Istria Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Istria - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. Barba Danilo

    $$

    Don’t let this restaurant’s location in a campsite outside of town fool you: this fine-dining seafood restaurant is by far the best restaurant in Rovinj, and possibly in all of Istria. Forget the standard starter-main-dessert kind of meal and instead indulge in a variety of innovative cold and warm appetizers made with the freshest local ingredients. Desserts are as imaginative and fabulous as the rest. The friendly owners are clearly proud of their food.

    Polari 5, Rovinj, Istarska, 52210, Croatia
    052-830–002

    Known For

    • Upscale dining experience
    • Imaginative dishes
    • A variety of cold and warm seafood starters

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Nov.–Apr.
  • 2. Bookeria

    $$

    Inventive Mediterranean food is served in an eye-catching, whimsically decorated garden dropped right on the stone square. You may not be seated on the sea but you'll feel the vibrant holiday vibe flowing from the minute you arrive. Grab some pancakes and pancetta for breakfast; at lunch order one of the popular burgers, from veggie to fish to beef tartufi (black truffle), all paired with a San Servolo pale ale. For dinner, try any of their fresh fish or seafood specialties, like the shared seafood platter with grilled tuna steaks, whole oven-roasted branzino, and pan-fried squid.

    Trg G. Pignaton 7, 52210, Croatia
    052-817–399

    Known For

    • Juicy burgers
    • Hipster vibe and whimsical decor
    • Friendly service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Oct.–Apr.
  • 3. Monte

    $$$$

    Dinner here promises upscale, out-of-this-world, creatively presented Italian-Istrian dishes served on a special garden terrace just below the famous St. Euphemia’s Church. The menu changes often but usually includes mare crudo, an eye-popping feast of super-fresh seafood carpaccio, or try a bit of everything with a five- or seven-course tasting menu. Crisp white linen tablecloths on modern white wrought-iron patio tables dot the shady terrace. Reservations are essential as this restaurant received Croatia's first Michelin star in 2017.

    Montalbano 75, Rovinj, Istarska, 52210, Croatia
    052-830–203

    Known For

    • Reservations essential
    • Multicourse tasting menus
    • Exceptional wine pairings

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed mid-Oct.–Easter. No lunch, Reservations essential
  • 4. Street Food Two

    $

    This fast food shack offers some of the most mouthwatering food in Pula, from modern takes on Istrian favorites to vegan plates of international flavors not easily found in the city. The small menu changes often, but you may enjoy a vegan poke bowl, chicken burritos, shrimp risotto, gluten-free panko tofu, and endless delicious sandwiches, pasta, stews, and smoothies. There are only four tables outside and four tiny tables inside so seats fill up fast, and they regularly sell out of items on the high-class street food menu. It's open until 10 pm in summer, but it's best to come for an early lunch to get a table. Takeaway also works well, and you can order by phone.

    Veronska 2A, Pula, Istarska, 52100, Croatia
    052-203–236

    Known For

    • High-class street food
    • Very limited seating so come early for a table
    • Central location near the market
  • 5. Due Fratelli

    $$

    When this family is not catching fish, they are preparing it at their well-regarded folksy restaurant with a cool, grapevine-shaded, family-friendly terrace. The menu offers fresh delicious seafood specialties like grilled squid, mussels alla buzara, and a good selection of grilled steaks and poultry dishes. Getting to this restaurant is easy if you're driving; keep your eyes peeled along the winding road downhill from Labin to Rabac for the restaurant's little sign to the left as the road curves right. If you're on foot, the walk is a bit of a haul on a dangerous road. Live music on summer Saturdays offers the chance to sing along and dance the night way.

    Montozi 6, Labin, Istarska, 52220, Croatia
    052-853–577

    Known For

    • Fresh fish
    • Traditional Istrian dishes
    • Relaxed atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Jan. and Mon. in Oct.–May, Reservations essential
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Farabuto

    $

    In residential Pula, far from tourist attractions, Farabuto has a short menu of fresh and tasty seafood and just a few meat and vegetarian dishes, all based on what's available from Pula’s green and fish markets. The modern and innovative cuisine is well presented in Farabuto's small cozy interior or on the terrace. Service is friendly but can be slow when the restaurant gets crowded in summer. Regulars rave about the selection of cold seafood crudo. Other selections include homemade ravioli with Adriatic scampi, seafood risotto, and local fish like monkfish, branzino, tuna, and shark.

    Sisplac 15, Pula, Istarska, Croatia
    052-386–074

    Known For

    • Local crowd
    • Casual neighborhood vibe
    • Fresh seafood crudo and homemade ravioli with Adriatic scampi

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 7. Giannino

    $$

    Tucked away on a small square in a residential area of the Old Town, Giannino is equally popular among locals and tourists for its fresh and delicious Mediterranean fare such as pan-fried squid with polenta, spicy boiled Adriatic shrimp, branzino al forno (baked slowly in the oven), cuttlefish ravioli, grilled rib eye with roasted potatoes, and tagliatelle with lobster. Starched white and blue checkered tablecloths make the place look classy, but the atmosphere is convivial and relaxed with friendly staff. Established in 1972, the large restaurant is modern, except for a gallery-seating area rustically decorated with a vaulted brick ceiling, but most opt for a spot outdoors on the large patio. To find it, at the beginning of Carera Ulica, Rovinj’s main street, turn right—opposite where all the crowds will be heading.

    Augusta Ferrija 38, Rovinj, Istarska, 52210, Croatia
    052-813–402

    Known For

    • Fresh fish and seafood
    • Run by the same family since 1972
    • Charming location in the center

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Nov.–Mar.
  • 8. Konoba Daniela

    $$

    In the village of Veleniki, just a few miles from Poreč, this rustic family-run tavern has exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and an outdoor terrace in an enclosed courtyard. With its simple and honest food, friendly staff, and huge portions, Konoba Daniela offers excellent value for money. It's a locals' favorite in and around Poreč but also very popular among tourists, especially Italians. And if steak tartare made tableside is your cup of tea, visit here for the best in Istria. They also have a great selection of seafood like grilled sole, mussels, or calamari; homemade pasta; and succulent meat dishes. It's great for large groups and special occasions.

    Veleniki 15A, Veleniki, Istarska, 52440, Croatia
    052-460–519

    Known For

    • Excellent steak tartare
    • Many seafood options
    • Popular with locals

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed mid-Feb.–mid-Mar.
  • 9. Maestral

    $$

    You won’t find a bad seat at this outdoor seafront restaurant with fantastic views of the Old Town, particularly at sunset. An extensive menu, friendly staff, a laid-back vibe, and affordable prices draw crowds here all day. Favorites include the fisherman’s pie, a thin-crust pie filled with anchovies, tomatoes, and onions, and juicy squid stew served with the creamiest polenta. The restaurant is always packed, especially at dinner, but tables turn quickly.

    Obala Vladimira Nazora 3, Rovinj, Istarska, 52210, Croatia
    052-830–565

    Known For

    • Outstanding views
    • Lots of crowds
    • Fresh seafood dishes, including excellent fisherman's pie

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Oct.–Apr., Needed in high season
  • 10. Orca

    $$

    Local, fresh, traditional food makes this restaurant on the outskirts of town a favorite among locals. Its location on the main road may not draw visitors in at first, but the food is excellent and a great value. This large restaurant with an open fireplace and outdoor terrace is open year-round serving typical Istrian meat, fish, and pasta. Locals rave about their tagliatelle with scampi and mushrooms and the daily grilled meat plate.

    Gripole 70, Rovinj, Istarska, 52210, Croatia
    052-816–851

    Known For

    • Tagliatelle with scampi and mushrooms
    • Traditional restaurant with old-fashioned interior
    • Big portions

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Nov., and Tues. Oct.–May
  • 11. Stara Škola

    $$$$

    This salvaged school is now a stylish multilevel restaurant offering guests a welcoming delicious experience. Whether you enjoy a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres on the rooftop terrace, gather at the community table in the lounge, or sit with friends for a multicourse tasting menu in the main dining room, you'll see the culinary staff puts great importance on sourcing ingredients from local farms and producers, even if that means picking the beets before they come to work. Decor, tabletop china, service ware, linens, and some staff come from Copenhagen. 

    Krasica 35, Grožnjan, Istarska, 52460, Croatia
    052-770–870

    Known For

    • Good selection of natural wines
    • Beautiful views
    • Locally sourced and thoughtful ingredients

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 12. Vorichi Osteria Mediteraneo

    $$

    For those staying in or visiting Labin-Rabac, make sure to reserve a much-desired table at Vorichi Osteria in the little village of Orihi, between Barban and Svetivinčenat, just 22 km (14 miles) from Old Town Labin as you head towards Rovinj. This hidden culinary gem is serving up modern Mediterranean food in an open-air garden setting, with orders for dinner taken by Tamara, the owner, as she joins you for a glass of Malvazija wine or Aperol spritz. She talks to you about the menu, offering a short list of the day's best meats, produce, and seafood, as well as which wines pair best with each course. The deconstructed tiramisu is to die for, as are the homemade breads, crackers, and cookies. All of this is enjoyed in a charming outdoor setting surrounded by vineyards, rustic farm decor, and olive trees. Prepare to stay for hours.

    Orihi 58, Croatia
    099-229–4300

    Known For

    • Relaxed garden setting
    • Freshest local ingredients
    • Incredible wine selection

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Nov.–Apr.

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