At the impressive Trsat Castle, a historical fortress that watches over the city of Rijeka, a ceremonial announcement of the title holders "Rijeka's Gastronomic Ports" for the year 2025 was held. This ambitious project, initiated in 2022, represents the crown of efforts to connect the city's diverse hospitality scene into a coherent and attractive story with pronounced tourist potential. The main guiding idea is the creation of a strong and recognizable gastronomic identity for Rijeka, while simultaneously raising the overall quality of service and strengthening the destination's reputation through the promotion of an authentic culinary offer. Emphasis was placed on the use of local, seasonal ingredients that best reflect the richness of flavors of the Kvarner region.

The "Rijeka's Gastronomic Ports" project is implemented by the Tourist Board of the city of Rijeka, in close cooperation with the local company Abisal, specialized in gastro-consulting, and the renowned portal Gastronaut, which has been monitoring and promoting the Croatian gastronomic scene for years. During the award ceremony, Rijeka's Mayor Marko Filipović proudly pointed out that Rijeka, as a vital part of the Kvarner region – which will bear the prestigious title of European Region of Gastronomy in 2026 – has every reason to be proud of its gastronomic offer. This offer, as he emphasized, skillfully intertwines traditional local specialties, preserving culinary heritage, with the latest global culinary trends, thereby successfully attracting guests and gourmands from all over the world.

"Through the strategically designed project Rijeka's Gastronomic Ports, we have purposefully focused on different guest segments and defined special categories such as romantic, family, business, fishing, vegan, and wine ports. Our intention is to connect all stakeholders and build a strong gastronomic brand that will further strengthen the recognizability of Rijeka as a dynamic urban tourist destination, attractive throughout the year," stated Mayor Filipović, underscoring the strategic importance of the project for the future of Rijeka's tourism.

Impressive growth and innovative concepts

Karin Mimica, project manager from the company Abisal and a recognized expert in the field of gastronomy, did not hide her satisfaction with the continuous growth and development of the project. She pointed out that the number of awarded titles has significantly increased: from an initial 39 titles in 25 restaurants, the project today counts an impressive 71 titles distributed among 42 catering establishments. This quantitative leap is accompanied by qualitative progress in the offer and presentation.

"Our caterers are becoming increasingly stronger and more important factors in creating the overall attractiveness of Rijeka. The diversity and richness of their offer allow every visitor, regardless of their preferences, to find a gastronomic experience that will fully suit their measure and taste. We are particularly pleased and extremely proud of the development of 'Rijeka's Cubes'. This is a unique gastronomic interpretation of local history, rich culinary heritage, and indigenous ingredients, presented in the symbolic form of a cube, which represents an innovative and recognizable Rijeka gastronomic souvenir and experience," explained Mimica, emphasizing the creative potential of Rijeka's caterers.

The Director of the Tourist Board of the city of Rijeka, Petar Škarpa, also expressed great satisfaction that caterers and project partners gathered for the fourth time at this significant event, which celebrates Rijeka's gastronomy. He thanked everyone who, with their effort, knowledge, and enthusiasm, contributes to the continuous improvement of the overall quality of the gastronomic offer in Rijeka and the wider region. He emphasized that gastronomy has become an indispensable and one of the key motives for every tourist trip and an important element of the overall destination experience.

"Next year, in 2026, Kvarner will proudly bear the prestigious title of European Region of Gastronomy, and we have already, through the Rijeka's Gastronomic Ports project and other initiatives, made a significant step forward in the development and promotion of Rijeka's gastronomy. I am convinced that with joint efforts we will continue to develop our region and create even more attractive and innovative offers that will attract many new visitors eager for authentic tastes and experiences. Four years ago, when we were starting this project, we did not even dream how successfully it would develop, especially through innovative concepts like 'Rijeka's Cubes'. All of us together – caterers, institutions, producers – form a strong mechanism that drives and enriches the tourist offer of the city of Rijeka," concluded Director Škarpa, looking optimistically to the future.

A wealth of flavors in eleven categories

In 2025, as many as 42 restaurants successfully met the strictly prescribed criteria for awarding a total of 71 "Rijeka's Gastronomic Ports" titles. These prestigious marks of quality and recognition will be awarded to them in 11 carefully defined categories, designed to encompass the full breadth and diversity of Rijeka's gastronomic scene:

• Ports of local ingredients


• Fishing ports


• Daily ports


• Vegan ports


• Barbeque ports


• Business ports


• Romantic ports


• Family ports


• Ports for wine enthusiasts


• Ports of particularities


• Ports of flavors from other countries

The award ceremony was also enriched by the presentation of products from several prominent local wine and food producers, providing attendees with the opportunity to taste Kvarner delicacies firsthand. Visitors were thus able to taste wines from Vinska kuća Pavlomir and OPG Plovanić vina. The liqueur producer Cannella, the pastry shop Dolce Vita – Storia Gelato with its famous rigojanči cake, and the restaurant Capote y Ole, specializing in Spanish cuisine and an importer of premium Spanish hams and cheeses, also presented their products. Jadran hoteli, specifically Restaurant Kamov headed by chef Miljenko Kosanović, presented their creative version of "Rijeka's Cubes," further confirming the innovativeness of Rijeka's gastro scene.

Ports of Local Ingredients: The Heart of Kvarner Cuisine

Rijeka, a city that lives with the sea on one side and a green belt on the other, is the origin of top-quality ingredients. Daily catches by fishermen at the historic Rijeka market, cheeses from small local dairies, cured meat products made according to traditional recipes, fresh eggs, fragrant fruits and vegetables from surrounding family farms, and homemade pasta form the basis of the offer in the Ports of local ingredients. These restaurants nurture authenticity and short supply chains.

Restaurant Conca d’oro, an institution of Rijeka's gastronomy since 1885, located in the old core of Rijeka, bases its dishes on traditional recipes and ingredients from local family farms and daily fresh fishermen's catches. Tavern Fiume, located right on the Rijeka market, uses fresh products from local suppliers, and some dishes are enriched with ingredients from the island of Krk. Tavern Girica prides itself on dishes made from fish from its own catch and cooperation with local side dish producers, and they also make the popular šurlice themselves. Bistro Grad offers dishes inspired by local history and ingredients, with recommendations for pairing with wines and cocktails. Hidden Wine Bistro stands out with the creative approach of its chef, who transforms ingredients from local producers and foragers – from wild herbs to top-quality meat – into gastronomic works of art, while the sommelier selects perfect wines. La Scarpetta - Bistro cooperates with local fishing crafts, meat producers, and truffle hunters, and they produce bread, pasta, and gnocchi themselves. In Bistro Mornar, with a view of the Rijeka port, the daily offer is based on cooperation with local producers of oil, wine, cheese, meat and, of course, fresh fish. Restaurant Nautica uses seafood from local fishermen and fruits, vegetables, and meat products from the surrounding area. Tavern Familia nurtures cooperation with local fishermen, butchers, cheese makers, and truffle hunters, they make their own gnocchi, pasta, and bread, and traditional recipes are enriched with creative details along with an offer of local wines and brandies. A similar philosophy is followed by Tavern Tarsa, cooperating with numerous local producers and offering authentic flavors.

Fishing Ports: Freshness of the Sea on a Plate

The tradition of fishing is deeply rooted in the identity of Rijeka. The magnificent fish market pavilion at the main market testifies to the richness of the Adriatic Sea. Fresh fish, shrimp, and shellfish are the basis of the offer in restaurants that bear the title of Rijeka's Gastronomic Fishing Ports, which stand out with their own fishing boats or special contracts with local fishermen, guaranteeing top freshness.

Tavern Borik, located by the sea in Pećine, focuses on fish dishes and catches from the Kvarner Gulf. The already mentioned Tavern Fiume, thanks to its proximity to the fish market, adapts its offer daily to the fresh catch. The chef of Tavern Feral personally selects fresh fish from local fishermen every morning, transforming it into traditional and creative specialties. Tavern and fish market Girica catches fish with its own fishing boat, ensuring a daily fresh catch for its dishes, including homemade šurlice. La Scarpetta - Bistro creatively interprets the daily catch of the fishing crafts with which it cooperates, so the menu changes daily. Bistro Mornar, in the heart of Rijeka, thanks to cooperation with more than a dozen fishermen, always offers guests quality fresh fish. Restaurant Nautica, with its location by the sea, naturally emphasizes its fish offer, cooperating with local fishermen. Tavern Ribica is supplied with fresh seafood by several partner fishermen, and their catches are transformed into imaginative and traditional delicacies. In Tavern Ugor, located in upper Zamet, the long-standing tradition of a fishing company has been transformed into an authentic fishing tavern that prepares dishes from fish, crabs, and shellfish from its own catch according to coastal and Dalmatian recipes.

Daily Ports: Marenda with the Taste of the Season

Daily ports are characterized by an offer that changes from day to day, offering marende (brunches/lunches) and lunches adapted to the time of year and the availability of seasonal ingredients. These are places where you can enjoy fresh, homemade "spoon" dishes and other specialties reminiscent of home cooking.

Blato 1902 - Daily Korčula Port, a famous producer of wine and olive oil from Korčula, offers authentic Korčula specialties in its Rijeka tavern. From Blato popara (fish stew) and pašticada (beef stew) to fresh fish and traditional desserts, about ten freshly prepared dishes are offered daily. Mezanin prides itself exclusively on its daily offer, with about ten dishes prepared mostly from domestic ingredients. Swiss chard from their own garden, fish from the Rijeka market, wild herbs like nettles and asparagus, are often ingredients in their maneštri (stews), soups, pastas, and risottos. Tifan, a one hundred percent vegetarian daily port, located in the revitalized industrial complex ex Vulkan, bases its offer on the principles of sustainable development, never using meat, fish, or eggs in the preparation of its daily fresh meals.

Vegan Ports: Creativity of Plant-Based Flavors

For all those who follow a vegan diet or simply want to explore the richness of plant-based flavors, Rijeka offers restaurants with the title of Rijeka's Gastronomic Vegan Ports. These establishments guarantee an offer of at least seven dishes prepared according to vegan standards, exclusively from vegan ingredients.

KOYA NOODLES is known for its noodles, the preparation of which can be watched from the street. They offer vegan noodles in savory and sweet versions, and Plant-based shio ramen, Broccoli rice, and Dandan tofu rice are also popular. Poke n’Roll specializes in poke bowls, a Hawaiian dish that combines fresh, healthy ingredients. Guests create their own bowl by choosing between rice, quinoa, falafel, tofu, vegan cheeses, fresh vegetables, fruits, and various sauces. Rica, located opposite the Rijeka theater, stands out with dishes made with gluten-free grains (rice, millet, amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat) which they grind themselves on stone mills and from which they produce bakery and confectionery products, pizzas, hamburgers, and pastas. Within the premises, there is also a shop with their lactose-free, egg-free, and animal-ingredient-free products. The name RICA symbolically combines Rijeka and celiac disease. Štorija, on the ground floor of the Ri department store, wins over vegans with a fusion of ingredients, flavors, and colors in dishes like Scrambled tofu with avocado and asparagus, Te Fiti Poke Bowl with falafel, Sexy Mediteranka Vegan burger, Irish stew with gnocchi, and other creative vegan delicacies. The aforementioned Bistro Tifan in Pećine also offers daily menus prepared according to vegan standards, without meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products.

Barbeque Ports: Aromas of Barbeque and Socializing

Rijeka's gastronomic barbeque ports are characterized by a wide range of grilled dishes, from classic ćevapi and pljeskavica to more complex meat platters and specialties. In addition, traditional meze, kajmak, and gravče na tavče (beans baked in a pan) are often offered, creating an atmosphere for relaxed socializing.

Bodega grill&beer prides itself on its grilled specialties, about fifteen of them, prepared by barbeque master Bojan Cvetković, using meat from their own production. He is a multiple winner of the international barbeque festival. Barbacoa - barbeque port with a view, under the motto "Meet for Meat," with a beautiful view of the Kvarner Gulf, offers various grilled meat specialties, accompanied by an extensive wine and beer list. The restaurant chain Batak is known for its juicy grilled dishes, such as various types of ćevapi, gourmet pljeskavica, and đevrek with kajmak, along with rich side dishes. Lovorka nurtures the tradition of charcoal grilling, with carefully selected meat and recipes originating from Leskovac, offering meze, vješalice (grilled pork skewers), and homemade desserts. Restaurant Kooglana, located next to the bowling alley in Tower Center, offers a combination of fun and barbeque, with popular meat platters for larger groups. Paris among its barbeque specialties highlights lamb chops, various types of ribs, steaks, and marinated skewers, along with an offer of peka (dishes baked under a lid), pizzas, and homemade pastas.

Ports for Wine Enthusiasts: A Journey Through Aromas

For wine connoisseurs and those who want to become one, Rijeka's Gastronomic Ports for wine enthusiasts offer a special experience. Each of them has at least 30 different labels on its wine list, along with expert staff ready to recommend the ideal wine with the chosen dish.

The wine list of restaurant Capote y Olé describes over 30 labels of Croatian and Spanish wines, which pair perfectly with Spanish delicacies. Bistro Grad has about 70 labels of Croatian, Slovenian, and Italian wines, and French champagnes, and sommelier Marko Škarica helps guests with their choice. Hidden Wine Bistro, a project by chef Deni Srdoč, is a true haven for wine lovers, with a wine list containing about two hundred wine gems from around the world, many of which can also be ordered by the glass. Here, the "zero waste" and "farm to table" concepts are nurtured. On Botel Marina, the food offer is accompanied by about thirty wines from all over Croatia, with educated staff for recommendations. Ribica has about fifty wine labels, including organic and dessert wines, stored in its own wine cellar, and the staff skillfully pairs wines with predominantly fish specialties.

Romantic Ports: Magic for Two

The play of light from the sun, sky, and sea in the Rijeka bay creates unforgettable scenes, and when this natural beauty is complemented by a romantic setting, subtle atmosphere, and fine flavors of Rijeka's Gastronomic Romantic Ports, moments to remember are created.

The aforementioned Capote y Olé, in addition to Spanish delicacies, also offers a romantic ambiance complemented by Spanish music, ideal for evenings for two. Restaurant Nautica, located right by the sea with a beautiful view of Kvarner, exudes elegance thanks to soft color tones and a harmonious combination of stone and wood. The offer also includes delicacies made from ingredients attributed with aphrodisiac properties, such as truffles, shellfish, and chocolate, rounding off the romantic experience.

Family Ports: Gastronomy for All Generations

So that even the youngest family members can enjoy the restaurant experience, Rijeka's Gastronomic Family Ports offer facilities adapted for children. This includes children's menus, equipped play corners, and a baby changing area, allowing parents a more relaxed meal.

On Botel Marina, in an interesting ship interior, children have at their disposal a play corner, children's menus, and a changing corner. Restaurant Kooglana within Tower Center, next to the bowling alley and children's playroom, also offers adapted children's menus. Family Port Lovorka has a children's corner with coloring books and toys, an outdoor playground, and a changing corner, along with adapted dishes for children. La Scarpetta - Bistro also offers a richly equipped children's corner, an outdoor playground, and chef Antonio Močibob gladly adapts the offer for the youngest. In Bistro Mornar, an equipped children's kitchenette and various games await children. The popular restaurant Tarsa in Trsat has a children's playground, chairs, menus, and family platters. Restaurant The Kitchen, within Rijeka's Hilton, offers Croatian culinary tradition through creative dishes, and the youngest can enjoy the Bella’s Kids Club playroom, while Sunday family lunches are particularly popular.

Business Ports: Successful Meetings with Fine Flavors

Business meetings are often more productive in a pleasant environment, and Rijeka's Gastronomic Business Ports provide just that – the possibility of holding meetings in a separate space, with fast internet and discretion, and continuing socializing with top delicacies.

Restaurant Continental, part of one of Rijeka's oldest hotels, offers Mediterranean cuisine and a congress hall for up to 70 participants. Restaurant Feral has a separate room for 25 people with a special entrance. Restaurant Lovorka offers a separate booth for about twenty people with presentation capabilities and parking. Located in the Grand Hotel Bonavia, À la carte restaurant Kamov is ideal for business lunches and dinners, with a discreet table layout and access to the hotel's congress halls. Botel Marina is known for organizing receptions and business lunches, with multiple spaces of different capacities. Maslina na zelenom trgu, on Kobler Square, offers a wide range of dishes and a separate meeting room for 30 people. Tavern Ugor has a separate room for 14 people and an offer of dishes predominantly from its own fishing catch.

Ports of Flavors from Other Countries: Gastronomic Journeys

For those eager to explore world cuisines, Rijeka's Gastronomic Ports of Flavors from Other Countries offer authentic dishes from different parts of the world, with menus often translated into the language of that country and staff who speak that language.

Spanish Port - Capote y Olé, near the Rijeka market, offers paellas, tortillas, tapas, and other Spanish specialties, with the option to buy Spanish wines, cheeses, and hams. Italian Port Destino prepares dishes according to Italian recipes, from burrata and various pastas to pizzas. Asian Street Food Port – Koya Noodles is designed as street food with an open kitchen, offering authentic Asian specialties. Chinese Port - Peking brings a touch of China through its decor, music, and about a hundred Chinese specialties, including crispy duck. Asian and Sushi Port - Taiyo, next to the Rijeka market, offers over 100 types of Asian dishes, including sushi boats and teppanyaki, in an ambiance that evokes Asia.

Ports of Particularities: Unique Gastronomic Stories

Rijeka's Gastronomic Ports of Particularities stand out with specialized offers and unique thematic stories that make them recognizable and different from others.

Pasta Port 130 Cenotrenta specializes in fresh, handmade pasta, with daily fresh shapes, fillings, and sauces, and they occasionally organize cooking classes. Oldest Gastronomic Port - Conca d’oro, with uninterrupted operation since 1885, preserves a touch of Rijeka's history. Port of Particularities: Goulash Port Pivnica Cont, on the ground floor of Hotel Continental, offers an impressive selection of goulash – from boškarin (Istrian ox) and game to vegan Irish stew, along with 13 types of beer. Port of Particularities – Zero Waste Port – Hidden Wine Bistro, in addition to top wines, nurtures the principle of maximum utilization of ingredients. Casual – Work Atmosphere Port Kancelarija bar offers dishes with witty names inspired by the business world, created in collaboration with a nutritionist. Rijeka's Gastronomic Beer Port - King's Caffe Food pub offers about thirty types of beer, including beer from its own production, along with modern pub food. Port of Particularities - Bowling Port Kooglana combines fun on bowling lanes with a gastronomic offer. Port of Particularities Fine – Dining Port: Nebo: Restaurant & Lounge with the signature of Deni Srdoč offers a top gastronomic experience with a view of the Adriatic. Bowl Port: Poke n’Roll specializes in healthy and customizable poke bowls. G(l)uten-Free Port - Rica offers exclusively gluten-free products, from bread to desserts, produced in its own facility. Port of Particularities – Historical Port - Restaurant Tarsa bases its menu on historical facts and legends of Trsat, in an authentic ambiance of a coastal tavern. Finally, Šurlice Port with a View - Trsatica allows enjoyment of handmade šurlice with a beautiful view of the city of Rijeka, offering them in various tempting combinations.

The "Rijeka's Gastronomic Ports" project thus continues to weave the rich gastronomic map of Rijeka, celebrating local flavors, innovation, and tradition, and firmly positioning the city on the map of unmissable culinary destinations, ready for an even greater upswing in anticipation of the title of European Region of Gastronomy.