive oil.
              On the negative side, Zigante is now very expensive and Bevanda in Opatija has let standards slip.

              1. re: shoo bee doo

                Skalinada in Volosko is wonderful! The owner has been a member of Slow Food for years, and his passion for local, in-season food is unmatched. The tavern features a wonderfully curated menu, which changes daily based on what's available at the market. The dishes are a successful blend of traditional and imaginative--always fresh and delicious. There is also an excellent selection of local (Istrian) and Croatian wines. The atmosphere is inviting--a grotto tucked in a staircase from the sea up to the main road. Stone walls, rustic colors, wonderful service. Stop for a meal or for a glass of wine, but do stop. It's a must for anyone who loves food prepared thoughtfully, with respect to the locals and to the seasons. Hvala Skalinada!

                1. re: locallygrown


                  I'm so glad you were able to go to my friend's tavern. I hope he sees your post. I've only seen the photos on the internet. Your description is great. I want to go to Croatia very much and visit his place.

              2. re: DoctorDaveNYC

                So, Dr Dave, what are your discoveries in Pula? I'll be there soon..

          3. Any recommendations for Dubrovnik and nearby islands? I've been there before on two occasions, but that was before the war. Thinking of returning for a family holiday.

            2 Replies
            1. re: Lord Brazing

              In Dubrovnik.

              Dundo Maroje
              Nishta (vegetarian)

              What islands will you visit?

              1. re: Euro Kevin

                Euro Kevin, can you explain more about the choices you listed?

            2. Any particular places in Pula (ie tourist hell) that stand out?