From the sea to the
hinterlands: every corner of Slovenian Istria is brimming with authentic,
traditional dishes with a modern twist. This inviting symphony of flavours and
aromas is waiting for you.
Michelin plates epitomizing Mediterranean
flavours
Slovenian Istria tells so many stories. Some of the
finest ones are undoubtedly of the gastronomic variety, satisfying even the
most demanding food connoisseurs. Five local restaurants boast their very own Michelin
plate. The Municipality of Piran has as many as three such restaurants. The
team at Stara gostilna in Piran explain that they depict culinary art on
their plates and, judging from the diners’ reactions, they are managing this
wonderfully. The Rizibizi restaurant between Portorož and Piran considers the
recognition from Michelin to be just the cherry on top, as they have already been admitted
into the prestige Jeunes Restaurateurs d`Europe association in 2012, and
they are also one of eight Slovenian restaurants to have received 15.5 out of
20 points by renowned French restaurant guide Gault millau.
They offer home-made specialties with a modern twist and the perfect finishing
touch provided by their home-grown, multiple award-winning olive oil. The third recipient of the Michelin plate is
the Sophia restaurant in the Hotel Kempinski Palace Portorož. The
restaurant is devoted to the beauty of Italian diva Sophia Loren and offers top Mediterranean cuisine, complemented with local
produce and flavours from all over the world. The restaurant of the Marina hotel in Izola earned their Michelin plate by using fresh, local ingredients. They
offer a standard menu alongside a seasonal one, for which they strive to follow
the Zero Kilometre initiative. Their seafood plates, served with a gorgeous sea
view terrace and paired with olive oil from the Belvedere hillside, are sure to
create a real gourmet experience. In Izola, the restaurant Hiša Torkla was also
awarded the Michelin plate. The restaurant is nestled in the picturesque Izola
hinterlands and is renowned for tasty meat dishes, especially grilled beef, and
for dishes with truffles. You can also sample a Michelin plate in the
restaurant Za gradom in Koper. It
has sweeping views of Koper and has been renowned for its fresh seasonal and
local ingredients and imaginative flavour combinations for many years.
Interactive gastronomy
Epicurious diners should not miss the latest addition in Portorož. COB restaurant offers a unique menu that tells stories of Slovenian gastronomy to food
lovers in an unexpected and interactive way.
The mysterious world of truffles
The Istrian hinterlands also offer genuine
culinary treasures, with truffles being the undisputed, most prestigious Istrian
culinary crown jewel. Meet an actual truffle gatherer and their loyal four-legged
helper who will introduce you to the mysterious world of truffles. Of course, save the best for last: taste
the intoxicating aroma of truffles in the wonderful surroundings of the Gold Istra restaurant in the village of Padna.
Olive oil for culinary
delights
One of the best
olive oils far and wide can be sampled at the Morgan family in Grintovec, near the village of Šmarje pri Kopru. Olive
oil tastings along with a presentation of olive tree growing and virgin olive
oil production and purchases are welcome by appointment.
Visit Čebelji
rtič beekeeping
By making an
appointment at the Debeli Rtič Landscape Park, you can sample a special and
aromatic honey at the Čebelji rtič beekeeping. Their honey has a specific,
unique flavour, because the bees are surrounded by Mediterranean plants and herbs,
as well as some foreign tree species.
Enjoy a fine
vintage in the heart of nature
Visit Ankaran to sample
amazing wines by Goran Besednjak, who was crowned “King of Refošk” at last year’s
47th annual Refosco and Slovenian Istria Day. Besednjak Winesare produced in a completely organic manner, as the producers believe people should
work in unison with nature and let it lead the way. You can make an appointment
to visit the pleasant homestead and get an authentic nature experience.
Culinary tradition of the sea
The culinary tradition in Izola is inextricably linked with the town’s
fishing practices. Daily menus diligently follow the motto “From the Sea to the
Plate” by offering the freshest daily catch. You can sample the best of the sea
with traditional dishes as well as seafood dishes with a modern twist. Bujol restaurant will treat you to authentic flavours in a homey atmosphere; they
make dishes following recipes that are over a hundred years old. In September,
they occasionally prepare their famous fish stew, depending on the catch of the
day, but the restaurant’s speciality are undoubtedly the blue fish and the baccala
cod spread. The baccala will also take centre stage at the festival from 12 to
27 September that envelops Izola in all sorts of traditional and contemporary
flavours. The popular cod spread will be prepared in a variety of versions at
the Days of Baccala, showcasing this dish that is traditionally served on holidays;
it is quite possible some family secrets will be revealed about how to prepare
it as well.
MasterChef Taste of Istria
Two contestants from the MasterChef Slovenia 2020 have selected the Ankaran
Peninsula as their culinary hub. Villa Andor features finalist Sanja
Sirk, who has created an unforgettable culinary experience. The scent of Mediterranean
herbs will awaken the nostalgic flavours of home cooking, intermingled with the
freshness of modern-day dishes. Kaja Balantič will
treat you to her tasty dishes combining Mediterranean, fresh, summery flavours
with a mixture of traditional and experimental in the eateries on the Valdoltra and Študent Beaches.
Attachments:
Photo1: Gourmet experience
in COB restaurant (Photo: COB restaurant archive)
Photo 2: Michelin plate
in Hotel Marina (Photo: Tea Brenko)
Photo 3: Olive oil
is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. (Photo: Jaka Jeraša and Kleva d. o. o.)
Photo 4: MasterChef
flavours in Villa Andor (Photo: Villa Andor archive)
Foto 5: Fuzi pasta with truffles (Foto: Matevž Kostajnšek)
Foto 6: Cod fish (Foto: Matevž Kostajnšek)
Foto 7: Riži-biži (rice & peas) (Foto: Matevž Kostajnšek)
Foto 8: Prosciutto and wine (Foto: Matevž Kostanjšek)
Foto 9: Local market (Foto: Matevž Kostanjšek)
Prepared by: Nina
Jurinčič, Municipality of Ankaran
In collaboration
with z Institute for the Youth, Culture and Tourism Koper, Izola
Tourist Board, g.i.z, and Portorož Tourist Board, g.i.z