Gault & Millau Croatia 2022: 47 restaurants from Istria included in the prestigious gastronomic guide

The fifth edition of Gault & Millau Croatia surpassed all previous editions of this world's only gastronomic guide that covers the Croatian restaurant scene. In the last year, each Croatian region offered several new, quality restaurants, including Istria - the westernmost part of Croatia. Branded in Europe as an area of truffles, excellent wines and premium olive oils, Istria is an authentic model of agri-tourism and a successful example of coastal tourism. Compared to last year's edition, Istria has four new restaurants included in Gault & Millau Croatia 2022, bringing the total number of Istrian restaurants to 47, with many of those previously included that, according to our independent and anonymous inspectors, made progress and received more points and toques.

Fabricio Vežnaver, Pergola Restaurant Zambratija, Danijel & Tjitske Djekic, Monte Restaurant Rovinj and Ana Morgan, tavern Morgan Brtonigla. Photo: Goran Jakuš

There are no changes in the category of top restaurants: Monte from Rovinj and Pergola from Zambratija received 17.5 points, and were awarded 4 toques and a Trophy for the best restaurants in Croatia. They are followed by the Cap Aureo Grand Park Hotel, with 16.5 points and 3 toques. Another 8 Istrian restaurants earned 3 toques, as 19 restaurants this year received 2 toques, 4 more compared to last year. There are 7 of them with 1 toque, and we also have 10 POPs. We are glad to be joined by Tony's Oyster Shack, a popular place in the Lim Channel where they serve fresh shellfish from their farm, Konoba Mondo in Motovun known for its truffle dishes, Fresh Sandwich & Salad Bar from Pula and Konoba Dom, which is located on an eco-estate in Sv. Petar u šumi and uses groceries from its own production. In addition, Ana Morgan, the owner of the Morgan tavern in Brtonigla, won this year's Chef Trophy of modern traditional cuisine.

Morgan - veal cheeks with pumpkin gnocchi

Actually, the fact that there are no big surprises on the Istrian gastronomic scene is good news, as disrupting the balance between traditional and modern cuisine present for decades in this region’s numerous inns and taverns - but also fine dining restaurants - would be a real shame. Most of the Istrian gastronomic scene is included in the new Gault & Millau Croatia guide, which is available in hard copy at all Tisak points of sale throughout Croatia, but can also be found on our website.