Step into Krug Restaurant in Split, and be prepared to leave your expectations at the door. Why? Because this extraordinary culinary haven boasts a groundbreaking approach to dining – no tables! Picture this: only 12 privileged guests, all perched around a sprawling counter, with an unobstructed view of the bustling open kitchen. It's a one-of-a-kind experience where the spotlight is on you, the delectable dishes, and the masterful chefs. As food and wine unfold before your eyes, the constant communication about each element on your plate or in your glass adds an intriguing layer.
Owner and chef Karlo Kaleb, the visionary behind Krug, emphasizes the importance of this unique setup. "Krug is an intimate restaurant with an open kitchen, and guests are situated around the counter that surrounds it. This allows us to provide personalized and attentive service," he explains. The goal is clear: to work exclusively with fresh, organic ingredients sourced from local farmers, butchers, and fishermen.

A Symphony of Fresh and Local Flavors

The restaurant's focal point is the expansive 12-seat bar, where patrons can witness the preparation of their meals, wines, and other beverages. Chef Kaleb notes, "The preparation of food, wine, and other drinks takes place in front of the guest, and that is something our guests find very interesting. All of this is accompanied by constant communication about what is currently on their plate or in their glass."

Located in the heart of Split, Krug's menu is a celebration of Dalmatian tradition with a fantastic twist, prioritizing fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. The fluidity of the menu reflects the availability of ingredients, ensuring that only the freshest produce is utilized. Chef Kaleb emphasizes, "Our menu adapts to the available ingredients, so we don't have a fixed time for menu changes. We are quite fluid about it, changing dishes when we are sure we can pair them with the right beverage."

Currently offering a 7-9 course menu, Krug takes pride in meticulously selecting ingredients. The collaboration with local suppliers ensures the highest quality of meat and exclusively serves Adriatic wild-caught fish. Chef Kaleb further elaborates, "We serve only Adriatic wild fish, and that's one reason we print the menu daily. If something we served yesterday is unavailable today, we simply remove it and offer a new dish as a replacement."

The commitment to freshness extends to the in-house production of various elements, from butter and bread to fermentations and non-alcoholic beverages like water kefir-based drinks, sodas, and kombucha. The use of dry-agers enhances the flavor of fish and meat by eliminating excess moisture, emphasizing the importance of taste in every dish.

Innovative Pairings and Dynamic Menus

Krug's wine pairing options include traditional wine pairing, non-alcoholic pairings with top-quality teas, kefirs, sodas, and kombuchas, or a fusion of both. The carefully curated wine list features a combination of Croatian and international labels, showcasing quality over quantity.

Chef Kaleb acknowledges that the restaurant constantly evolves, both in terms of menu and approach. He states, "We don't want to be labeled as a fine dining restaurant. We consider ourselves a place where we will always strive to serve delicious and well-executed food, prepared from the highest quality ingredients."

The dining experience at Krug is not just about the food; it's a journey guided by a homogenous team, an open kitchen, and a modern approach to service. Chef Kaleb emphasizes, "Our advantages, in my humble opinion, should be a different and modern approach to service, an open kitchen, and a cohesive team. I think guests can feel and see the difference."

Guests have warmly embraced Krug's vision and concept, exceeding expectations. The personalized approach, constant communication, and laid-back atmosphere resonate with patrons. Chef Kaleb concludes, "We sincerely want each guest to have a special experience with us. When they decide to dedicate their time and money, we consider it the least we can do."

In the spirit of inclusivity, Krug adopts a "Come as you are" philosophy, rejecting a formal dress code. The restaurant encourages patrons to relax, enjoy, and immerse themselves in an extraordinary culinary adventure—one that defies conventions and elevates the dining experience to new heights.

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