Rovinj: A Culinary Journey Through Istria
If you’re seeking one of Croatia’s most exciting culinary destinations, Istria is a region you simply must explore. Istria truly offers everything food and drink enthusiasts look for, from traditional taverns to fine dining establishments run by top chefs, all featuring high-quality ingredients.
The Scarello family, owners of the Agli Amici Udine restaurant, partnered with Maistra to open Agli Amici Rovinj, the only restaurant in Croatia awarded two prestigious Michelin stars. Agli Amici restaurant can be found on the Lungomare Plaza promenade, beneath the Grand Park Hotel Rovinj. Here, guests can savour beautifully crafted Italian dishes inspired by local and seasonal ingredients. The tasting menus – showcasing Scarello’s distinctive style – place a strong emphasis on exceptional Istrian products and producers, as chef Scarello himself explains.
“As soon as we arrived, we began exploring the region to better understand local ingredients and integrate them into our cuisine. We also met a wonderful farmer who grows vegetables on land overlooking both the sea and Rovinj. Other suppliers provided us with olive oil – among the best in the world – as well as lamb and artisanal cheeses. This inspired us to develop two approaches: one having a strong focus on the sea and freshly caught seafood, and the other on land produce,” explains chef Scarello, whose vision has been awarded two Michelin stars.
Even if Rovinj had nothing but Agli Amici, it would have much to offer. However, there’s Cap Aureo, located on the fifth floor of the Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, which has been featured in the Michelin Guide for two consecutive years. With a focus on vegetables, the menu at Cap Aureo changes every three weeks, as chef Jeffrey Vella prioritises seasonality and respect for local traditions.
“Most of our products are proudly sourced from Istria. If it’s not Istrian, it mostly comes from other parts of Croatia, and if it’s imported, such as rice or Parmesan cheese, we import it from neighbouring countries. So all our products, more or less, align with the vision of only using locally sourced foods,” explains Chef Vella.
Cap Aureo has embraced a deep appreciation for gourmet tradition, paying homage to the many details uncovered along the way, including some of the forgotten methods for preparing food. “We strive to blend tradition with a subtle modern touch while keeping the process as local as possible,” says Chef Vella, and proudly notes that Cap Aureo’s approach is currently unique in Istria and the broader region. You can learn more about the restaurant’s gastronomic vision, as well as Istria and its local producers, in the Taste of Istria monograph. Available at the restaurant, it also makes a perfect souvenir. A pocket edition of the book is also available online on Amazon.
If you’re unable to secure a reservation at either of these two restaurants, consider trying Mediterraneo, which offers an innovative blend of Mediterranean and Croatian cuisines. The tasting dinner menus feature three, five, or seven courses, all thoughtfully crafted with seasonal and local ingredients, sending guests on a true culinary adventure.
We also offer a more relaxed option, such as the Adriatic Brasserie, which serves breakfast and classic lunch and dinner in the traditional style of a French brasserie. The Adriatic Brasserie is also known for having one of the largest whiskey selections in Croatia, making it a must-visit destination.
Tekka by Lone introduces the flavours of the Far East to the Croatian west coast. This restaurant is renowned for its excellent sushi and other Asian specialities, which can be enjoyed in a sleek, modern interior or in one of Rovinj’s most beautiful gardens. Laurel & Berry offers a similarly inviting atmosphere. At this restaurant, you can enjoy traditional Istrian and Mediterranean dishes. We recommend trying the handmade fuži pasta with truffles and the Adriatic prawn risotto – all while taking in the stunning view of the Rovinj marina. Speaking of scenic spots, we can’t overlook the Lovor Lounge & Beach, located within the protected Golden Cape forest park. After a refreshing swim, you can enjoy a wide selection of wines and cocktails, perfectly accompanied by delicious salads, pasta dishes, and seafood.
Traditionalists can visit the Kantinon Tavern offering a view of the Church of St Euphemia, located right in the very heart of Rovinj. Here, you can sample authentic local dishes that aren’t available anywhere else in Rovinj. The Wine Vault Restaurant – Levante Edition provides a similarly unique experience, blending oriental spices with local ingredients, along with an extensive selection of sparkling wines and cocktails.
And the cherry on top is the latest global culinary trend: cooking over an open fire. Start your open-fire journey at Primi Terreni Restaurant & Deli. Here, again, emphasis is placed on organic ingredients and top-quality steaks and fish specialities, all cooked over an open flame. Special tip: Take a detailed look at the wine list, as it features a selection of outstanding Istrian wines.
Holidays in Rovinj
The Grand Park Hotel Rovinj provides a holiday experience that comes to life. It is harmoniously situated on Rovinj’s eastern shore, offering remarkable vistas of its old town and a revitalising wellness & spa experience. The Grand Park hides many small pleasures. Take time to discover them. The fragrances and flavours of Istria can be experienced at the Albaro Wellness & Spa, as well as at seven restaurants and bars, including Michelin-recommended Cap Aureo and the two-Michelin-starred Agli Amici Rovinj.
Combining a unique and functional design over six floors, located by the sea and the centuries-old Golden Cape forest park, this hotel is a year-round leisure and business destination. Just like a contemporary art museum, every detail of the Hotel Lone, awakens your desire to explore.
Enjoy the carefully curated cuisine in one of three high-end restaurants, soak up the sun at the Beach Club with a refreshing cocktail in your hand or simply relax in our boutique wellness and spa designed to offer you pampering for the body and relaxation for the mind. Monte Mulini, an adults-only experience that will revitalise you in true hedonistic fashion.
This chic boutique hotel is located in Rovinj’s historic centre and is entirely inspired by art. Every part of the hotel is decorated with art by Croatian artists made exclusively for the hotel. And if you feel inspired to create a piece of your own, the view of Rovinj’s rooftops from your room is an excellent motif with which to start.
A unique hotel with a charming atmosphere located in Lone Bay, in the shade of the fragrant Golden Cape forest park. With first-class service and a long tradition of individual approach to every guest, you can relax to the fullest with our Mediterranean beauty treatments and fragrances of Istria at our wellness and spa centre or stay active by playing tennis, swimming or cycling.
The Island Hotel Istra, located on the island of St Andrew, has everything you need for a relaxing holiday: miles of beaches and promenades, a swimming pool complex, and a Wellness & Spa oasis with a Mediterranean garden. La Serra Restaurant, Anno Domini 547, located in the same building which was once Baron Hütterott’s summer residence, offers a modern take on traditional Mediterranean specialities.
Enjoying sweeping views of the sea and the islands of the Rovinj archipelago from our modern suites, followed by breakfast in a historic villa – can you think of a better way to start your day? To top it off, treat yourself with a visit to Island Wellness & Spa for maximum relaxation. With miles of promenades and beaches as well as restaurants and bars, this is one place you will want to come back and visit again.
You will find endless opportunities for exploration and fun as soon as you set foot in the most modern family hotel in Croatia and your children see the big blue climbing net and immediately embark on an adventure. The Family Hotel Amarin is located on a green peninsula in a Mediterranean park with playgrounds for outdoor entertainment. Most of the 280 rooms offer great views of the sea or the town of Rovinj. Explore the beaches around the hotel, check out the fun and educational programmes of the unique Amarin Kids Club, and try the spa treatments for children and adults.
The Island of St Catherine and the eponymous hotel (Katarina), located in a historic building that was once the summer villa of Count Milewski, are located only five minutes by boat from Rovinj. No cars, no traffic, no crowds – surrounded by beautifully landscaped parks filled with Mediterranean vegetation, spoil yourself with relaxing walks, exploring the island’s natural beaches and hidden coves. Enjoy the serenity of the hotel’s retro rooms and suites with a view of the sea or the charming Rovinj Old Town.
A favourite destination for families with children, surrounded by vegetation and near the sea, with an unforgettable view of the old town of Rovinj. The spacious apartments and rooms with balconies provide you with plenty of peace and privacy. When you decide to swap relaxation for fun activities, you will be delighted by our many sports and entertainment options, all-day entertainment programmes for all ages, and numerous restaurants and bars.
Villas Rubin Resort is located on the protected Rovinj coastline overlooking the islands. In addition to cycling and hiking trails, numerous sports and entertainment activities, and swimming pools with slides, there are a large number of natural pebble and rocky beaches. You can choose from a variety of restaurants and bars in the charming woodland overlooking the sea.
Visit the campsite situated in a peaceful bay with the most beautiful pebbled beach, just five kilometres from Rovinj. Choose from well-equipped pitches up to 140 sq. metres in size and comfortable mobile homes with a terrace. Alongside diving, an aqua park and an array of water sports, the campsite also offers a large swimming pool complex and a spray park. The attractive locations by the beach and the pools feature restaurants and bars serving local specialities and your favourite beverages.
Maistra’s largest campsite, Polari, is located in a serene bay near the town of Rovinj, where you can wake up surrounded by the sea, centuries-old olive trees, rows of cypresses and a fragrant pine forest. The campsite features numerous sports and entertainment activities for the whole family, a large pool complex and spray park, natural beaches, and bars and restaurants for quick refreshments during the day, or dinner savouring the local specialities. Rovinj is only 3.5 km away and can be reached by bike or on foot along the coastal cycling and walking trail.
Camp at this top-quality resort with natural beaches in the shade of fragrant pine trees overlooking Rovinj, and enjoy all the amenities on offer. Choose from spacious pitches with electricity, water and drainage hook-ups, comfortable mobile homes with private terraces, and 20 glamping tents. There are also three outdoor swimming pools by the sea, and restaurants and bars for refreshments. A fantastic entertainment programme for children and teenagers, as well as an excellent choice of sports on land and water, will make your holiday at this campsite fulfilling and revitalising.
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