Istrian cuisine

Restaurants

What is so special about Istrian cuisine? The reasons are manifold. To begin with, it is rich in excellent fish, seafood and seasonal fruits; secondly, it is a unique blend of the inland and coast; the inevitable use of olive oil, and excellent wine varieties. Istrian cuisine is praised by world- renowned gourmets and it is often a matter of discussion in television shows worldwide. Let your taste buds get carried away with the seasonal delicacies you can try during your stay in one of the many local restaurants and taverns.

Fish and Seafood

Sea cleanliness, high salinity and oxygen levels, result in a high demand of freshly caught fish and seafood in restaurants and taverns in this region. Namely, fishing has always been an integral part of Istrian life.

World famous chefs about Istrian cuisine

Many world-renowned chefs are delighted with delicacies of Istrian cuisine. Our cuisine is often a topic of cooking television shows and Internet blogs. Istrian cuisine is well balanced and is a synonym of a healthy diet.

Istrian dry-cured ham (prosciutto)

Cold dishes, like local cheeses, dry-cured Istrian ham and bull salami, which is a sort of indigenous Istrian cattle, are Istrian specialties. Istrian dry-cured ham is a moderately salty aromatic delicacy, seasoned with special spices and dried in the cold wind (bura). It is a typical product of the highest quality that bares the designation of origin for it does not contain any health hazardous additives. Since it is not smoked, it does not contain any hazardous ingredients. It has a particular flavour and smell due to the mixture of natural spices, pepper, bay leaves, rosemary and garlic. Pair it with exquisite Istrian wines, relax and enjoy your meal.

Istrian wines

Reflecting the diversity of Istrian climate and soil, Istrian wines make part of the Istrian identity. The best known wine variety in Istria is Istrian Malvasia, followed by Teran, sweet Istrian Muscat, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Go for an adventure through indigenous Istria; take a wine road, visit wine cellars where you can taste various types of wine. As an appetizer, you must try Istrian honey brandy, a traditional drink made of local honey and brandy.

Olive oil

Olive oil is a symbol of the Mediterranean, a gastronomic delight and extremely valuable source of fat, also used as a medicine and a body care product. Since ancient times, the world's best olive oil types have been produced in Istria. Search for olive oil roads and have a taste of the unique bitter taste of so called buža, istarska bjelica, črnica and other local varieties.

Food delights under the bell

Our ancestors used to prepare food under the bell since ancient times, whether fish, meat or bread on open fire, in an iron or a clay pot. This form of traditional food preparation has been preserved to date and represents the very best cooking method used in Istrian cuisine. Octopus, sea bream, lamb or veal prepared under the bell with a side dish. You name it, and enjoy your meal!

Truffles

Istria’s gourmet kitchen would be unthinkable without the potato shaped mushrooms (truffles) that grow underground. Istria is particularly known for white truffles that grow in a shady forest, at the foot of Motovun. Truffles, especially white, have a special smell and a precious, special taste. You simply must try Istrian pasta (so called fuži or pljukanci) with truffles, fish with white truffles, steak with grated truffles or excellent chocolate cakes with olive oil and truffles.