Chelsea’s guidebook
Food scene
Istria is a foodie's paradise! It is known as a small Tuscany on the sea. Its land is rich with black and white truffles and is the number 1 olive oil region in the world (voted by the Italians). These are our favorite must-try restaurants in the area:) If you do not have a car we may be able to arrange to take you thee if we are not already booked that day!
My husband's family restaurant that has been open for over 25 years. This is the place we met :) It has a small menu featuring seasonal authentic Istrian food. Their specialties are homemade pasta, local steak, and daily caught fish. It is completely run by the family. Markos sister is the chef who prepares all the pasta, Marko's dad the infamous Niki sources all the local fish and meat though his relationships with the farmers and fishermen in the area. We live above the restaurant where my love of food originally began through eating here.
Bistro NIki's
9 Ul. Cardo MaximusMy husband's family restaurant that has been open for over 25 years. This is the place we met :) It has a small menu featuring seasonal authentic Istrian food. Their specialties are homemade pasta, local steak, and daily caught fish. It is completely run by the family. Markos sister is the chef who prepares all the pasta, Marko's dad the infamous Niki sources all the local fish and meat though his relationships with the farmers and fishermen in the area. We live above the restaurant where my love of food originally began through eating here.
Every weekend you will hear one language in this place and that is Italian. They drive hours just to have lunch here! There is no menu, the owner, Nino sits down at every table to discuss what to eat. They are known for seafood and use a traditional Istrian fireplace in the center of the restaurant to cook their dishes for all to see. You must try the fish cooked in a Peka with vegetables and crispy potatoes, pasta with scampi, Istrian shells and cold crab and seafood appetizer! We come here very often, and it may be my favorite restaurant in Istria!
20 lokalkjente anbefaler
Konoba Astarea
6 Ul. RonkoEvery weekend you will hear one language in this place and that is Italian. They drive hours just to have lunch here! There is no menu, the owner, Nino sits down at every table to discuss what to eat. They are known for seafood and use a traditional Istrian fireplace in the center of the restaurant to cook their dishes for all to see. You must try the fish cooked in a Peka with vegetables and crispy potatoes, pasta with scampi, Istrian shells and cold crab and seafood appetizer! We come here very often, and it may be my favorite restaurant in Istria!
This has one of the best sunset views of the old city of Porec. The terrace is located directly on the sea with about 8 tables (so make sure to call ahead and reserve). The menu changes daily, they focus on seasonal fresh ingredients and are known for their fish offerings and fine dining. Order the octopus carpaccio and the fish baked in salt!
28 lokalkjente anbefaler
Hrast
13 Ul. Nikole TesleThis has one of the best sunset views of the old city of Porec. The terrace is located directly on the sea with about 8 tables (so make sure to call ahead and reserve). The menu changes daily, they focus on seasonal fresh ingredients and are known for their fish offerings and fine dining. Order the octopus carpaccio and the fish baked in salt!
Best pizza, gelato, and cakes in Porec. Opened by an Italian, Fabio who moved here and married an Istrian.
10 lokalkjente anbefaler
Caffe Bar La Riva
3/d Obala Maršala TitaBest pizza, gelato, and cakes in Porec. Opened by an Italian, Fabio who moved here and married an Istrian.
The best homemade soups and vegan food in Porec! We come here for lunch almost daily (closes at 3 pm opens again at 6pm). We love the Hummus and freshly baked naan bread, the daily soup, the Hummus pizza, the bruschetta, and vegetable patties!
19 lokalkjente anbefaler
Artha
10 Ul. Jože ŠuranThe best homemade soups and vegan food in Porec! We come here for lunch almost daily (closes at 3 pm opens again at 6pm). We love the Hummus and freshly baked naan bread, the daily soup, the Hummus pizza, the bruschetta, and vegetable patties!
Our favorite restaurant in Novigrad has amazing seafood dishes that are not so typical. raw scampi, black risotto, fish cooked in salt all cooked to perfection. This is a family run restaurant the mom and dad wait tables and their son is the chef. They are Michelin recommended and on their way to a star.
8 lokalkjente anbefaler
Konoba Cok
2 Ul. Sv. AntonaOur favorite restaurant in Novigrad has amazing seafood dishes that are not so typical. raw scampi, black risotto, fish cooked in salt all cooked to perfection. This is a family run restaurant the mom and dad wait tables and their son is the chef. They are Michelin recommended and on their way to a star.
Istrian Sushi This is a fine dining experience. They have a set menu that changes often depending on what is fresh. All their raw seafood is from the Adriatic sea. The New York Times went last summer and include them in their article 36 hours in Istria.
21 lokalkjente anbefaler
Damir & Ornella
5 Zidine ul.Istrian Sushi This is a fine dining experience. They have a set menu that changes often depending on what is fresh. All their raw seafood is from the Adriatic sea. The New York Times went last summer and include them in their article 36 hours in Istria.
Astareas neighbor situated on top of a hill overlooking miles of vineyard touching the edge of the sea. This used to be an old hunters lodge that locals would come to eat the daily kill. They are known for their meat dishes and their truffle pasta. They keep a tiny menu that changes depending on what meat they have to serve. The sunset here is also incredible we highly recommend!
20 lokalkjente anbefaler
Konoba Morgan
1 BracanijaAstareas neighbor situated on top of a hill overlooking miles of vineyard touching the edge of the sea. This used to be an old hunters lodge that locals would come to eat the daily kill. They are known for their meat dishes and their truffle pasta. They keep a tiny menu that changes depending on what meat they have to serve. The sunset here is also incredible we highly recommend!
The ironic thing is that it is anything but an old basement. It has one of the most modern and beautiful interiors than any other restaurant in Istria. It has a beautiful enclosed glass box filled with plants that they call their garden. They are known for their meat dishes, truffle and prosciutto, and cheese.
42 lokalkjente anbefaler
Restoran konoba Stari Podrum
52 MostThe ironic thing is that it is anything but an old basement. It has one of the most modern and beautiful interiors than any other restaurant in Istria. It has a beautiful enclosed glass box filled with plants that they call their garden. They are known for their meat dishes, truffle and prosciutto, and cheese.
This place is known for food and has been for years. It is Michelin recommended and on its way to a star. They are fine dining but not in a snooty small portion way. Their take some risks with their menu that no other Istrian restaurants have dared to and it has not gone unnoticed. (Fun fact this is where we had our Istrian wedding being foodies and all )
This is also one of my favorite truffle pasta! They do it with large pieces of fish and its SOO good!
11 lokalkjente anbefaler
San Rocco
2 Srednja Ul.This place is known for food and has been for years. It is Michelin recommended and on its way to a star. They are fine dining but not in a snooty small portion way. Their take some risks with their menu that no other Istrian restaurants have dared to and it has not gone unnoticed. (Fun fact this is where we had our Istrian wedding being foodies and all )
This is also one of my favorite truffle pasta! They do it with large pieces of fish and its SOO good!
This place is special. It is a local Chef who decided to turn his home into a small restaurant. He was tired of cooking for other restaurants where he had little said about what was served on the menu so he opened his own place where he is the decides what is served and that he does with his daily changing menu. He has about 4 tables inside and 6 outside, where he allows you to dine in his private garden. This secret spot is by reservation only since the food is picked daily and harvested in the garden. The menu changes daily depending on the fresh produce available that day. It’s a special experience we recommend to anyone visiting Istria! There will be 5 courses that the chef believes represents traditional Istrian cuisine with his own special twist.
6 lokalkjente anbefaler
Toklarija
This place is special. It is a local Chef who decided to turn his home into a small restaurant. He was tired of cooking for other restaurants where he had little said about what was served on the menu so he opened his own place where he is the decides what is served and that he does with his daily changing menu. He has about 4 tables inside and 6 outside, where he allows you to dine in his private garden. This secret spot is by reservation only since the food is picked daily and harvested in the garden. The menu changes daily depending on the fresh produce available that day. It’s a special experience we recommend to anyone visiting Istria! There will be 5 courses that the chef believes represents traditional Istrian cuisine with his own special twist.
Restaurant by women. This place was started by a woman and for many years only women worked there. It has a beautiful cozy interior with a large fireplace in the center for cooking all the fish and meat. We eat here often everything made here is amazing.
46 lokalkjente anbefaler
Konoba Buščina
Restaurant by women. This place was started by a woman and for many years only women worked there. It has a beautiful cozy interior with a large fireplace in the center for cooking all the fish and meat. We eat here often everything made here is amazing.
My second favorite truffle restaurant. The atmosphere is nothing special, but boy do they know how to make pasta! Picture tiny old Istrian grandma hand-rolling every piece of fuzi (a type of Istrian pasta) OMG it's great.
Dolina
DolinaMy second favorite truffle restaurant. The atmosphere is nothing special, but boy do they know how to make pasta! Picture tiny old Istrian grandma hand-rolling every piece of fuzi (a type of Istrian pasta) OMG it's great.
Our favorite romantic spot in Rovinj. The seafood is incredible, and the sunset view is the BEST! This is a must when in Rovinj. Need a reservation well in advance since tourists have caught on the past few years. Order the warm octopus starter and tuna tartar (I love all the entrees:))
94 lokalkjente anbefaler
La Puntulina
38 Ul. Sv. KrižaOur favorite romantic spot in Rovinj. The seafood is incredible, and the sunset view is the BEST! This is a must when in Rovinj. Need a reservation well in advance since tourists have caught on the past few years. Order the warm octopus starter and tuna tartar (I love all the entrees:))
We come here as much as possible just because we are in love with the atmosphere. The food is a little on the pricy side but soooo good. You can do fish or meat here since they do both equally great! MUST try their deserts they are another level!
18 lokalkjente anbefaler
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
1 Stancija MeneghettiWe come here as much as possible just because we are in love with the atmosphere. The food is a little on the pricy side but soooo good. You can do fish or meat here since they do both equally great! MUST try their deserts they are another level!
Hotel La Grisa
Boutique Hotel located in Bale that has great seasonal menu
Amazing tuna tartar and Octopus. Situated on the water and is a more casual place to grab a bite than its sister restaurant La Puntulina.
44 lokalkjente anbefaler
Snack bar Rio
13 Obala Alda RismondaAmazing tuna tartar and Octopus. Situated on the water and is a more casual place to grab a bite than its sister restaurant La Puntulina.
This place is great if you want to try something other than Italian or Istrian food. They have delicious Asian fusion dishes! Great for lunch.
6 lokalkjente anbefaler
Chilli Fusion Streetfood
1 Ribarski trgThis place is great if you want to try something other than Italian or Istrian food. They have delicious Asian fusion dishes! Great for lunch.
Small konoba owned by San Rocco with no fuss great food cooked on a fire. They have amazing pizza and meat dishes.
6 lokalkjente anbefaler
Primizia
4 Ul. MarconiSmall konoba owned by San Rocco with no fuss great food cooked on a fire. They have amazing pizza and meat dishes.
Currently our favorite konoba in Istria! La Quercia is known for fresh fish, raw seafood, shellfish, and truffles. It is a must if you are a seafood and truffle lover!
Restaurant La Quercia
Currently our favorite konoba in Istria! La Quercia is known for fresh fish, raw seafood, shellfish, and truffles. It is a must if you are a seafood and truffle lover!
Located directly on the sea, it has one of the best sunset views of Rovinj. They have delicious pasta dishes!
24 lokalkjente anbefaler
Maestral Restaurant
Obala Vladimira NazoraLocated directly on the sea, it has one of the best sunset views of Rovinj. They have delicious pasta dishes!
More
Great seafood with reasonable prices.
One of the oldest restaurants and a local favorite for fish and shells. Everything is cooked in the traditional Istrian way over a big wood-burning fireplace.
49 lokalkjente anbefaler
Restoran “Trošt”
1 Obala Maršala TitaOne of the oldest restaurants and a local favorite for fish and shells. Everything is cooked in the traditional Istrian way over a big wood-burning fireplace.
Beach bar with a restaurant on the sea. Perfect spot to grab lunch and swim. They have an amazing sunset view. It's a great spot to have dinner on the sea. Need a reservation!
48 lokalkjente anbefaler
Casanova Beach Bar
Beach bar with a restaurant on the sea. Perfect spot to grab lunch and swim. They have an amazing sunset view. It's a great spot to have dinner on the sea. Need a reservation!
Marina Funtana
RibarskaDelicious seafood restaurant with reasonable prices located on the sea.
Restaurant La Parenzana
Beautiful konoba with typical Istrian food cooked on the fire.
Neighborhoods
Known for the 5th-century Basilica. It is a small sea town where we live. It has great nightlife, and beaches to enjoy.
409 lokalkjente anbefaler
Poreč
Known for the 5th-century Basilica. It is a small sea town where we live. It has great nightlife, and beaches to enjoy.
Is the gem of the Adriatic Sea. She is the prettiest and the most popular girl in school everyone wants to be her friend making her the most photographed city in Croatia. Get lost in the narrow windy streets and stumble into some local art galleries.
666 lokalkjente anbefaler
Rovinj
Is the gem of the Adriatic Sea. She is the prettiest and the most popular girl in school everyone wants to be her friend making her the most photographed city in Croatia. Get lost in the narrow windy streets and stumble into some local art galleries.
A sleepy seaside fisherman town that is great for wandering and eating. It is near some of the best restaurants in Istria and has a perfect cocktail bar directly on the sea called Amore.
101 lokalkjente anbefaler
Novigrad
A sleepy seaside fisherman town that is great for wandering and eating. It is near some of the best restaurants in Istria and has a perfect cocktail bar directly on the sea called Amore.
Truffleland. It is a medieval hilltop city known for the surrounding forests that are full of truffles. It is beautiful to walk around the old city walls and take in the views while sipping on some local Istrian wine.
599 lokalkjente anbefaler
Motovun
Truffleland. It is a medieval hilltop city known for the surrounding forests that are full of truffles. It is beautiful to walk around the old city walls and take in the views while sipping on some local Istrian wine.
The city of Artists. This is our favorite hilltop city. It was infected with the plague and completely vacant for many decades until the Croatian Government offered grants for local artists to live in the city and open galleries. Today it is full of art galleries where you can find handmade local gems. Walk around the incredible stone buildings covered with lush vines and flowers.
440 lokalkjente anbefaler
Grožnjan
The city of Artists. This is our favorite hilltop city. It was infected with the plague and completely vacant for many decades until the Croatian Government offered grants for local artists to live in the city and open galleries. Today it is full of art galleries where you can find handmade local gems. Walk around the incredible stone buildings covered with lush vines and flowers.