While Italy is known for la dolce vita, everything needed for a taste of the sweet life is also on offer in Istria. In fact, this is one of the places that many Italians choose to head to for vacation themselves, which is certainly saying something!
Boasting a gorgeous coastline, pretty towns, a rich history, lush inland areas that produce delicious and bountiful harvests, stunning scenery, Roman ruins, and much more besides, a villa in Istria means enjoying a getaway in magical surroundings with all of the ingredients necessary for a perfect break.
Of course, there’s no such thing as la dolce vita without one key component: great food. And while there is an endless selection of wonderful things and places to eat all throughout the region, the foodies among you may be wondering about the most special and indulgent options. Istria boasts a selection of restaurants that have been highlighted by Michelin and a few that have been awarded the Bib Gourmand but only two have been awarded Michelin stars. If you book a vacation rental in Istria and you’re serious about your dining experiences, these are the places that you won’t want to miss!
Monte is located in Rovinj, next to the Church of St Euphemia, in head chef Danijel Đekić’s home and is a family-run eatery that has been in business since the 80s and was originally a traditional taverna. Boasting one Michelin star, Monte is now one of the finest dining establishments in all of Croatia and has an excellent wine list to pair with dishes inspired by local traditions and given a modern twist of innovation. There are four ways to dine: choose a combination of three or four courses from the main menus; choose the red menu inspired by lobster and featuring lots of lobster as well as other seafood dishes; choose the green menu made up of vegetable dishes; or choose the blue menu largely made up of fish and seafood dishes. Each of the main menus has six courses plus an intro and finale and wine pairings can be offered.
Then there is the only restaurant in all of Croatia that has been awarded two Michelin stars in 2024, Agli Amici Rovinj, also found in Rovinj. Located in a gorgeous building on the seafront promenade in the marina, this restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star within a year of opening and is helmed by chef Simone De Lucca in conjunction with Emanuele Scarello from the Agli Amici in Udine, which also has two Michelin stars. Another string to their bow is award-winning sommelier Kristijan Harjač who will guide guests through an amazing offering of excellent Croatian wines to pair with one of two menus: the Rovinj or the Istria. The Rovinj menu is dedicated to seafood dishes while the Istria is meat-based and you can also order three or four course options à la carte. In the most peaceful and beautiful setting, this gem offers a perfect dining experience for those spending time in this surprisingly foodie destination.
So, be sure to check out our range of stunning holiday rentals in Istria and come enjoy the beauty of this part of the world, the amazing seaside resorts along a lovely coastline, the pretty little towns, the ancient ruins, and the astounding places to eat and drink that will keep any foodies in the party happy. Sample incredibly fresh and tasty seafood delights in little traditional taverns, go wine-tasting at one of the brilliant wineries inland, shop for wonderful produce at local markets, and, if you’re really interested in treating yourself and your tastebuds, hit up one of the region’s two gems that boast Michelin stars.