Mala Riba

Rating: 12.5
Author: Gault&Millau

Ulica 43. istarske divizije 22A, 51211 Matulji, Croatia

12.5/20
Gourmet Restaurant

5 PHOTOS

Chef: Anamarija Šverko
Cooking: Local | Mediterranean | Traditional

Gault&Millau's review 2026

A cozy space, friendly staff, and a family atmosphere, with a touch of culinary creativity respecting top-quality ingredients, careful selection of olive oil, freshly-ground pepper, local beers, and homemade brandies - this sums up the modern tavern in Matulji. Mala riba resembles Italian trattorias but has a Scandinavian design - a bright and airy space with yellow-blue wooden chairs and tables, and photographs of fish and fishermen on the walls. This “exhibition” illustrates their gastronomic offer, based on their own daily catch - lots of small fish and some larger pieces. The appetizer section features various versions of cold seafood-vegetable salads, marinated/salted fish, small tapas, or spreads. Recommended are the mullet spread in orange juice with raisins and spicy salad with vegetables and shad. They make pasta in-house, and combine it with shrimp, prawns, or truffles. For the main course, you can choose between grilled fish, baked fish, or gvacet (cooked in a sauce of wine and olive oil). The fish in Mala riba is divided into three price categories - white, quality, and noble. Their desserts are delicious, like lemon pavlova, tiramisu, chocolate cake, or sorbet. They offer two house wines (malvasia and merlot), but bottles are not served by the glass.