Rijeka's gastronomic scene has been experiencing a true renaissance in recent years, transforming the city from a transit point into an unmissable destination for all lovers of good food. At the heart of this transformation is the innovative project Rijeka's Gastronomic Ports, launched as a joint initiative of the Rijeka Tourist Board and the company Abisal. For the third year in a row, this project has been successfully weaving the threads of local restaurateurs into a strong and recognizable gastronomic network, creating a brand that authentically reflects the spirit of Rijeka – a city that has always been a port of diversity, a meeting of cultures, and new ideas.

The basic idea of the project is not just promotion, but the creation of a strong gastronomic identity that rests on the specifics of the local offer, while simultaneously embracing modern world trends. Rijeka, as a historical port center, thus also becomes a culinary port where the finest flavors and freshest ingredients dock, but also innovative concepts that enrich the offer and attract a new audience. The project is designed as a platform that encourages excellence, cooperation, and recognition, where each participating hospitality establishment contributes to the mosaic of a unique Rijeka story.

A Vegan Oasis in the Heart of Kvarner

In line with global trends and a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable and ethical nutrition, the Rijeka's Gastronomic Ports project places special emphasis on inclusivity. One of the brightest examples of this philosophy is the creation of Rijeka's Gastronomic Vegan Ports. This segment of the project is dedicated exclusively to the development and promotion of the vegan offer, making Rijeka an extremely attractive destination for vegans, vegetarians, and all those who want to explore the richness of a plant-based diet. If you are looking for top-quality accommodation in Rijeka during your stay, you can be sure that a carefully designed gastronomic offer that satisfies all dietary preferences awaits you in the immediate vicinity.

Restaurants that proudly bear the title of a vegan port must meet high standards, offering creative, nutritionally rich, and delicious meals made exclusively from plant-based ingredients. It is not just about simply removing meat from existing dishes, but about creating completely new, imaginative menus that celebrate the diversity of flavors, colors, and textures that the plant world offers. This breaks down prejudices about vegan food as monotonous and uninventive, and Rijeka is positioned as a city that understands and actively responds to the needs of modern guests.

Poke n’ Roll: A Revolution of Taste in Užarska Street

One of the most prominent jewels in the crown of Rijeka's vegan offer is certainly Poke n’ Roll, located in the vibrant and always busy Užarska Street. The story of this popular establishment, which is a proud part of the Rijeka's Gastronomic Ports project, began a few years ago, and not in Rijeka, but in Italy. The owners, Irina and Mišel, two creative locals from Rijeka, first came into contact with the concept that the Italians called “new format food” at a hospitality seminar.

This concept describes modern, fresh, and visually appealing food that is prepared extremely quickly, but at the same time represents a complete, balanced, and high-quality meal. It was there that they fatefully tried their first poke bowls. That moment was a turning point. They were won over by the simplicity of preparation, the endless freedom of combining ingredients, and the explosion of colors and flavors that makes each meal a unique work of art. They immediately recognized the potential and knew they had to bring this innovative concept to their city. Exploring culinary innovations is becoming an increasingly popular reason to visit the city, and finding the ideal accommodation in Rijeka allows you to be at the center of all gastronomic events.

What Exactly is Poke?

For those who have not yet encountered this global phenomenon, poke (pronounced "poh-kay") originates from Hawaii and is essentially a raw fish salad. However, the modern interpretation that has taken the world by storm is much more than that. A poke bowl is like a canvas on which everyone can paint their perfect meal. The base is most often rice (sushi or brown) or quinoa, on which proteins are then layered (in the vegan version, these are tofu, edamame, or chickpeas), and an abundance of fresh vegetables such as avocado, cucumbers, radishes, carrots, corn, and spring onions.

What gives poke bowls their character and soul are the sauces and toppings. Various sauces, from the classic soy with ginger to creamy versions with vegan mayonnaise and sriracha, tie all the ingredients together into a harmonious whole. The final touch is given by crispy toppings such as fried onions, sesame seeds, nori algae, or peanuts. It is precisely this possibility of personalization, where the guest chooses and combines all the elements of their bowl, that is the key to this concept's success. It is a fast, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal, perfectly adapted to a busy lifestyle.

The Philosophy and Atmosphere at Poke n’ Roll

Poke n’ Roll is not just a place to eat well; it is a space with a clear vision. Irina and Mišel have succeeded in bringing a touch of world metropolises to Rijeka, creating a place that exudes freshness, energy, and positivity. The interior itself is modern and minimalist, with a focus on functionality and cleanliness, allowing the colorfulness of the ingredients in the display case to be the main decoration. The friendly staff is always ready to help guests create their ideal combination, explaining each ingredient and giving recommendations.

Their commitment to quality is uncompromising. All ingredients are fresh, carefully selected, and prepared daily. This dedication to freshness is felt in every bite, and it is precisely this that guests recognize and appreciate, returning time and again. By joining the Rijeka's Gastronomic Ports project, Poke n’ Roll has also received official confirmation of its quality and importance to the local gastro scene. Their success is proof that innovation, passion, and following world trends, while maintaining high standards, are a sure way to the hearts and palates of the public. Planning a gastronomic tour of the city becomes even easier when you know that a diverse offer awaits you, and comfortable accommodation in Rijeka is the perfect starting point for your culinary adventures.

Initiatives like Rijeka's Gastronomic Ports, with a special emphasis on specialized offers such as vegan, are key to the development of modern urban tourism. They not only enrich the lives of the local population but also send a strong message to visitors: Rijeka is an open, dynamic, and welcoming city that thinks of all its guests, offering them authentic and unforgettable experiences that are remembered long after they leave. The project continues to grow, including more and more restaurateurs and expanding the palette of flavors that define this unique city in Kvarner.