MICHELIN Guide 2025

Istria Shines Brighter:
Three Istrian Restaurants Now Boast Michelin Stars

Istria has a new star lighting up its gastronomic sky. The region can now proudly add another name to its list of prestigious MICHELIN-starred restaurants-the most coveted and globally recognized symbol of culinary excellence. In the latest MICHELIN Guide selection for Croatia, Cap Aureo in Rovinj has earned its place among the elite, further enriching Istria’s shining constellation of top-tier dining experiences.

Chef Jeffrey Vella, together with his exceptional team, leads a kitchen that, as the Guide notes, “stands out for its strong personality, genuine respect for the local terroir, and a thoughtful selection of ingredients sourced within a 50-kilometer radius. His culinary philosophy effortlessly weaves together the flavours of coastal Croatia with the rich, intense aromas of the hinterland. The menu, which Chef Vella describes as a true journey, invites guests to explore the finest seasonal delicacies through thoughtfully curated tasting menus of varying lengths, offering diners the freedom to craft their own unique gastronomic adventure”.

Agli Amici Rovinj has reaffirmed its position at the very top of Croatia’s gastronomic scene, successfully retaining the prestigious two Michelin stars brought to Istria by Emanuele and Michela Scarello. Their confidence in the restaurant’s success was so profound that they chose to highlight its location in the very name, proudly tying a part of their own reputation to Rovinj and Istria, a region they believe truly deserves it.

Meanwhile, Rovinj’s iconic restaurant Monte, already etched into the history of Croatian and Istrian gastronomy as the first restaurant in the country to earn a Michelin star, continues to shine proudly-celebrating its stellar recognition for the ninth consecutive year!

Within this elite gastronomic circle, Istria proudly holds a distinguished place, boasting an impressive number of acclaimed restaurants. In addition to its Michelin-starred gems, the region is also home to two Bib Gourmand-awarded establishments - Alla Beccaccia and Konoba Malo Selo - as well as 13 restaurants recognized with the Selected Restaurants designation.

Congratulations to all the teams whose expertise, dedication, and exceptional craftsmanship have earned them this outstanding recognition and a well-deserved place in the MICHELIN Guide. A special round of applause goes to Cap Aureo for securing its newly awarded star! Your passion and creativity continue to make Istria a true gastronomic paradise.

Istrian restaurants in the MICHELIN GUIDE 2025

2 Stars MICHELIN:
Agli Amici Rovinj, Rovinj

1 Star MICHELIN:
Monte, Rovinj
Cap Aureo, Rovinj

Bib Gourmand:
Alla Beccaccia, Valbandon
Konoba Malo selo, Buje

MICHELIN Selected Restaurants:
Badi, Umag
Konoba Buščina, Umag
Damir & Ornella, Novigrad
Marina, Novigrad
Luciano, San Canzian, Buje
Morgan, Brtonigla
San Rocco, Brtonigla
Spinnaker, Poreč
Meneghetti, Bale
Tekka by Lone, Rovinj
Wine Vault Restaurant - Levante Edition, Rovinj
Ribarska koliba, Pula
Batelina, Banjole

The MICHELIN Guide 2025: Istria, Croatia
guide.michelin.com/en/hr/istria/restaurants

The Michelin Guide - famously known as the iconic “red booklet”- regularly evaluates restaurants worldwide using a rigorous rating system, awarding one, two, or three stars. Each star symbolizes a distinct level of culinary excellence. Michelin inspectors visit restaurants anonymously, judging them on food quality, the chefs’ skill, consistency, and the overall dining experience. Earning a Michelin star is a mark of immediate success and global recognition, and for many chefs, it represents the ultimate honour in the culinary world.