6 Best Restaurants in Opatija, Kvarner

This casual fine-dining experience is as relaxed and intimate as it is an enjoyable gourmet meal. When choosing the tasting menu, it is not hard to detect the passion for quality that has been invested into the selection of the produce and the selection of wines. The precision with which the food is prepared, such as marinated shrimp tails on a slice of Učka skut (ricotta-like cheese) served on a stone plate with dehydrated olives, reminds us of why we go out to eat. It is not just to eat, but in order to enjoy excellent food that has been prepared by experienced and masterful chefs.

In the neighborly village of Volosko, where old stone houses are fixed precariously close to one another and give shape to the one road, this restaurant justifies spending an afternoon or evening in a setting that is not to be missed. The intimate artistic atmosphere tells you everything you need to know about the owners and how sincere they are about sharing good food, much of which is produced on their family farm in Istria. Don't forget to take home a pint or two of their homemade pistachio or hazelnut gelato.

Tucked in a forested green valley of the Učka mountains with a gorgeous view of the island of Cres, this boutique hotel is also the proud holder of the first Michelin-starred restaurant in the Kvarner Bay region. The peaceful nature of the restaurant's surroundings is enough reason to make the trek up from Lovran. Couple that with an unforgettable dining experience, and you have the making of something extraordinary.

With a delightful covered terrace flanked by a twisting tree, this small restaurant is Opatija's best option for fresh simply prepared seafood like grilled octopus and scampi risotto. But Istranka is also a winner for those who are not fans of seafood: taking its influence from the neighboring region of Istria, the menu features njoki, gnocchi with local ham and cheese, and of course, other local dishes with famous Istrian truffles.

Located in Volosko, just above the more famed Plavi Podrum, this small seafood tavern offers fresh creative seafood dishes in a cozy interior with exposed stone walls; a tiny streetside terrace has only a few tables. Locals rave about their bonito tartare, monkfish stew, and dirty calamari (baby calamari too small to be thoroughly cleaned before cooking, thus "dirty"). Order a little of everything for the ultimate seafood feast—just ask for smaller portions.

This is an upscale, traditional fine-dining fish restaurant in Volosko. The owner has won some wine awards and has, accordingly, inflated the costs for dining here, which results in unusually high expectations from diners. All the usuals are cooked to perfection, but three-color tagliolini pasta featuring scampi, peaches, and black Istrian truffles is a house specialty. The terrace is a little more relaxed than inside.