Istria and Croatia are becoming Europe’s most favored destination for foodies worldwide! Here some ideas:
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Istria Itinerary
Though it may seem like a small area, there are a surprising amount of things to do in Istria which is why we recommend spending at least a week in the area. If you are keen to have some relaxation time by the warm Adriatic waters while also being able to get the most out of all the activities and sites that Istria has to offer, one week is the perfect amount of time.
Pula Market
If you want to see how locals shop outside of the international supermarket chains, then head to the Pula market. Though there are some stalls that are catered toward tourists hawking kitschy souvenirs that could be found anywhere, there are also booths selling authentic local produce at great prices and fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables.
There is also an indoor area selling meat and fish, along with an area with a number of great restaurants more catered toward locals than tourists. It is worth noting, however, that the majority of these restaurants are not open for dinner. All in all, a visit to the Pula market is a great way to stock up on some unique mementoes from your trip to Istria.
House of Istrian Olive Oil
A unique museum in the city centre, the House of Istrian Olive Oil is a great place to visit in Pula. Outlining the history of olive oil in Istria throughout the centuries, this museum gives great insight into the significance that olive oil has had on Istria from the ancient Romans to the present day.
There is also an opportunity to include a guided tasting of some great Istrian olive oils and we highly recommend it. There are three tiers of tickets available, one is for museum entry only, one is for the “Green” olive oil tasting which gives a basic presentation about how to taste the oil and a couple of samples, and the last is for the “Gold” tasting which includes everything in the “Green” option plus five more oils to taste and a dessert. We recommend doing the “Gold” tasting if you are really interested in the qualities of Istrian olive oil.
Pula Restaurants
Pula is becoming more and more popular amongst tourist and it is increasingly difficult to find a good, affordable, and local meal to eat there. Our advice to finding the best restaurants in Pula is to venture a bit further from the main tourist centre. There you will notice more affordable prices with local fare. If you’re stuck trying to find a great place to eat, check out these suggestions:
Jupiter Pizza
If you want another casual eatery with a great outdoor seating area, look no further than Jupiter Pizza. Located close to the arena, this place not only serves fantastic pizza but also some Balkan strongholds like cevapi and plijescavica along with freshly caught, local seafood.
Hook and Cook
Located on the main drag in Pula, Hook and Cook is a popular casual seafood joint. They have a small menu, however, the quality of the fish is fantastic and they have some unique ingredients and presentation.
Kantina
Located close to the Pula market, Kantina is a great option if you’re keen to sample some of the best seafood Istria has to offer. Prices are affordable and the menu is extensive, serving up a lot of local favourites.
SEAFOOD
The peninsula of Istria is nestled in the Adriatic Sea so it’s no wonder that seafood features so prominently in its cuisine.
The best seafood I’ve had in Istria is fresh oysters (from Lim Fjord), crab claws, grilled fish, sardines and octopus. Some of these delights are seasonal, but if you visit in the spring (April or May) you can have all of the above. The quality and freshness of Istrian seafood is top-notch.
Bacalao cooked with potatoes and vegetables
Octopus salad with potato, bacalao, raw scampi and raw sea bass
Crab claw – one of my favorite dishes!
Adriatic sea bass with baked polenta and fried vegetables
Octopus salad with wild asparagus and cherry tomatoes
Octopus, crab, bacalar, sardines, smoked salmon and cod patée
Brancin (Adriatic sea bass) and breaded orata (sea bram)Where to find great seafood
- Vrsar: Trost
- Rovinj: Puntulina, Kantinon
- Bale: La Grisa
- Pula: Hotel Amfiteatar Restaurant
LOCAL MEATS
Although seafood is the star of Istrian meat, there are some great alternatives, especially further inland. While poultry isn’t a major hit in Istria, there’s a wide range of pork, sausages and Istrian ox, also known as boskarin.
The sausages (the non-fried) are fat, well seasoned and flavored – they go well with wine and cheese!
Boskarin – it tastes like roast beef and is SO delicious
Pork sausage and pork chop with wild ridiccioWhere to find local meet dishes
- Zminj: Puli Pineta
- Fazana: Alla Beccaccia
FRESH PASTA
Ah, home cooked Adriatic pasta. Forget about calories and the low-nutritious stuff you buy at the store, because this pasta is amazing. It has a different consistency than the dry variety, and it’s more filling and substantial thanks to the texture.
Home-cooked Istrian pasta has a life of its own and you can easily eat it with just truffles or herbs, although it does taste heavenly with Istrian ox or shell-fish.
Pasta with meat and cheese
Vegetarian pasta with garlic and parsley
Pasta with Istrian ox, cheese and rucola
Pasta with shrimp and scampi
Where to find great homemade pasta
- Rovinj: Puntulina
- Vodnjan: Vodnjanka
- Zminj: Puli Pineta
- Motovun: Palladio and Konoba Mondo
GNOCCHI & RISOTTO
Food in Istria is inspired by Italian cuisine so you’ll see plenty of gnocchi and risotto on the menu. A local variation of gnocchi is stew with meat, which I highly recommend.
Gnocchi with wild asparagus and cheese
Tortellini with bacon and cheese sauce
Meat stew with gnocchi (and probably cheese)
Risotto with clams
Where to find great gnocchi and risotto
- Rovinj: Kantinon
- Zminj: Puli Pineta
- Vrsar: Trost
ISTRIAN OLIVE OIL –
Did you know that Istrian olive oil is often awarded as being one of the best olive oils in the world? I can honestly say that after tasting it, I bought three bottles. There’s something about the taste; it tastes like freshly cut grass and has a peppery finish.
Olive oil tasting at Brist
The best olive oil producers in Istria
- Brist is my favorite. I’ve visited Paul and Lena’s shop in Vodnjan twice already and their extra virgin olive oil is top quality
- Olea BB
- Medea – Agroprodukt Vodnjan, has a tasting room
Our friend Goran Zgrablić organizes wonderful tours and cooking classes on http://www.eatistria.com/
