3 Best Restaurants in Istria, Croatia

Damir & Ornella

$$$$ Fodor's choice

Tucked away on a quiet side street, this superb (and pricey) little family-run establishment is a secret wonder you may want to share only with your fellow gourmands who appreciate raw-fish specialties. You can also enjoy grilled seafood and gnocchi, although you don't go here for a simple plate of pasta, but instead to indulge in a four-course meal. Indeed, it may be the one restaurant in Istria where fish—the fresh catch of the day, that is—is brought to the table this way and served with great care. The service is elegant and friendly. There's no set menu; rather, the owners tell you what's available for the day, and the owners' daughter, who is always on hand, speaks English.

Zidine 5, Novigrad, Istarska, 52466, Croatia
052-758–134
Known For
  • Mediterranean-style sashimi
  • intimate atmosphere
  • advanced reservations needed
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Nov. and Feb. No lunch Sept.–May, Reservations essential

Konoba Batelina

$$ Fodor's choice

This quirky innovative restaurant is considered by many locals—and foodies around the world—to be the best seafood restaurant in Croatia. Run by a family of fishermen, Batelina is popular for its fresh-caught but totally delicious appetizers; specialties include fish tripe brodetto, scampi risotto, shark-liver pâté, bonito tartare, cuttlefish stew, and tuna carpaccio. The best way to experience Batelina's creative cuisine is to sample many of its unique tapas-style dishes. Don't go by the menu: just ask for a little bit of everything and let the chef be creative.

Čimulje 25, Pula, Istarska, 52100, Croatia
052-573–767
Known For
  • owner David Skoko, one of the best chefs in Croatia
  • accepting cash only
  • being booked days in advance
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Dec. and Jan., Reservations essential

Peterokutna Kula

$$$

A 15th-century pentagonal tower in the heart of the Old Town now holds a sophisticated restaurant on a series of floors and terraces, including the roof. House specialties include beautifully plated seafood crudo, sea urchin with cauliflower foam, homemade pljukanci pasta with skampi, and Istrian steak with tartufi. Finish your meal with a glass of šlivovica (plum rakija) or another glass of the best of Istrian wines. Make sure you reserve a table on the rooftop for romantic sunset views.  

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