So, we’ve all heard about the Michelin Star system, but not everybody is familiar with the fairly new gastronomic classification – the Michelin Green Star. Introduced in 2020, the Michelin Green Star, shaped in a five-leaf clover, highlights Michelin Guide restaurants that are paying extra attention to their sustainable cooking practices.

Humans are depleting the planet’s resources much faster than Mother Earth can regenerate from such actions. The Green Star by Michelin sheds light on the use of plastic and other non-recyclable materials in the food supply chain. Michelin hopes the new label will urge restaurants to reduce and avoid such materials and products to keep ethical and environmental standards high.

In Croatia, two Green-Starred restaurants excel in the dining experience and eco-friendly commitment – Zinfandel’s Restaurant in Zagreb and Konoba Mate on Korčula Island.

Croatian Restaurants Committed to More Sustainable Gastronomy

Both restaurants beaver away in their unique ways while making a difference in the local community. It’s essential to work directly with farmers and fishermen that use regenerative methods, like no-dig vegetable gardens, successional cover crop growing, zero-kilometer produce (traveled less than 100 km), and avoiding overfishing.

To earn the Michelin Green Star, restaurants must prove the origin and seasonality of their ingredients, disclose their environmental footprint, show how they handle food waste, and demonstrate knowledge when communicating the restaurant’s sustainable approach to the guests.

And they did! Zinfandel’s Restaurant and Konoba Mate took measures to reduce their business’ environmental impact while serving meals sustainably prepared with premium local produce.

Opulence and Elegance in Zinfandel’s Restaurant ⭐

Located within the historic Esplanade Hotel in the heart of Zagreb, Zinfandel’s Restaurant has rightfully earned the Michelin Green Star. It’s a refined venue that got its name after a grape variety “zinfandel”, which you can see on the hotel’s Oleander terrace. And speaking of grapes, the restaurant offers more than 200 wines, mainly from Croatia and California but also from France, Italy, Spain, Chile, and Australia.

Chef de cuisine Ana Grgić is responsible for the unforgettable gourmand experience she creates for the restaurant’s esteemed guests by fusing local ingredients with the world’s best flavors. Her gastronomic creativity knows no boundaries, which is why all your courses will be aesthetically and mouthwateringly pleasing.

In addition to being green, Zinfandel’s Restaurant is proud to follow your eating habits, whether you are vegetarian, gluten-free, or Halal.

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Family-owned Konoba Mate Restores, Replenishes and Revives

At the turn of the millennium, one family decided to open a tavern and show their fellow Korčula islanders or “boduls” what a good family meal is. Two decades later, Konoba Mate has flourished like a green bay tree only to be in the company of the world’s prestigious restaurants by being awarded the Michelin Green Star.

The familia takes good care of the livestock to produce superiorly dry homemade prosciutto and vitamin-rich goat cheese annually. They have a green thumb and use what nature gives them, ensuring they don’t take too much and always give something back. They also have an exceptional ability to remind you of your mother’s and grandmother’s cooking.

Casually hidden inland at Pupnat 28, Korčula, the intimate tavern cultivates natural flavours and traditions with a modern touch.

After all, Michelin has given both restaurants the green light, so it’s only natural for you to pay them a visit. Zinfandel’s Restaurant is open throughout the year, but Konoba Mate has a strict working schedule from May to October and only in the evenings. Eat delectably and sustainably!

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