In the heart of Kvarner, the city of Rijeka is positioning itself as a dynamic business and tourist center, and its gastronomic scene faithfully follows this pulse, offering a unique blend of tradition and contemporary culinary trends. For three years now, through the innovative project Rijeka's Gastronomic Ports, the Rijeka Tourist Board, in collaboration with the company Abisal, has been successfully intertwining the city's rich industrial and port heritage with its culinary offer. The goal of this ambitious project goes beyond the mere promotion of restaurants; it aims to create a recognizable gastronomic brand that celebrates Rijeka's identity, but also highlights the authenticity and diversity of each individual hospitality establishment. Through this project, Rijeka confirms its status as a city that knows how to host even the most demanding visitors, offering them experiences to remember.

The "port" concept was designed to help guests navigate the rich offer and direct them towards the experience that best suits their desires. Each "port" represents a thematically certified category of restaurants, thus creating a clear and attractive gastronomic map of the city. There are the Fishing Ports, dedicated to the fresh fruits of the Adriatic, where chefs source ingredients daily from local fishermen and turn them into masterpieces. There are also the Ports of Local Ingredients, which celebrate the indigenous products of Kvarner and Istria. For lovers of fine wine, Ports for Wine Enthusiasts have been designed, with extensive wine lists and expert staff. The project also considers specific dietary preferences, so there are Vegan Ports, as well as those dedicated to meat lovers, such as the popular Barbeque Ports. Families with children will find their refuge in Family Ports with adapted menus and children's corners, while couples can seek an intimate atmosphere in Romantic Ports. This segmentation not only enriches the tourist offer, but also encourages restaurateurs to specialize and improve the quality of their service.

Business Ports: A place where business and top-notch gastronomy meet

In the modern business world, where the lines between work and leisure are increasingly blurred, restaurants are becoming extended offices and discreet meeting rooms. Recognizing this trend, the Rijeka's Gastronomic Ports project introduced a special category – Business Ports. These restaurants are selected not only for the excellence of their cuisine, but also for the ambiance and infrastructure that meet the needs of business people. These are places that guarantee privacy, professional service, and an atmosphere suitable for closing deals, holding meetings, or formal lunches and dinners with clients. Elements such as the possibility of renting separate rooms or booths, quiet corners that ensure discretion, internet access, and parking are key criteria for obtaining this prestigious label. Seven Rijeka restaurants proudly bear the title of Business Port: restaurant Kamov, restaurant Continental, Ugor, Botel Marina, konoba Feral, Lovorka, and Maslina na Zelenom trgu. Each of them offers a unique experience, tailored to different business occasions and tastes.

In the portfolio of the renowned hotel company Jadran Hoteli d.d., two gems of Rijeka's hospitality scene stand out, having deservedly earned the title of Business Port: Restaurant Continental and Restaurant Kamov. Although conceptually different, they both share the same mission – to provide an impeccable experience where business efficiency and gastronomic pleasure merge into a refined whole, worthy of the business culture that the city of Rijeka nurtures.

Restaurant Continental: The spirit of tradition in a business environment

Located in the eponymous, historic hotel that dominates the Sušak skyline, Restaurant Continental exudes the elegance and charm of times gone by. Its location, right next to the Rječina river and within walking distance of the Korzo, makes it an ideal place for business meetings. The spacious terrace overlooking the river provides a perfect backdrop for more informal meetings during the warmer months. The interior of the restaurant has retained a touch of Art Nouveau architecture, which creates an impression of seriousness and refinement. Guests praise it for its extremely helpful and unobtrusive staff and varied breakfast, which is an added plus for business guests staying at the hotel. The kitchen offers a blend of continental and Mediterranean dishes, with special daily menus that are affordable and ideal for a quick but high-quality business lunch. For those seeking complete privacy, Continental offers the possibility of organizing receptions and meetings in separate areas, ensuring that every business agreement remains confidential.

Restaurant Kamov: Modern elegance for contemporary business

Unlike the historical ambiance of the Continental, Restaurant Kamov, located within the Bonavia Plava Laguna hotel, offers a more modern and dynamic atmosphere. It was named after the great Rijeka writer Janko Polić Kamov, which subtly pays homage to local culture, but in a contemporary guise. The restaurant is designed to provide a sense of spaciousness and comfort, with an elegant interior that is conducive to concentration and pleasant conversation. Chef Miljenko Kosanović is known for his creativity and use of fresh, local ingredients, which he interprets in a modern way. The menu is carefully composed to satisfy different tastes, offering dishes that are both visually attractive and rich in flavor. Kamov is an ideal choice for those who want to impress their business partners with innovative cuisine and a refined ambiance in the very center of the city. Its reputation as a place of high gastronomy makes it a safe choice for the most important business dinners.

Botel Marina: A business meeting with a view of the sea

Unique in its offer, Botel Marina provides an unforgettable experience of holding business meetings on a ship anchored in the very heart of the Rijeka port. This restaurant, located on a former ferry, offers a spectacular view of the city and the sea, which gives a special touch to every business event. The restaurant prides itself on coastal dishes and an extensive wine list with about thirty labels from all over Croatia. For business needs, Marina offers several options: the main restaurant salon can accommodate up to 50 people, while the lounge salon is ideal for smaller, private meetings for up to 20 people. For larger events, covered, heated decks are also available. Free Wi-Fi and secured parking are additional conveniences that make it a practical choice. The possibility of organizing seminars, conferences, and receptions in such an original ambiance will surely leave a strong impression on all participants.

Konoba Feral and Konoba Ugor: Tradition and quality for more relaxed meetings

For those who prefer a more relaxed, yet still professional atmosphere, the konobas Feral and Ugor are an excellent choice. Konoba Feral, whose chef buys fresh fish directly from local fishermen every morning, guarantees an authentic gastronomic experience. Their dedication to freshness and traditional Kvarner recipes makes them a reliable partner for a business lunch where the quality of the ingredients is paramount. On the other hand, Konoba Ugor, located in Gornji Zamet, is known for its fish offer that comes from its own catch. Decorated in a coastal style, it offers a warm and homely atmosphere, ideal for building strong business relationships. Although outside the city center, its reputation and constant attendance are proof of a quality that attracts guests who desire top-quality fish specialties.

Lovorka and Maslina na Zelenom trgu: A variety of offers for every occasion

Restaurant Lovorka, located in Rujevica, is profiled as a barbeque port, but its qualities are also recognized in the business world. It offers a separate booth for about twenty people, equipped for holding presentations, which makes it suitable for smaller, private meetings. A large parking lot and power outlets next to most tables are practical details that make work easier. The menu, based on meat specialties with original recipes, offers a departure from the classic fish offer and provides a substantial, rich meal. Finally, Maslina na Zelenom trgu, located in the lively city center, offers Mediterranean cuisine in a modern bistro style. Known for its excellent pizzas, salads, and grilled dishes, Maslina is an excellent choice for quick and informal business meetings. The possibility of online ordering and delivery is an additional convenience for offices that want a quality meal without leaving the workplace. Through this diverse range of restaurants, the Business Ports project clearly shows how Rijeka successfully responds to all the demands of the modern business person, offering a perfect blend of work and hedonism.