The MICHELIN Guide inspectors have discovered new gastronomic gems to share with gourmets the whole world over: in the dynamic capital, Zagreb, on the Adriatic coast that delights seafood lovers, or on the Istrian Peninsula, which produces delicate meats and flavored olive oils.
“Croatia is a particularly interesting destination that allows travelers and gourmets to enjoy authentic and varied gastronomic experiences. The country offers chefs local produce of exceptional quality, which drives them to outdo themselves day after day,” states Gwendal Poullennec, MICHELIN Guide International Director. “These last few months have been difficult for the country, not just with the health crisis, but also with the deadly earthquake. Despite these dramatic ordeals, the Croatian culinary scene is growing, especially on the coast and in the capital. Our inspectors were able to discover professionals who are passionate about and committed to their land.”
The MICHELIN Guide is revealing new Michelin-star establishments in this 2021 selection, with 3 restaurants awarded a single MICHELIN star:
Agli Amici Rovinj
The Italian chef, Emanuele Scarello, came to Croatia this summer to work on a new gastronomic destination in Rovinj. The restaurant, located in a wonderful luxury hotel, takes on the codes from the chef’s restaurant Agli Amici in Udine, Italy, while using local produce as its starting point and paying specific attention to products from the Mediterranean and the Istrian region. This establishment is run by the chef Lorenzo Lai.
Alfred Keller
Located in Mali Losinj, a charming village in the south of Lošinj Island, the Alfred Keller restaurant is making its mark in the Alhambra luxury hotel, near a promenade leading to a bay with crystal clear water. The culinary offerings change daily and highlight the best of Croatian products in a French style. The famous chef Christian Kuchler overseas the kitchen, which is run by Michael Gollenz, one of his protégés.
Nebo
Once you’ve entered the magnificent and modern Hilton Costabella hotel in Rijeka, go up to the fifth floor to seek out the Nebo restaurant with its cocktail bar, overlooking the town of Opatija and the Kvarner coast. Here, you’ll discover an incredible sunset, and also attentive service that will help you to explore the precise and authentic cuisine of the young chef Deni Srdoč, already known in the region.
Lovran – Draga di Lovrana, chef Zdravko Tomšić
Novajlia – Boskinac, chef Matija Kruhonja
Zagreb – Noel, chef Bruno Vokal
Gourmets can also discover three new Bib Gourmand establishments:
Buje - Konoba Malo Selo - offering local cuisine with a rustic touch
Valbandon - Alla Beccaccia – discover traditional cuisine and grilled specialties
Zagreb - Izakaya by Time – be transported by its Asian and fusion cuisine
Lastly, 7 new MICHELIN Plate restaurants join the selection:
Buje – Luciano
Mali Losinj – Matsunoki
Pula – Ribarska Koliba
Rovinj - Cap Aureo
Stari Grad - Maslina
Zagreb – Man02
Zagreb – Theatrium by Filho
This 2021 edition of the MICHELIN Guide Croatia includes a new award: the MICHELIN Green Star. Revealed in January 2020 in the French edition of the Guide, the MICHELIN Green Star highlights restaurants that are specifically committed to gastronomy that is more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Hero image: © Nebo
