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Agli Amici Rovinj – Italian Elegance Meets Istrian Terroir at Croatia's Only Two-Star Michelin Restaurant
Perched on a scenic terrace overlooking the luxurious marina and offering a view of Rovinj’s most iconic sight, Agli Amici is the Istrian outpost of the Scarello family’s culinary empire.
This two-Michelin-starred gem – as of May 2025 the only restaurant in Croatia holding this distinction – offers an experience that begins the moment you arrive.
Here you are greeted with welcome drinks in such a picturesque setting that you want to linger just to enjoy the view—and the drinks.
Michela Scarello, the co-owner and restaurant manager, personally welcomes us during her visit from their original restaurant in Udine, Italy. This gesture immediately sets the tone for the evening.
The waiters, moving with practiced elegance, create an atmosphere of refined sophistication without a hint of stuffiness.
Well done, guys!
Chef Emanuele Scarello’s dishes are nothing short of artistic masterpieces.
Each plate showcases the bounty of Istria’s small-scale producers – from just-caught seafood to foraged herbs.
Our sommelier deserves special mention; with an almost telepathic understanding of our preferences, every wine pairing seems to enhance both the food and the moment perfectly.
Besides, he is also a very funny guy. What a laugh we had!
The restaurant offers two tasting menus, but no à la carte options. One menu features fish, and the other features meat.
It’s no wonder they earned their first Michelin star just three months after opening and quickly rose to their current two-star status. The team provides an exceptional overall gourmet experience.
Although the menu prices may seem high, I think they’re worth it. And if I have to save on bread and water for a month to come here.
If I could only go to one restaurant in Istria, it would be Agli Amici! They offer the best gourmet fine dining experience.
Monte – Croatia's 1st Michelin Star Restaurant Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Hidden within a stonewalled courtyard at the foot of Rovinj’s iconic Church of St. Euphemia, restaurant Monte feels like discovering a decades-old secret.
This family-run establishment, Croatia’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, began as a traditional Istrian tavern in 1985 and has evolved into a temple of innovative gastronomy.
Today, the torch has been passed to the next generation. While founders Tjitske and Danijel Đekić weren’t on site during our visit, their sons proved more than capable of carrying on the family legacy.
Simon greets you at reception with natural warmth and guides you through the evening with the confidence of someone who grew up in these rooms.
His elder brother Ilja works his magic in the kitchen, creating dishes that dare to reimagine childhood flavors through a contemporary lens.
The full tasting menu arrives as a spectacular parade of colors and textures – their signature red, green, and blue menus are a gastronomic interpretation of the RGB color model.
While undeniably impressive, we found the complete experience delightfully rich – perhaps too rich for one sitting.
Next time, we’d opt for four courses instead of the full journey, allowing us to savor each creation without overwhelming our senses.
The wine selection, curated by Tjitske, a renowned sommelier, showcases carefully chosen local Istrian wines.
We were particularly impressed by the white Malvasia from the oak barrel.
I was not aware that Istria had such tasty wines!
Meneghetti – Wine Hotel Restaurant Offering Mediterranean Luxury at Il Oliveto
The 20 minute drive from Rovinj to Meneghetti takes you through a landscape of vineyards and olive groves that seems to prepare you for what’s to come.
This Relais & Châteaux hotel and restaurant, spread across 120,000 square yards near Bale in Istria’s South-West, offers an experience that goes beyond mere dining – it’s a complete immersion in the Istrian good life.
During our visit, lunch is served at Il Oliveto, their casual outdoor restaurant positioned perfectly near the pool.
Comfortably seated under a parasol, we enjoy the Mediterranean afternoon in its full glory – the gentle breeze carrying the scent of herbs from the garden, the soft murmur of water from the pool, and the knowledge that the wine in your glass comes from the vineyard just steps away.
The cuisine here upholds the exacting standards that Relais & Châteaux properties are known for worldwide.
The chefs use ingredients sourced within a 50-kilometer radius, including their own award-winning olive oil, to create dishes that are both sophisticated and deeply rooted in the Mediterranean tradition.
Their commitment to local sourcing is more than just a philosophy — it’s a partnership with the peninsula’s farmers, fishermen, and artisans.
In June 2025, Meneghetti will expand their offerings with the reopening of their beach club.
With its refined snacks and relaxed beachside setting, the club is sure to become another jewel in Meneghetti’s impressive crown.
It will also be a great addition to my guide on Croatian beach clubs.
Cap Aureo – Grand Park Hotel's Michelin-Star Fifth Floor Fine Dining
While time constraints during our stay at Grand Park Hotel Rovinj prevented us from experiencing Cap Aureo firsthand, the hotel’s signature restaurant demands inclusion in any serious discussion of Istrian fine dining.
Perched on the fifth floor of this elegant hotel, Cap Aureo offers what many describe as the most spectacular dining view in Rovinj – its glass-walled terrace providing an unobstructed panorama of the marina, the old town, and the island of St. Catherine beyond.
Cap Aureo has earned a Michelin Star and received an impressive 93 points from Falstaff.
The restaurant’s approach is nothing short of spectacular. Imagine an open kitchen with a chef’s table, where diners get to witness the preparation of 5 up to 20 courses!
For those planning a visit, reservations are essential, especially for sunset seating when the terrace transforms into one of Rovinj’s most romantic settings.
The restaurant offers tasting menus of 5, 10, or the full 20-course experience, allowing guests to choose their own culinary adventure.
These four restaurants represent the pinnacle of Istrian gastronomy, each with its own distinct personality.
Whether you’re drawn to Agli Amici’s polished perfection, Monte’s innovative family warmth, Meneghetti’s vineyard serenity, or Cap Aureo’s sky-high sophistication, you’ll discover that Istria’s culinary scene rivals any in Europe.
Just remember to book well in advance – word has gotten out about these hidden gems, and tables fill quickly, especially during the summer months.
Gourmet destination Istria: Commendable Restaurants of the Croatian Peninsula
Beyond these culinary highlights, Istria’s gastronomic scene continues to impress. Here are some additional gourmet tipps.
In northeastern Istria: Opatija and the surrounding area
- Hotel Bevanda restaurant
- Plavi podrum
- Hotel Navis restaurant
In northwestern Istria: Poreč and Novigrad
- Restaurant Casa Manzolin by Sv.Nikola
- Restaurant Spinnacker
- Restoran Porporela
- Marina Restaurant Novigrad
