Stancija Kovačići

Rating: 14
Author: Gault&Millau

Rukavac 51, 51211 Matulji, Croatia

14/20
Chef's Restaurant

6 PHOTOS

Chef: Vinko Frlan
Cooking: Mediterranean | Traditional
Services: Access for people with disabilities | Pets allowed | Private Parking
Style: With family

Gault&Millau's review 2026

A 19th century old family house in several decades became one of the most recognized gastronomic addresses in the Kvarner region. Stancija Kovačići is located in the green hinterland of Opatija, in Rukavac, at the foot of Učka, and represents a blend of a tavern, fine dining restaurant, and boutique accommodation. The restaurant area is divided into several smaller spaces, creating a sense of privacy and exclusivity, while the large terrace surrounded by Mediterranean herbs offers a special experience during the warmer months. Owner and chef Vinko Frlan bases his kitchen on seasonality and local ingredients. Notable ingredients include boškarin (local cattle), lamb, wild asparagus, nettles, wild garlic, truffles, and local cheeses and prosciutto. Guests praise boškarin carpaccio and truffle pâté, homemade sausages and warm bread from their oven, fresh fish in salt or in parchment, and lamb under the bell. They make their own pljukanci, ravioli, and gnocchi, served with various sauces (for example, onion, pancetta, and black truffle sauce), and their signature meat dishes include slow-cooked boškarin cheeks and wine-braised veal. The wine list features almost exclusively local labels, primarily from Kvarner and Istria. The wine by the glass selection is high-quality allowing guests to find the right pairing for each course.