La Scarpetta

Rating: 12.5
Author: Gault&Millau

Ulica Slavka Krautzeka 18, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia

12.5/20
Gourmet Restaurant

4 PHOTOS

Chef: Antonio Močibob
Cooking: Local | Mediterranean | Modern
Style: Bistro

Gault&Millau's review 2026

Bistro La Scarpetta has for several years been a well-kept secret tucked away in Trsat, the hilly part of Rijeka known for the Gradina fortress and the Sanctuary, as well as for its unique view. Located along the main road and easily accessible by public transport, the bistro is secluded by a line of trees whose greenery extends over the terrace, providing pleasant shade on hot days. La Scarpetta is run by Antonio and Mario Močibob, a head chef and a manager, brothers with previous experience in renowned Kvarner restaurants. They are committed to a menu based on seasonal ingredients, as reflected in their rotating menus - one that changes weekly and another designed specifically for lunch. Only the à la carte dishes are generally always available - various pastas and risottos (with shrimp, truffles and scampi), meat dishes, sea bass fillets, and tuna steaks. A good introduction to lunch might be the cold fish selection featuring Adriatic tuna tartare and pâté, octopus salad, and the so-called Rijeka cube made with kompirica polenta. If duck breast is available, La Scarpetta serves it baked in a pistachio crust with julienned vegetables and sesame seeds. Their pasta, delicious cakes, and bread are all homemade. The bread itself inspired the bistro’s name, since in Italian slang “fare la scarpetta” means “to wipe the plate clean with bread at the end of a meal”. A true sign of enjoying the food!