Why a popular Croatian restaurant has removed octopus from the menu
- by croatiaweek
- in Food & Wine
The popular restaurant Corto Maltese, nestled in the heart of Split’s old town, has announced a significant change to its menu: octopus will no longer be served.
The decision, driven by noble reasons, reflects the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and the health of the Adriatic Sea, Morski.hr said.
Below is the restaurant’s full message it shared with customers this week:
Dear Guests and Friends,
Octopuses play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the Adriatic Sea by controlling the population of invasive marine species and ensuring the health of our marine ecosystem.
With this in mind, we have decided to support the improvement of the Adriatic ecosystem by removing octopus from our restaurant menu.
It was Corto himself—an experienced sailor and philanthropist—who reminded us that these fascinating sea creatures are not only highly intelligent but also extraordinary marine inhabitants.
This decision reinforces our belief in a sustainable future and inspires new opportunities for creativity in Corto’s freestyle kitchen.
P.S. We will incorporate invasive species into our menu as soon as suppliers can guarantee a consistent supply.
Thank you for your understanding.
The news was met with positive feedback from fans of the restaurant with many people supporting the move.