From traditional to fine dining – best Croatian restaurants named
- by croatiaweek
- in Food & Wine
The best restaurants and chefs in Croatia for 2024 were honoured last night at the Dobri Restorani awards in Zagreb.
Now in its 13th year, the event is organised by Croatia’s leading daily newspaper, Jutarnji List, and the Dobra hrana magazine, with the Croatian National Tourist Board as the main sponsor this year.
Awards were presented across four categories: traditional restaurant, creative urban cuisine restaurant, fine dining, and high-end hotel restaurant.
Additionally, prizes were given for Chef of the Year, the “Andrej Barbieri” award for the best up-and-coming young chef, and an award for the Wine List of the Year.
In the traditional restaurant category, the finalists were Mala Hiža from Mačkovec, Morgan Restaurant & Villa from Brtonigla, and Restoran Rivica from Njivice. Rivica, a renowned establishment combining tradition, top-quality ingredients, and passion for over 90 years, took the top prize.
According to the jury, Rivica is an excellent example of how a “simple seaside restaurant” can go beyond the ordinary. They excel through attentive service, recommending the freshest items of the day and preparing them to perfection, and they are consistent in promoting local ingredients, even when it comes to their wine list.
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In the creative urban cuisine category, the top three spots went to Bekal in Zagreb, Visiani Bistro & Bar in Šibenik, and Konoba Zijavica in Mošćenička Draga.
These restaurants combine traditional flavours with creative, modern twists, using local ingredients to craft true culinary masterpieces. Konoba Zijavica, led by the husband-and-wife team of Stiven and Tea Vunić, once again claimed victory.
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In the high-end hotel restaurant category, the finalists were 7 Seas Restaurant & Bar by Matija Bogdan, Matsunoki from Mali Lošinj, and Cap Aureo Signature Restaurant from Rovinj, with Cap Aureo emerging as the winner.
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Located in the Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, dining at Cap Aureo is a remarkable and exciting experience. The attention to detail is evident not only in the beautifully crafted plates but also in the careful consideration of seasonality and local sourcing. Guests are made to feel pampered and exclusive, Dobra hrana said.
The fine dining category was, once again, the toughest for the jury this year. In recent years, so many outstanding restaurants have emerged that choosing just one was a challenging task.
The finalists included Konoba Boba from Murter, Nav in Zagreb, and Restoran Korak, led by Bernard Korak, which earned a Michelin star last year.
The award went to Restoran Korak, located in a beautiful setting alongside a well-known winery on their family estate in Plešivica.
(Photo: Korak)
Their culinary approach is deeply rooted in the seasons, with the chef drawing inspiration from local traditions and turning them into high-end, emotionally resonant creations. Bernard Korak accepted the award for the exquisite menu, exceptional wine list, and impeccable service.
The Chef of the Year award, chosen by the Dobra Hrana jury, went to Tvrtko Šakota of Nav.
Pelegrini (Photo: Pelegrini)
This year, a special award was also presented to the restaurant with the best wine list and dedication to wine culture. The Wine List of the Year award went to Pelegrini, led by Chef Rudolf Štefan, with sommelier Branimir Vukšić.
