Special Gault&Millau Croatia guide dedicated to Kvarner region

The Kvarner region is set to take centre stage on the global culinary map with the release of a special Gault&Millau Croatia 2026 guide dedicated to the area, which has been named European Region of Gastronomy 2026.

The prestigious guide, developed in partnership with the Kvarner Tourist Board, will be officially presented on 20 April 2026 in Kastav, highlighting the region’s growing reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting food destinations.

80 restaurants and 11 wineries featured

The new regional edition recommends 80 restaurants and 11 wineries, showcasing the diversity and quality of Kvarner’s food and wine scene.

(Photo: Gault&Millau Croatia)

The selection spans a wide range of venues, including fine dining restaurants, traditional konobas, bistros, pizzerias, pastry shops and bars. Together, they reflect a strong connection between local ingredients, culinary heritage and modern gastronomy.

Establishments from 32 towns and locations are included, covering the Opatija Riviera, the city of Rijeka and its surroundings, Crikvenica-Vinodol, Gorski Kotar, and the islands of Krk, Rab, Cres and Lošinj.

Ganeum restoran, Lovran (Photo: Gault&Millau Croatia)

Independent ratings confirm quality

Gault&Millau’s ratings are based on anonymous visits by experienced inspectors, ensuring an objective and consistent evaluation process recognised worldwide for over 60 years.

The 2026 guide highlights the strength of Kvarner’s culinary offering:

• 2 restaurants awarded 4 toques

• 9 restaurants awarded 3 toques

• 29 restaurants awarded 2 toques

• 25 restaurants awarded 1 toque

• 13 venues marked with the POP label

• 2 additional recommended addresses

All selected venues will carry the recognised Gault&Millau mark as a symbol of verified quality.

Konoba Cigale, Mali Losinj (Photo: Gault&Millau Croatia)

First Croatian region to earn European title

Kvarner becomes the first region in Croatia to receive the European Region of Gastronomy title, marking a significant milestone for the country’s tourism and food sectors.

The region has steadily built a reputation for culinary excellence, driven by a combination of authenticity, high-quality ingredients and a strong sense of place. In recent years, a new generation of chefs has brought fresh energy, reinterpreting traditional dishes and shaping a modern gastronomic identity.

This is further underlined by the success of leading chefs from the region, including the current Gault&Millau Croatia Chef of the Year.

Plavi podrum (Photo: Gault&Millau Croatia)

Kvarner’s gastronomy is defined by the meeting of three distinct culinary influences: coastal, island and mountain cuisine.

Within a relatively small area, the region combines Mediterranean, continental and pre-Alpine climates, resulting in a rich variety of ingredients and dishes. Historical influences from Venetian, Austrian and Hungarian cuisines are also evident, alongside long-standing traditions of fishing, farming, livestock breeding and winemaking.

This diversity, supported by over 180 years of tourism and hospitality, has positioned Kvarner as a destination with a strong and recognisable identity. 

Ivica Lukanovic, Tea and Stiven Vunic, Irena Persic Zivadinov (Photo: Gault&Millau Croatia)

The new guide reinforces gastronomy as a central element of Kvarner’s tourism offer, increasingly motivating visitors to explore the region.

The featured wineries, grouped under the Kvarner Wines brand, further highlight the area’s growing reputation in the wine sector.

The full selection will be available online, providing both domestic and international travellers with a trusted resource when planning food-focused trips.

(Photo: Gault&Millau Croatia)

Presentation in Kastav

The official launch will take place at Hotel and Restaurant Kukuriku in Kastav, bringing together chefs, restaurateurs, winemakers, producers and tourism stakeholders.

Hotel and Restaurant Kukuriku in Kastav (Photo: Gault&Millau Croatia)

The event will also include the presentation of annual awards to the best restaurants in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, further recognising excellence across the region.