Croatian restaurants awarded MICHELIN accolades for 2023

Michelin winners (Photo: METRO)

On Tuesday, June 27th, at Lauba in Zagreb, METRO, the partner of MICHELIN in Croatia, officially presented the prestigious MICHELIN awards to Croatian restaurants included in the 2023 guide.

In the new MICHELIN selection, all ten previous restaurants maintained their star status, and Croatia gained another restaurant with the prestigious Michelin star – Restaurant Korak in Jastrebarsko. Restaurant Korak also became the recipient of the MICHELIN Green Star, joining the three restaurants that currently hold this distinction.

Restaurant Korak team (Photo: METRO)

The Bib Gourmand list welcomed three new restaurants: Bugenvila in Cavtat, Taj Mahal in Dubrovnik, and Beštija in Zagreb. Additionally, nine new restaurants received recommendations from this esteemed gastronomic guide.

(Photo: METRO)

“We are delighted that year after year, the MICHELIN awards confirm the growing quality of Croatian hospitality. As a long-standing partner of MICHELIN and Croatian restaurateurs, we are particularly pleased that 13 new Croatian restaurants have been included in the guide, including one new star. Three restaurants have also become recipients of the Green Star, which is awarded to those who have made significant progress in sustainability. The use of local and seasonal ingredients is undoubtedly a step in that direction, with METRO providing significant support by connecting restaurants directly with Croatian producers. Congratulations to all Croatian restaurants and chefs who, through their skill and dedication to providing exceptional experiences for their guests, have confirmed and maintained their place in the guide,” stated Imre Horváth, CEO of METRO Croatia.

Imre Horváth (Photo: METRO)

The ceremony also introduced the METRO Junior Top Chef project, aimed at empowering the culinary profession in Croatia and providing future chefs with the opportunity to learn about new trends in gastronomy and culinary arts.

The project is based on a competition for students from regional centers of excellence in tourism and hospitality, with the winner receiving education in prestigious international culinary schools. Alejandro Serrano, the youngest chef with a MICHELIN star, Olivier Bellin, the award-winning French chef from L’Auberge des Glazicks with two Michelin stars, and Mika Alix, an honorary member of the French Culinary Academy, will participate in the project.

(Photo: METRO)

These internationally renowned chefs, with the assistance of students from the Zabok High School – Regional Center of Excellence, showcased what it takes for a dish to shine with MICHELIN brilliance.

Zabok High School (Photo: METRO)

Zabok High School (Photo: METRO)

The MICHELIN Golden Plaque Challenge was also introduced, a creative initiative through which MICHELIN aims to encourage engagement and increase the visibility of restaurateurs on social media platforms, in order to attract even more guests and strengthen their connection with MICHELIN. The expert jury from MICHELIN will select the most creative photograph with a MICHELIN accolade and the best group photograph of chefs and their collaborators.

Igor Kotaran (Photo: METRO)

METRO is a long-standing partner of the MICHELIN guide, which serves as an international reference for fine dining. Through this collaboration, METRO aims to further emphasize its commitment to the hospitality and hotel sector and provide the professional support it needs and deserves. The complete list of restaurants included in the MICHELIN guide for 2023 can be found at the following link HERE.