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Istria Is Europe's Unsung Food Destination and This Travel Advisor's Expert Itinerary Takes You Through Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia
Luka Karlin, Studio Virc/Slovenia Tourism Board
It's a short drive from Trieste to Slovenia, which is full of restaurants committed to sourcing local ingredients and working with small-scale farmers who prioritize sustainability. Chef Ana Roš of the three-Michelin-starred Hiša Franko catapulted to fame after being featured on Chef's Table in 2016 and being awarded World's Best Female Chef by The World's 50 Best Restaurants the following year. Inspired by her ethos, a new wave of young chefs is reimagining Slovenian food in Ljubljana, where the capital's creative spirit and close ties to nature have made it a hub for experimentation and innovation.
Explore this burgeoning gastronomic culture at Odprta kuhna, a lively food market in Pogačar Square, Ljubljana, that runs every Friday from spring into fall. Here, more than 50 vendors—from renowned chefs to street-food stars—gather to showcase Slovenian classics and international-inspired dishes. For a seated meal, check out Aftr, a small, colorful bistro by chef Jorg Zupan that offers shareable plates with bold flavors and international influences. The Old Town in Rovinj, Croatia.To end the trip, head south into Croatia's heart-shaped Istrian peninsula. This patchwork of medieval hill towns and coastal fishing villages offers rustic meals, where the food scene is less about reinvention and more about letting top-quality ingredients speak for themselves.
Award-winning olive oil, prized white truffles, air-dried pršut, and wild asparagus are everywhere here—and there is often a hands-on experience attached to each meal. Partake in a truffle hunt with trained dogs through the forest of Motovun, visit a goat farm like Kumparička to sample local cheeses, and taste olive oil as you might a fine wine at Chiavalon, a family owned farm. As for where to stay, I recommend accommodation in the coastal town of Rovinj or at the country estate Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery.
Tia Lovisa Moreira is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in trips to Croatia and Slovenia. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Lovisa Moreira at [email protected] .
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