Slavonia, a Land of Young People

On Tuesday, May 19, over a hundred restaurateurs and producers of wine, food, and spirits gathered at Hotel Osijek for the presentation of the guide Gault&Millau Croatia – Slavonia, Baranja, and Srijem 2026. The event and the award ceremony marked a milestone for eastern Croatia whose distinct eno-gastronomic identity was acknowledged by the prestigious international Gault&Millau guide, which operates in more than 20 countries worldwide. Spanning 236 pages, this special edition showcases 109 of the best establishments in eastern Croatia: 40 restaurants, 43 wineries, and 26 producers of food and spirits. The edition was produced in collaboration with the tourist boards of Osijek-Baranja, Požega-Slavonia, Virovitica-Podravina, and Vukovar-Srijem counties.

"The launch of the first special Gault&Millau guide for Slavonia, Baranja, and Srijem represents a significant recognition for the entire eno-gastronomic scene in eastern Croatia and validates the quality that our restaurants, winemakers, and producers have been cultivating for years. Authenticity, tradition, superb gastronomy, and a rich wine culture are becoming key reasons for tourists to visit our county and the entire region," said Tatjana Turalija, representing Nataša Tramišak, the Prefect of Osijek-Baranja County, adding that the county is currently recording record-breaking tourism results.

Ingrid Badurina Danielsson, the Director of Gault&Millau Croatia, confirmed that the gastronomic strength of this destination is rooted in authenticity—from the choice of ingredients to the way guests are welcomed at the table—adding that this was precisely the starting point for the guide's selection process. "The guide Gault&Millau Slavonia, Baranja, and Srijem 2026 serves as an excellent roadmap for planning inland tours and discovering key food and wine destinations in Croatia’s easternmost region. Unlike most other regions, the focus here is not solely on restaurants but also on a robust network of local producers and winemakers; together, they embody the region's identity and play an equal role in shaping its gastronomy." 

The Coordinator of the Slavonia Cluster and Director of the Osijek-Baranja County Tourist Board, Mislav Matišić, highlighted the unique nature of the region: "Gault&Millau is one of the world’s most important gastronomic guides. The fact that Slavonia, Baranja, and Srijem have got a special regional edition confirms what we have long known: our gastronomy represents not only a rich tradition but also significant tourism, economic, and cultural potential. I am particularly pleased that this guide showcases not just restaurants, but also winemakers, family farms, and producers of food and spirits. That is precisely where lies the strength of our region. For us, gastronomy does not begin in the kitchen, but in the fields, the vineyards, the cellars, and small family-run farms—rooted in knowledge passed down through generations." 

This very strength—inherent in small-scale family production—was palpable during the guide's launch event showcasing the deep regional heritage. The hall at Hotel Osijek was filled primarily with young people: restaurant chefs, winemakers taking over their grandfathers' and fathers' cellars and a generation of trained agronomists, biotechnologists, beekeepers, cheesemakers, fruit growers, farmers, and cultivators of various agricultural produce. They all enjoyed the exquisite bites prepared by the kitchen of the Meandar restaurant at Hotel Osijek served alongside premium wines from Slavonia, Baranja, and Srijem.