Croatia’s best chefs and restaurants in 2026 named by Gault&Millau

Croatia’ top chefs (Photo: Goran Jakuš)

Croatia’s leading culinary talents were celebrated in style on Tuesday evening as Gault&Millau Croatia unveiled its latest guide and annual awards at a gala event in Zagreb.

Held in the elegant Emerald Ballroom of the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, the event marked the launch of the ninth edition of the bilingual international Gault&Millau Croatia guide and honoured ten new laureates who have made a significant impact on the country’s growing gastronomy scene.

More than 100 chefs from across Croatia attended the ceremony, hosted by television presenter Frano Ridjan.

Guests were welcomed with sparkling Ruggeri Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze prosecco and a cheese bar presented by gold partner Président, while harpist Doris Karamatić set the tone for the evening with a live performance.

Chef Francesco Marchese and chef Ana Grgic Tomic (Photo: Ivan Brčić)

The highlight of the night was the announcement of Chef of the Year 2026, awarded to Stiven Vunić, owner and chef of Konoba Zijavica in Mošćenička Draga. The recognition marks a major milestone in Vunić’s career, four years after he was named Gault&Millau’s “Great Chef of Tomorrow”.

Stiven Vunić (Photo: Goran Jakuš)

Vunić, known for his deep connection to Kvarner culinary traditions and local produce, said the award was both unexpected and meaningful.

“This trophy means a lot, but even more important is what it shows about the progress of Croatian gastronomy,” he said. “If we managed to transform a seaside tavern into a restaurant that encourages guests to discover local fish and small producers, then I believe the entire scene can continue to grow in that direction.”

Iva Kuhtić – director of marketinga , Stiven Vunić and Ingrid Badurina Danielsson, director Gault&Millau (Photo: Goran Jakuš)

Other major awards celebrated rising and established talent across the country. Ines Jurišić of Bistro Beška in Čakovec was named Great Chef of Tomorrow 2026, while Danijel Biro, a 25-year-old chef from Restaurant and Winery Josić in Zmajevac, received the Young Talent of the Year award.

Among the remaining winners, Nika Čavlović from Zagreb’s ManO2 was recognised as Best Pastry Chef, while Robert Rojnić from the Viking restaurant in the Lim Channel received the award for Service and Front of House.

Nika Čavlović and Michal Suchanek La Lorraine bakery group (Photo: Goran Jakuš)

Awards for unique culinary experiences went to Tvrtko Šakota, chef and owner of Zagreb’s NAV restaurant, and to the family team behind the Primitivo excursion site at the Čudesna šuma estate in Bilje.

Romulić family, Primitivo – Čudesna šuma in Bilje (Photo: Goran Jakuš)

Meanwhile, Ivanka and Stjepan Grgos of the Kod Špilje restaurant in Otruševec were honoured for traditional cuisine, and Magdalena Senjković from Vina Senjković Wine Bar on the island of Brač was named Chef of Modern Traditional Cuisine. The Best POP (popular dining spot) title went to Bota Šare Oyster & Sushi Bar in Split.

Magdalena Senjković and Mislav Matišić, director of the Osijek-Baranja County Tourist Board (Photo: Goran Jakuš)

In addition to the trophies, the evening also highlighted Croatia’s top restaurants. Sixteen establishments received the prestigious four toque rating, the guide’s highest distinction, with restaurants NAV in Zagreb and 360° in Dubrovnik achieving the top score of 18 out of 20.

Winners of the Gault&Millau Croatia trophy (Photo: Goran Jakuš)

Best restaurant winners (Photo: Goran Jakuš)

The 2026 guide features 422 restaurants, bistros, taverns, eateries and pastry shops, with 74 restaurants receiving the highest ratings.

(Photo: Ivan Brčić)

According to organisers, the growing list of winners reflects a new culinary renaissance spreading across the country.