Rovinj's Monte restaurant is a Michelin-star culinary gem that has gained international recognition for its innovative cuisine, exceptional service, and stunning setting. The restaurant is located in a beautifully restored historic building, right in the heart of Rovinj's old town, beneath the iconic church of St. Euphemia.
Photo credit:
Monte Restaurant
How it All Started
Restaurant Monte is a family story that started back in 1985 when it was opened by the parents of the current owner and chef, Danijel Đekić. Danijel and his wife, Tjitske, hold food in the highest regard and consider it an excellent way to connect people and celebrate life. And thanks to that mindset, they've transformed Monte into a real gastronomic oasis where food and tradition are respected. They pass on their love for gastronomy to their sons Ilja and Simon. Ilja and his father, Danijel, create innovative menus that delight everyone who tries them. Young son Simon follows in his mother's footsteps and is developing into an excellent sommelier.
Culinary Artistry at its Finest
The menu at Monte restaurant is a celebration of Istrian flavors and ingredients, a region of Croatia well known for its rich culinary traditions. In addition to exceptional food, the restaurant is also known as the first Croatian restaurant to receive a Michelin star, so one could say that this is a truly unmissable destination for lovers of top gastronomy. Danijel Đekić has earned numerous accolades for his creative and sophisticated dishes based on local ingredients and techniques while also seamlessly incorporating global influences.
There are three menus at the Monte restaurant; red, green, and blue. If you order the red menu, you will get beautifully prepared lobster, along with an avocado and strawberry salad. There is also Ossetra caviar with egg yolk and potato foam. After that, you will try the lobster bisque with fennel and trout roe. Lobster medallions and lobster tail with artichokes and sauce vierge.
The green menu is light and prepared from local seasonal vegetables. You will enjoy Dobravac tomato, goat cheese strudel, mushrooms, and pistachio, and jasmine ice cream. The last blue menu is a perfect balance between sea and land. Whether it's a Venus clam dish or tuna tartare, we believe that every bite will be divine. The blue menu itself is rounded off by the apple and rose dessert. Sounds absolutely fantastic, doesn't it?
It is always best to round off the day with something sweet, and Monte has got you covered with pistachio sponge cake, jasmine flower jelly, mille-feuille, or maybe ice creams. Tempting, isn't it? The wine list at Monte Restaurant is extensive and carefully curated, featuring a selection of local and international wines that perfectly complement the menu. The knowledgeable staff can provide recommendations and guide diners through the wine list, ensuring that each dish is paired with the perfect wine.
The restaurant's interior is elegant and sophisticated, with a contemporary design that highlights the building's historic features. The outdoor terrace with winding narrow streets and surrounding rooftops is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a start to a great night out with friends.
Monte restaurant in Rovinj is a must-visit for anyone who loves fine dining and innovative cuisine. The restaurant's dedication to using local ingredients, combined with its global perspective and exceptional service, make it a standout among Rovinj's dining options. So if you're planning a trip to Rovinj, be sure to book a table at Monte restaurant and savor the flavors of Istria in this unforgettable culinary destination.
Photo credit:
Monte Restaurant, Dean Duboković