Must-see restaurants in Istria's West Coast

  • Marina

    Istria's West Coast

    Both situated by and helmed by a Marina (hot-shot chef Marina Gaši), this inventive restaurant serves seafood dishes that manage to be both playful and…

  • Konoba Batelina

    Pula

    This family-run tavern is well worth a trek to Banjole, 6km south of central Pula. It only serves seafood, and it's some of the best, most creative and…

  • Konoba Daniela

    Poreč

    In the sweet little village of Veleniki, 5km east of Poreč, this rustic, family-run tavern is known for its steak tartare, huge beefsteaks, ravioli…

  • Sv. Nikola

    Poreč

    Gazing out towards the island of the same name, St Nick's is the swankiest restaurant on the waterfront strip but it's not remotely snooty – the service…

  • Farabuto

    Pula

    It's worth a trek to this nondescript residential area, about 1.5km southwest of the centre, for stylish decor, but more importantly, finely executed…

  • Milan

    Pula

    An upmarket vibe, seasonal specialities, clued-up sommeliers and an olive-oil expert make this hotel restaurant, in an oddly dingy part of town, one of…

  • Pizzeria Da Sergio

    Rovinj

    It's worth waiting in line to get a table at this old-fashioned, two-floor pizzeria. It dishes out Rovinj's best thin-crust pizza, with a huge range of…

  • Vodnjanka

    Istria's West Coast

    This excellent regional restaurant offers personable service and delicious food in several rustic rooms. Specialities include fuži (homemade egg pasta)…

  • Monte

    Rovinj

    The first restaurant in Croatia to be awarded a Michelin star, Monte offers a choice of three differently themed six-course Modern Istrian menus (one…

  • Vodnjanka

    Pula

    Locals swear by the real-deal home cooking at this no-frills spot. It’s cheap, casual and cash-only, and there's a reassuringly brief menu that focuses on…

  • Artha Bistro

    Poreč

    Vegetarians, vegans and broad-minded omnivores will be spoilt for choice at this meat-free restaurant, tucked away on a side street near the main square…

  • Puntulina

    Rovinj

    For an added burst of romance, book ahead at this family-run restaurant and request a table on one of the rocky terraces clinging to the cliffs circling…

  • Nono

    Poreč

    Be warned – the wheels of pizza here are supersized and one is enough for two, especially if you order a salad to go with it. Some of the creations are…

  • Barba Danilo

    Rovinj

    The last place you might expect to find one of Rovinj's best restaurants is on a campsite 3.5km from the centre. Only a handful of choices are offered on…

  • Bookeria

    Rovinj

    With little flower-adorned tables spilling onto the square, this sweet little cafe is a favourite Rovinj breakfast spot. Options include eggs, toast,…

  • Damir & Ornella

    Istria's West Coast

    One of Istria’s best restaurants, this 28-seat tavern – located down an unlikely lane near the harbour in Novigrad – is famous for its twitchingly fresh,…

  • Konoba Rustica

    Istria's West Coast

    Located 5km out of Umag on the road towards the Slovenian border, this much-lauded tavern serves the best thin-crust pizza, pastas and dry-aged steaks in…

  • Corso

    Pula

    The upstairs dining room of this popular cafe-bar serves tacos, pork ribs, stir fries and spring rolls – but it's included here on the strength of its…

  • Burgerija

    Poreč

    Loud rock music fills this bright little joint, where a dozen different meaty burgers are served, and one vegetarian one, with local craft beer to wash it…

  • Grota

    Rovinj

    Right by the green market, this tiny place is a great spot for coffee, sandwiches and people-watching. Or come back after the beach for a glass of wine…

  • Fresh

    Pula

    Best for a quick and wholesome bite, this tiny sandwich-and-salad bar serves sandwiches, toasted panini, tortillas and extremely fresh-looking salads. If…

  • Kamene Priče

    Istria's West Coast

    Enjoy the whimsical decor of this artsy oasis while tucking into dishes brimming with seasonal and local ingredients, named after jazz greats. If you're…

  • Maestral

    Rovinj

    Grab an alfresco table at this tavern on the water's edge for simple food and great views of the old town; it's a wonderful place to watch the sunset. If…

  • Gourmet

    Poreč

    Comforting Italian concoctions come in all shapes and forms here – penne, tagliatelle, fusilli, gnocchi and so on. There are also pizzas from a wood-fired…

  • Konoba Aba

    Poreč

    For the best seafood in Poreč, head down the narrow alleyway to find this small place that specialises in local seafood, risottos and truffle dishes. The…

  • Konoba Ulixes

    Poreč

    Tucked away just off the main street, this lovely tavern serves great fish and shellfish dishes in a cosy setting. The food is usually spot on but some…

  • Kantinon

    Rovinj

    Located right on the harbourside, this excellent restaurant is headed up by a stellar team. The food is as local and fresh as it gets, with lots of…

  • Konoba Bruna

    Rovinj

    A 4km taxi ride out of town, this family-run, summer-only tavern serves seasonal dishes using its own veggies, fish and meat, including peka dishes (baked…

  • Konoba Lorenzo

    Istria's West Coast

    Situated just back from the marina, a 20-minute walk north of the old town, this relaxed restaurant crafts delicious dishes using local ingredients…

  • Restoran Peterokutna Kula

    Poreč

    Inside the medieval Pentagonal Tower, this upmarket restaurant has two alfresco patios in a stone vault, and a roof terrace with great views. It serves a…

  • Konoba Ćakula

    Poreč

    This tavern does interesting cold appetisers and solid mains. Try the fish platter for two, which contains only freshly caught ingredients. It's also a…

  • Ulika

    Rovinj

    Tucked away in an old-town alleyway, this small, pretty tavern serves well-prepared if pricey Mediterranean fare. If it isn't in season, you probably won…

  • Fish-Food More

    Pula

    This simple seafood joint in a residential area buzzes with locals at lunchtime, who come for fresh fish dishes. The marinated sardines are to die for…

  • Viking

    Istria's West Coast

    This waterside restaurant serves superbly fresh shellfish, right from the source. Enjoy oysters, scallops and mussels, or fish (priced by the kilogram) on…

  • Veli Jože

    Rovinj

    Graze on good Istrian standards, either in the eclectic interior crammed with marine knick-knacks or at the clutch of outdoor tables with water views.

  • Jupiter

    Pula

    Respectable Croatian thin-crust pizzas and decent pasta dishes served on an upstairs terrace.

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