Monte in the Istrian Coast of Rovinj, One of Croatia's Best Restaurants

Posted by Rowena Dumlao Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 10/19/2021

Monte in the Istrian Coast of Rovinj, One of Croatia's Best Restaurants

Rovinj, a beautiful old town in the Istrian coast of Croatia, is home to the first restaurant that received a Michelin star in the country in 2017. Monte Restaurant owned by Chef Danijel Dekić and his wife, Sommelier Tjitske Đekić-Brusse, is a trendy gourmet gem nestled in the narrow cobblestone streets of the coastal town just a stone's throw away from Sant'Eufemia Cathedral. It's making waves among the gastronomically inclined population making it as a destination for the ones who are advocates of contemporary cuisine in the hands of a well-bestowed chef. The kitchen is well-researched and highly creative in composition. Aside from the prestigious star from the Michelin guide, Monte has also earned the distinguished spot of being one of Croatia’s best restaurants by Gault Millau. The awards didn't finish there because in 2020, Danijel was named the Chef of the Year.

Monte is designed with a trendy and elegant functional style, that gives a light contrast to the old town scene outside its walls. White linens, wood, lights, stones and border plants comprise impression of refinement and casualness of the place. Service, as directed impeccably by Tjitske, is precise and attentive and with an influx of foreign diners, the staff are adept in speaking different languages as well.

The menu is composed of three tasting menus of 6 courses at 994 kuna (€133) each, all created with seasonal ingredients from the best local sources. Green menu is vegetarian with a selection of dishes of vegetables, wild herbs and dairy products. The Red menu is composed of dishes wherein the authenticity of flavors are retained while the Blue menu is composed of dishes with the input of creativity of the chef attained from innovative techniques. Wine pairing is possible at 67 kuna (€9) each glass. Kids are well taken cared of at Monte with a full meal of fish or meat and ice cream at 294 kuna (€40).

Note: Some photos by Dean Dubokovic were provided by Monte Restaurant.