ISTRIAN GASTRONOMY
ISTRIA is the first Croatian region that has long been visited by a special kind of guests, precisely those for whom gastronomy is the first or very important motive of travel.
As a gastronomic entity, Istria is today a phenomenon at the world level. For centuries, folk cuisine was actually a response, on the one hand, to economic scarcity, and on the other, to the generous nature and great culinary role models of the nearby Italian provinces.
In that sense, the interior of Istria was virgin, therefore today in monographs it is called Terra incognita, as the old cartographers marked an unknown, unexplored land. The coast and the interior of Istria did not only complement each other in the fantastic landscape and different atmospheres, they also formed a unique gastronomic whole of the Mediterranean sea offer and its hinterland. The extraordinary fruits of the sea were rounded off by the fruits of the gardens, orchards, vineyards and forests of the interior of Istria. The gastronomy of the entire Istria is presented in complete balance: it is primarily characterized by traditional folk and bourgeois cuisine, presented in numerous inns, taverns and taverns.
Folk, middle-class cuisine and luxury catering in Istria overlap and intertwine, which is no wonder when they are based on such gastronomic icons as authentic forms of pasta made from high-quality flour, then oysters, grancigula, top-quality battered fish, white and black truffles, along with numerous other mushrooms, wild asparagus, Istrian prosciutto, pancetta, sausages and ombolo, small and large game… An excellent range of simple house wines is the basis of Istrian catering and a good atmosphere: wine has been a medium of socializing for centuries.
Castle Belaj (winery) – Cerovlje, Istra
Pizzerias In Area
(recommendations)
RUMORE Pizzeria –
The fact that the Rumore pizzeria was the first in Croatia to receive the prestigious certificate of the AVPN (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana) organization, which is also called the Michelin for pizzerias, and is awarded only to pizzerias that make authentic Neapolitan pizzas, shows that this is truly a top pizza that you must try. . .
NAPOLI Pizzeria –
If you find yourself in Istria, be sure to visit the old town of Labin. Just like pizzeria Napoli, which is located in the very heart of the old town, on one of the most special squares in Istria. Pizzeria Napoli opened its doors at 7 Titov trg 11 years ago and has had a large number of satisfied and loyal guests since then. The whole team has always tried to justify the trust of the guests primarily with the quality of the services provided. All recommendations!
Restaurants In Area
(recommendations)
TRI MURVE Restaurant –
The beginning dates back to 1975, which makes it one of the oldest restaurants in Istria. The atmosphere of past and the atmosphere of the former Istria is still present in every corner, and the menu they offer faithfully follows the tradition of autochtonous Istrian cuisine, but they also offer new culinary trends.
FERALI Restaurant –
A combination of tradition and innovation, fresh home-made ingredients, the perfection of aromas and flavors are what distinguish the gastronomic offer of this restaurant.
OLIVE OIL TASTING
Istrian olive oil
The olive is a symbol of age, history and peace. It has been present in Istria for millennia, and it covers almost the entire territory of Istria and there is no town that does not have it. In recent decades, olive growing has progressed a lot, so that Croatia is recognized at the European level as one of the largest producers of extra virgin olive oil.
Read more
The quality of this oil is also recognized by Flos Olei, the world guide for extra virgin olive oil, which contains several Istrian olive groves. Among the most popular types stand out: leccino, frantoio, bianchera istriana, buza and carbona.
In 2023, Istria will again be decorated with the title of the world’s best quality region for extra virgin olive oils, and this is especially important considering that the publication contains oils from all over the world. Namely, as many as 56 Istrian olive growers were among the 500 best from 56 olive-growing countries.
More about Negri Olive Oil
The “Negri” Estate is situated on a hill above Rasa Bay in a small village called Brgod (Trget) which is approximately 6 km from Labin (10 km from Rabac). Our first olive groves can be found in this beautiful location, which is open to visitors. During a visit to the Negri Estate you could attend a brief lecture on the basic questions relating to the growing of olive trees, varieties of olives and all the work involved in achieving world quality Negri Olive Oil. The oil can later be tasted in our Gastro gallery in Labin.
Negri Olive Oil is produced by a cold processing method resulting in high levels of natural antioxidants which guarantee a healthy diet and have healing properties. Selected varieties give the oil a magnificent green colour, equalling the bitterness and spiciness of the bitter almond and thyme, as well as the specific smell and taste of the olives, apples and grass. It is this delicate smell and taste which is the basis of the Mediterranean cuisine.
This is confirmed by the high awards and recognition at exhibitions like the awards at the OLEA Association of Olive growers of Istria County, Noćnjak Croatian Olive Oil, NYIOO New York USA, OLIVE JAPAN Tokio, AIPO – Italy, Olio Capitale – Trieste, Zadar, Vodnjan, Krasica Olive Oil competition, professional journals like MASLINA (OLIVE), Wine Academy, etc. Our name has been listed in the top-quality guide of Extra Virgin Oils of the world FLOS OLEI (our oil is among the 6 best rated olive oils from Croatia) for a number of years.
The Gastro-Art Gallery is located in our historic Negri Palace at G.Martinuzzi 11 which can accommodate 50 people. Within the gallery there is a shop which sell Negri Olive Oil, quality Negri wine and Negri liqueur. The space is further enriched by the exhibition displaying works of art by the academic artist and wife, Anessa Negri Alagic. Your visit will offer you an insight into the history of olive oil and a sensual experience when tasting the oil, wines and liqueurs as well as the visual experience of the art works.
We are calling this: NEGRI – OLIVE: History, Art, Experience
Award winning
extra
virgin Istrian olive oil, wines and spirits
Art Gastro Gallery Negri
Negri Palace 11 Giuseppina Martinuzzi, Labin
T + 385 (0)52 875 280
M +385 (0)98 219 524
For sure place to visit!
When visiting Istria there are few words you should learn like:
NJOKI, FUŽI, ŠUGO, KRAFI, PIDOĆI, TARTUFI…
now you are ready to experience a gastronomic carnival like no other!
We are looking forward to accommodate you
CONTACT
Address: Raska Ulica 27, 52221 Rabac, Istra – Croatia
Cell : +385 91 323 181
Cell : +385 95 9058 205
BOOKINGS
Min.stay 7 days
No pets allowed
Non smoking facility