Stars of Michelin restaurants on the Croatian coast you must taste

The Croatian coast continuously conquers the palates of gourmets around the world, and alongside the growing recognition of domestic cuisine, the Michelin guide highlights the best restaurants that elevate the pride of our gastronomic offer. Michelin, as the most prestigious global standard of excellence in gastronomy, in its 2025 edition of the guide for Croatia has awarded as many as 13 restaurants with Michelin stars, several of which are located right on the Adriatic coast. In this guide, we bring you a list and stories about these culinary gems that captivate with excellence, innovation, and local flavors.

When we think of gastro-destinations on the Croatian coast, the first association might be fjaka on the beach, fresh fish, or Dalmatian pašticada. However, in recent years, the Croatian gastronomic scene has experienced a true renaissance, and confirmation of quality and excellence comes from the prestigious Michelin guide. By awarding Michelin stars and recommendations, Croatian restaurants are placed in the very top of world gastronomy, and the number of distinguished establishments on the Adriatic grows every year.

In this guide, we take you through the best restaurants with Michelin stars or recommendations along the Croatian coast, from Istria to Dubrovnik, showing how tradition meets innovation on the plate and why Croatian cuisine is now a symbol of excellence in the region.

What Michelin stars mean

A Michelin star is a symbol of excellence:

• One star indicates a very good restaurant in its category
• Two stars indicate excellent cuisine worth a detour
• Three stars mean the pinnacle of gastronomy and an experience worth specially planning

Alongside the stars, the Michelin guide awards recommendations for restaurants that offer quality and consistent food as well as Bib Gourmand labels for excellent value at a reasonable price.
Croatia received its first Michelin guide in 2021, marking a turning point – a confirmation that our country can compete with global gastro-destinations. By 2025, the number of Michelin stars in Croatia rose to 13, and more than 30 restaurants received recommendations, which is a sign that the Croatian coast is not just a fairy-tale natural setting but also a culinary hit.

Two stars for Agli Amici in Rovinj

At the top of the Croatian gastro scene on the coast is undoubtedly Rovinj. Here is located the only two-starred restaurant in Croatia – Agli Amici. Situated in the old town core, this family tradition and top-notch restaurant is led by chef Emanuele Scarello, one of the most respected chefs with experience in Michelin kitchens. Their menu exudes the finesse of Istrian ingredients – fresh fish, truffles, organically grown vegetables, and the indispensable olive oil.

Agli Amici symbolizes a blend of tradition and innovation. Although deeply rooted in local flavors and recipes, it is not afraid to experiment and elevate the dish to a high gastronomic level. Every meal here is like a work of art, and the wine selection accompanies the flavors with perfect pairings of top Croatian and Italian wines.

Rovinj – the kingdom of Michelin one stars

Besides Agli Amici, Rovinj can boast several notable restaurants with one Michelin star. There is the famous Monte, a restaurant that builds its philosophy on authenticity and minimalism, and which for years has been indispensable for every gourmet visiting Istria. Monte stands out for using local ingredients treated with care and innovative techniques such as fermentation and controlled smoking, giving local ingredients a completely new face.

In Rovinj is also Cap Aureo, led by the equally talented chef Jeffrey Vella. Here the cuisine is based on bio and eco principles, giving priority to local and seasonal ingredients in a mix of Mediterranean and contemporary approaches. Cap Aureo is a place where every item on the plate is a combination of creativity and thoughtfulness, and the entire experience is enriched by an exceptional wine list.

Split – a new star hospitality jewel

On the middle Adriatic coast, in Split, Michelin recently awarded its first star to the restaurant Krug, thus adding another star to the Croatian culinary sky. Krug is a sensation thanks to its unique approach to classic Dalmatian cuisine, combining local recipes with modern techniques and presentation.
This gives Split, a city with a rich history and diverse cuisine, a place that competes with the biggest European metropolises. The dishes of fresh sea fish and carefully selected local ingredients like hand-picked wild greens and spices, in particular, have been praised.

Dubrovnik and Adriatic gems

On the other hand, the southern part of the coast brings hospitality pearls in Dubrovnik. The restaurant 360°, located on the old town with panoramic views, holds a Michelin star due not only to the food but also to the entire experience. Chef Marin Medak masterfully combines a modern approach to cuisine with local ingredients, drawing the best out of Dalmatian flavors. Special attention is paid to seafood and wines, giving Dubrovnik a clear position on Europe’s gastro map.

Other restaurants like Pelegrini in Šibenik and Boškinac on Pag are regularly on the one-star list, while Korčula attracts gourmets with the LD restaurant and recommended konobas like Mate and Lešić Dimitri.

Michelin recommendations and Bib Gourmand Alongside the stars, the Michelin guide emphasizes the importance of recommended restaurants and the Bib Gourmand label for those restaurants that offer exceptional value for money. These awards are often domestic gastro surprises, less formal but equally unique in their offer.

On the Croatian coast stand out taverns like Korčula’s Mate, known for authentic cuisine and traditional recipes passed down through generations. Likewise, Lešić Dimitri in Korčula offers a luxurious experience emphasizing local seasonal ingredients, while Bib Gourmand recognitions have also been awarded in Split, where the restaurant K.užina stands out with a creative approach to Dalmatian specialties at an affordable price.

Tourism, gastronomy and the local economy

Michelin awards are not only a guarantee of top cuisine but also a strong incentive for developing tourist destinations. The Croatian coast with Michelin restaurants becomes an unmissable spot for guests for whom quality food means much more than just a meal – they seek experience, story, and connection with the place.
Michelin-starred restaurants intensify collaborations with local producers, fishermen and winemakers, promoting sustainable practices and preserving tradition. This model benefits not only the gastronomic elite but also the entire community, where every visitor simultaneously supports the local landscape and culture.

How to visit Michelin gems of the Croatian coast?

When planning a gastro-trip along the Croatian coast, it is worth booking in advance these restaurants that, due to their reputation, are often fully booked months ahead. The ideal time is off-season to avoid crowds and fully enjoy authentic dishes.
It is good to align your itinerary with wine routes, such as the Istrian wine road or Dalmatian wine trail, as almost every restaurant mentioned here has an excellent wine list with varieties that conquer the world.
For those who find sailing along the coast a special pleasure, visiting a Michelin restaurant is an additional culminating moment of the perfect sea adventure.

Complete list of Michelin restaurants in Croatia 2025

The Croatian gastro scene has become an important part of the world culinary map as confirmed by a total of 13 Michelin-starred restaurants and 12 with Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendations for excellent value. Here all restaurants are categorized according to the number of stars and recommendations.

Restaurants with two Michelin stars

• Agli Amici – Rovinj

The only restaurant in Croatia with two stars, known for a top interpretation of Istrian cuisine and excellence in every detail.

Restaurants with one Michelin star

• 360° – Dubrovnik

Panorama and innovative menu in the heart of Dalmatian tradition.

• Dubravkin Put – Zagreb

Elegant offer of contemporary cuisine in the capital.

• Krug – Split (new in 2025)

Modern Dalmatian cuisine with strong ties to the local area.

• LD Restaurant – Korčula

A blend of modern and local in the unique island ambience.

• Monte – Rovinj

Creative interpretation of local ingredients and minimalist approach.

• Noel – Zagreb

Mediterranean flavors in a modern execution.

• Nebo by Deni Srdoč – Rijeka

Modern restaurant of the Istrian-Rijeka area.

• Alfred Keller – Mali Lošinj

Restaurant located in pristine nature with a focus on modern cuisine.

• Boškinac – Novalja (Pag island)

Traditional dishes with a modern twist and focus on local ingredients.

• Pelegrini – Šibenik

Longtime Croatian gastronomic ambassador, a blend of tradition and innovation.

• Cap Aureo – Rovinj (new in 2025)

Eco-conscious cuisine focused on local ingredients.

• Korak – Jastrebarsko

A restaurant located in the continental part of Croatia, a blend of innovative cuisine and sustainability.

Michelin Bib Gourmand-recommended restaurants

Restaurants from the Bib Gourmand category offer excellent quality and value for money, while enriching the Croatian gastronomic scene:

• Alla Beccaccia – Valbandon, Istria
• K.užina – Split
• Konoba Mate – Korčula
• Konoba Pescaria – Mošćenička Draga
• Konoba Vinko – Konjevrate
• Konoba Malo Selo – Buje
• Fakin – Legrad
• Tač – Zagreb
• Taj Mahal – Dubrovnik
• Vuglec Breg – Krapina
• Beštija – Zagreb
• Izakaya – Zagreb

Croatia – gastro destination worth exploring

Ultimately, Michelin stars and recommendations along the Croatian coast are not just a mark of quality – they are a voice of change, innovation, and return to real values through food. From Istria through Split to  Dubrovnik, the gastronomic scene is on the rise and places Croatia on the map of world gourmet destinations. Whether you are a lover of carefully prepared top dishes, traditional flavors, or wine delights, the Michelians on the Adriatic guarantee that your visit will remain in memory as a story of surprising flavors and shared experiences.
Therefore, when planning your next holiday or gastronomic adventure, head for the path of Michelin stars along the Croatian coast — because in the heart of the Adriatic beats one of the most exciting gourmet scenes in Europe.