June 16, 2023 – The culinary landscape in Croatia continues to flourish as the country proudly welcomes its newest addition to the prestigious Michelin-starred club.
Michelin Guide for Croatia
The recently released Michelin Guide for Croatia showcases the remarkable achievement of Korak Restaurant in Plešivica, led by the talented head chef Bernard Korak.
With this recognition, Croatia now has 11 Michelin-starred restaurants, further solidifying its position as a culinary destination of distinction.
In addition to its Michelin star, Korak Restaurant, a part of the Korak Family Estate, which includes a renowned Plešivica winery, was bestowed with the esteemed Green Star, a remarkable accolade celebrating its commitment to sustainability.
The Michelin Guide’s inspectors were particularly impressed by the growing emphasis placed by Croatian chefs and restaurant owners on utilizing locally sourced ingredients, showcasing a profound appreciation for their nation’s culinary heritage.
The latest edition of the Michelin Guide reflects this culinary renaissance, highlighting the dedication of Croatian chefs in offering gastronomic experiences that authentically represent their regions and incorporate the abundance of the Mediterranean Sea.
Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of the Michelin Guide, expressed his curiosity and excitement about the future ecological culinary practices that will emerge in Croatia.
Bib Gourmand list
In addition to Korak Restaurant’s achievement, three other Croatian establishments were included in the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand list, which recognizes restaurants that provide exceptional quality dishes at affordable prices.
This year, the Bib Gourmand list welcomes three newcomers: Beštija in Zagreb, Bugenvila in Cavtat, and Taj Mahal in Dubrovnik.
MICHELIN RECOMMENDATIONS
Furthermore, nine restaurants received coveted Michelin recommendations, including Marco Polo in Dubrovnik, Nicolo Polo in Gradac, Mediterraneo in Hvar, BÒME and PiNKU fish and wine in Split, as well as konoba Kala and Otok in Supetar, and Balon and El Toro in Zagreb.
The Michelin Guide’s commitment to sustainability is evident through the recognition of three restaurants with the Green Star. Alongside Korak Restaurant, Zinfandel’s restaurant and Konoba Mate were also honored for their dedication to sustainable practices within gastronomy.
Gwendal Poullennec praised the culinary scene in Croatia, noting the growing attention to locally sourced ingredients and the chefs’ unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences.
The country’s emphasis on quality ingredients and genuine sensitivity towards sustainability and ecological culinary practices sets a shining example for the global culinary community.
The remarkable achievements reflected in the latest Michelin Guide highlight the continuous evolution of modern Croatian gastronomy. The country’s unique blend of Mediterranean and Central European culinary traditions, coupled with the passion and creativity of Croatian chefs, has captured the attention of both local and international food enthusiasts.
Recognizing the significant role of gastronomy in tourism, the Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy until 2030 places great importance on the development of food and wine tourism in Croatia.
Nikolina Brnjac, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, extended heartfelt congratulations to all the culinary talents who earned their Michelin stars this year.
Minister Brnjac emphasized that inclusion in globally renowned gastronomic guides like Michelin serves as recognition and a powerful incentive for further diversifying the Croatian gastronomic landscape.
Minister Brnjac expressed her belief that future editions of the Michelin Guide will continue to feature exceptional Croatian chefs, who undoubtedly deserve recognition for their remarkable contributions to the culinary world.
The article was originally written at wineandmore.com
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