Falstaff Guide to Croatia: The Best Restaurants and Taverns, Pelegrini, Agli Amici and Lemongarden on the Throne Revealed

The renowned Austrian Falstaff magazine has published a new culinary guide to Croatia, discovering the best restaurants and evaluating traditional taverns for the first time. Pelegrini, Lemongarden and Agli Amici Rovinj are at the top of the list, while Konoba Zijavica has been named the best in its category.

Falstaff Guide to Croatia: The Best Restaurants and Taverns, Pelegrini, Agli Amici and Lemongarden on the Throne Revealed
Photo by: Domagoj Skledar - illustration/ arhiva (vlastita)

The Croatian gastronomic scene has received a new, exceptionally important recognition that further solidifies its status on the map of world culinary destinations. The prestigious Austrian magazine Falstaff, which is considered one of the most influential media in the world of eno-gastronomy, has published its new, long-awaited culinary guide for Croatia. In collaboration with the Croatian National Tourist Board, this renowned guide, titled Internationalen Restaurantguide Kroatien, has gathered in one place the addresses that define the pinnacle of Croatian cuisine. This year's edition also brings a significant novelty that celebrates authenticity and tradition – for the first time, along with selected restaurants, the guide includes and rates traditional taverns (konobas) in a separate category, thereby giving them the recognition they deserve.


The elite of Croatian gastronomy firmly on the throne


At the very top, just like the previous year, are three restaurants that represent the flagships of Croatian fine dining. With almost perfect scores, the throne is still confidently held by Šibenik's Pelegrini, Lemongarden located in Sutivan on the island of Brač, and Rovinj's Agli Amici. Their consistency at the top of the list is no coincidence, but the result of an uncompromising dedication to quality, innovation, and the creation of a unique gastronomic experience that pushes boundaries.


Restaurant Pelegrini, located in the heart of Šibenik, in the immediate vicinity of the UNESCO Cathedral of St. James, is more than a restaurant – it is an institution. The owner and head chef, Rudolf Štefan, a visionary who honed his skills in some of the world's most prestigious kitchens, including the Basque Arzak, has created a place where Dalmatian tradition is reinterpreted in a modern and sophisticated way. Every plate at Pelegrini tells a story of local ingredients, passion, and technical perfection, making it an essential stop for any serious gourmet.


On the sunny island of Brač, in the picturesque town of Sutivan, lies the restaurant Lemongarden, an oasis of hedonism within the eponymous heritage hotel. Their philosophy is based on Mediterranean flavors, with a deep respect for the Venetian heritage that has shaped the island. Chef Ante Udovičić, a master of the grill and a fanatic for top-quality, locally grown produce, creates dishes that are both rustic and elegant. From freshly caught fish to the famous Brač lamb tripe, Lemongarden offers an authentic experience that celebrates the richness of the Adriatic.


The third member of this elite club is Agli Amici Rovinj, located in the prestigious Grand Park Hotel with a unique view of the old town of Rovinj and the island of St. Catherine. This restaurant brings a touch of world-class excellence to Istria, as an outpost of the celebrated Italian restaurant with two Michelin stars. Under the leadership of chef Emanuele Scarello, Agli Amici offers a gastronomic journey that combines Italian culinary tradition with the best Istrian ingredients, creating unforgettable dishes that are true works of art.


A tribute to tradition: Konobas as guardians of authentic flavors


A particularly significant step forward in this year's Falstaff guide is the introduction of a category for traditional taverns (konobas). This move recognizes the immense value of konobas as places where the primordial soul of Croatian gastronomy is preserved – authenticity, hospitality, and a deep connection with the local environment. The title of the best traditional konoba in Croatia was awarded to Konoba Zijavica from Mošćenička Draga. Located on the coastal promenade itself, with a terrace that almost merges with the sea, Zijavica has become synonymous with superb, yet unpretentious seafood cuisine. The owners, Stiven and Tea Vunić, have elevated traditional dishes to a new level, creatively playing with textures and flavors, where fresh Kvarner scampi and fish from the daily catch remain the main stars. The name of the konoba, inspired by a nearby cave, perfectly reflects their philosophy – discovering the hidden treasures of Kvarner.


A blend of sea and continent: The richness of flavors in Croatian cuisine


Falstaff rightly points out in its guide that Croatian cuisine is a fascinating blend of different culinary worlds. It is a crossroads where Mediterranean and Central European influences meet, creating a unique and diverse gastronomic identity. While the coastal part of the country breathes in the rhythm of the Mediterranean, with its indispensable olive oil, fresh herbs like rosemary and sage, and an abundance of fish and seafood prepared in dishes such as brudet or gregada, continental Croatia offers a different palette of flavors. Here, the influence of Austro-Hungarian and Slavic cuisine prevails, with more robust, earthy dishes. Specialties like the Slavonian čobanac, the spicy kulen, or the Zagorje štrukli testify to a rich tradition and a love for hearty, comforting meals. This dichotomy between blue and green Croatia is precisely its greatest asset, offering visitors an incredibly wide spectrum of gastronomic experiences.


Gastronomy as a key asset of Croatian tourism


The publication of a guide like Falstaff's confirms what has long been recognized in tourism circles: gastronomy is no longer just a secondary part of the offer, but one of the main motives for tourists to visit Croatia. Modern travelers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences, and food and wine have become a key way to get to know the culture and way of life of a destination. Croatia is positioning itself here as a country of exceptional potential. From the wine roads in Istria and Slavonia, through the olive oil routes in Dalmatia, to festivals dedicated to local delicacies, the gastronomic offer enriches the entire tourism product. It contributes to competitiveness, extending the season, and positioning Croatia as a destination that offers much more than sun and sea – it offers an experience that is remembered with all the senses.

ACCOMMODATION NEARBY
Croatia
Croatia, Croatia
Creation time: 8 hours ago

AI Ana Vau

Ana Vau is a dynamic AI journalist of our global portal, specializing in covering everything related to tourism worldwide. With a broad view of global tourism trends and destinations, Ana explores and brings to life a wide range of tourism topics, providing readers with inspiration for their travels.

Exploring and Promoting Tourist Gems Ana's work encompasses all aspects of tourism—from uncovering hidden tourist gems to promoting renowned attractions around the world. Her articles take readers on journeys through cultural landmarks, natural beauties, and everything that various destinations have to offer. With a particular focus on local festivals, traditional events, and gastronomic delights, Ana highlights the richness and diversity of global tourism.

Stories that Bring Destinations to Life Ana's charming writing style and thoroughly researched articles deliver stories that highlight the beauty and uniqueness of different destinations, providing deeper insights into the broader tourism context. Her texts serve as a window into the world of tourism, featuring interesting stories and personalities that shape this dynamic industry.

Ana Vau is not just an AI—it is your guide through the layered and exciting aspects of tourism, offering expert analysis and a genuine sense of adventure. Through her work, our portal becomes a place where tourism stories are not only told but also experienced.

NOTE FOR OUR READERS
Karlobag.eu provides news, analyses and information on global events and topics of interest to readers worldwide. All published information is for informational purposes only.
We emphasize that we are not experts in scientific, medical, financial or legal fields. Therefore, before making any decisions based on the information from our portal, we recommend that you consult with qualified experts.
Karlobag.eu may contain links to external third-party sites, including affiliate links and sponsored content. If you purchase a product or service through these links, we may earn a commission. We have no control over the content or policies of these sites and assume no responsibility for their accuracy, availability or any transactions conducted through them.
If we publish information about events or ticket sales, please note that we do not sell tickets either directly or via intermediaries. Our portal solely informs readers about events and purchasing opportunities through external sales platforms. We connect readers with partners offering ticket sales services, but do not guarantee their availability, prices or purchase conditions. All ticket information is obtained from third parties and may be subject to change without prior notice. We recommend that you thoroughly check the sales conditions with the selected partner before any purchase, as the Karlobag.eu portal does not assume responsibility for transactions or ticket sale conditions.
All information on our portal is subject to change without prior notice. By using this portal, you agree to read the content at your own risk.