Starac i more

Rating: 15
Author: Gault&Millau

Ulica kneza Branimira 1, 53291 Novalja, Island of Pag, Croatia

15/20
Remarkable Restaurant

Chef: Sanja Belac
Cooking: Dessert | Local | Mediterranean | Signature cuisine | Traditional

Gault&Millau's review 2026

Exceptionally high-quality food and professional and friendly staff are the main characteristics of Starac i more, one of the two top restaurants on the island of Pag. The young chef Sanja Belac knows what she is doing. In addition to some dishes that have been served for years, she has created a menu that combines modern and traditional. Respecting the seasonality, she uses the best island ingredients. The menu is dominated by fish specialties, but there are also several meat dishes. The tasting menu named A walk through the island of Pag is still available. As a greeting from the kitchen, we were served a prawn pâté in crispy small baskets and we enjoyed the perfect creamy-crisp combination of textures. The island specialty, octopus salad, is served on arugula. The school-prepared dish, seasoned with olive oil, cannot disappoint, and the octopus mayonnaise added an interesting flavour note to the dish. We also tried the refreshing scampi tartare, with one complaint: the strong olive oil covered the delicate flavour of the scampi. Perhaps the guest could season the dish by himself by choosing from four types of oil on the table. The lamb bajadera with a variation of potatoes, pumpkin puree and lamb bone demi-glace delighted us. The square of soft and juicy meat, seasoned to order, will be remembered for a long time. The homemade sourdough focaccia for collecting the sauce perfectly rounded off the main course. The only regret is that the portion was not larger. The desserts are delicious as always. Our favourite is simply called Pag and apricot, a delicious sweet-sour, crispy-creamy dessert. The wine list is of exceptional quality, as is the offer of other drinks. The restaurant’s ambiance is pleasant, and the terrace provides an unforgettable sunset experience with a view of the sea. This year they deserved 3 Gault&Millau toques.