Thanks to its location and numerous facilities, Istria is attractive to many domestic and foreign visitors throughout the year. Istria, the large peninsula of Croatia, has dense green forests, a clear blue sea and tasty delicacies known as Istrian specialties. Istrian wines are one of the highest quality wines in Croatia, and the famous Pljukanci pasta are an indispensable part of the Istrian region. Rural and green Istria, in addition to its location and numerous sights, attracts guests for its gastronomy and luxurious specialties. Istria is a well-known destination and is being written about more and more in the foreign media, which is of great importance for the whole of Croatia. The combination of the sea and the continental part mirrors itself in the combination of various mixed flavors that are expressed in the food itself. Istria is accessible to all guests, and a family vacation with wonderful restaurants and surroundings will be an unforgettable experience.
The interior of Istria has authentic taverns and wine cellars, and dishes such as veal pod čripnje, ombolo, Istrian sausages, fuži and gnocchi are well-known delicacies of the Istrian region. Delicious food with the best wines will contribute to your relaxed mood. The specialty of Istria are the Istrian honey points, which begin in April when beekeepers collect fruit honey. On the honey roads, you will get to know the world of hardworking bees, and an additional tour of the wine roads and olive oils will complete your experience with a magical atmosphere. Istria is famous for olives and premium olive oil, and you can see olive groves and huge plantations in almost every Istrian town. The Istrian peninsula is characterized by sheep's, cow's and goat's cheese, and with a glass of wine comes an excellent and unrecognizable taste that will win you over immediately.
Well-known varieties of Istrian wines such as Istrian Malvasia, Muscat or Teran bring a special magic precisely because of their drinkability. Get in the mood with a frittata with asparagus, ombolo or maneštra with sweetcorn and fall in love with the wonderful flavors. The view of the beautiful hills, the smell of nature and the taste of the finest dishes will delight every lover of mouth-watering delicacies. Organize get-togethers with a picnic and a tour of famous restaurants, which we bring you below:
• The most famous restaurant is certainly Monte in Rovinj, which is listed among the 30 best European restaurants. Monte is the first Croatian restaurant to receive a Michelin star. It stands out for its top wines, delicacies and decorations that beautify your plate.
• The most famous restaurant in Bale, Meneghetti is a combination of modern and healthy food, and the wonderful atmosphere in nature in the fresh air attracts many guests even more. Taste delicious wines in the winery, where you can also buy various souvenirs, and the dishes on the menu will delight you at first glance.
• Damir & Ornela is a famous Istrian restaurant in Novigrad, listed among the 1000 best restaurants in the world. Enjoy the sea air and taste the best dishes and drinking wines. Complement shellfish, prawn and seafood specialties with a delicious dessert such as homemade ice cream with olive oil that will enchant you.
• Restaurant Zigante in Livade is ideal for tasting homemade pasta with truffles and truffle ice cream that will be a truly unforgettable experience. After the tasting, take a walk around the area and explore the nature and charms of Istria.
• Located in the small town of Brtonigla, the restaurant Morgan delights many guests with its specialties. Try the most delicious Istrian prosciutto or sheep's cheese, homemade ravioli or stuffed pasta, and at the end refresh yourself with a delicious sparkling wine offered by the restaurant.
• The luxurious restaurant Rio in the center of Rovinj on the waterfront is ideal for tasting prawn risotto, local Malvasia vine or local fish, and on summer days the restaurant is ideal for enjoying morning coffee with a view of the sea.
• The tavern Rondo in Buje is an excellent choice for those sensitive to gluten who will enjoy special delicacies, and the famous winemaking tradition of the Franković family in Buje has instilled a love and passion for wines that you will also like. Enjoy delicious food and Franković wines and collect wonderful memories
Istria is known for numerous food and drink festivals, the most famous of it being Vinistra in Poreč, which is the center of the wine world. At the festival, you can taste many wines, get to know various new wines that are about to go on sale, and meet many winemakers who are happy to appear at such events. Organize your stay in Istria and attend the Open Days of Istrian cellars, which take place mostly in May every year, and will help you get to know local wines and learn new things. Istria is famous in the world of viticulture, and we recommend a visit to the famous Kozlović winery, which is visited by visitors from all over the world. Winery Kozlović has been producing wine since 1904. Today, the winery contains one of the most modern wine cellars in the region with more than 30 hectares of its own plantations. The location of the winery is in Momjan, and apart from the winery itself, the beautiful nature and greenery surrounding the Kozlović winery is an ideal place for tasting wine and relaxing from your everyday life. Get to know beautiful Momjan, the Kozlović winery and book the beautiful Villa Torrecorta in Grožnjan, which will complete your unforgettable vacation in Istria.
Istria stands out the most for its truffles, which we describe as a special and expensive delicacy. The precious mushroom grows in Istrian soil and is a real delicacy, and the Istrian white truffle is even one of the most valued in the world. The truffle was discovered by the ancient Romans before the 18th century. During the reign of Venice, individuals were allowed to hunt for truffles in the Motovun forest. The truffle is called the pinnacle of gastronomy, and the interesting thing is that we can find it with the help of trained dogs. The Istrian town of Livade bears the title of Center of the World of Truffles, and is located on the edge of the Motovun forest. Numerous events and fairs are held every year, the most significant of which are the Zigante Truffle Days, which bring together many producers of Istrian products. Visit the enchanting Villa Cinema in Motovun and combine delicious tastings with a wonderful stay in the villa.