Mala Hiža literally translates to a small house. But “when you’re powerful and wise, you can rise above any size.” This restaurant indeed hangs out with the big guys because it received Michelin’s recommendations three times – in 2018, 2020, and 2021.

To qualify as a Michelin-recommended restaurant, an establishment must meet several stringent criteria: have a fixed address, be able to accommodate at least ten guests, serve an upmarket and gourmet menu, and – most importantly – prepare meals from fresh ingredients onsite every day.

There is a story to be told about an address being fixed, but the latter is precisely what happens in Mala Hiža. Owner-chef Branimir Tomašić creates above-average traditional regional meals that are masterfully paired with fine international and local wines.

‍

What, The Whole Restaurant Building Was Moved?

So, here’s the story. The original oak house was built in Otok Svibovski near the capital of Croatia in 1887. It was disassembled by the owner and his friends more than a hundred years later and reassembled and renovated in Mačkovec, four kilometers north of Čakovec in Međimurje. It took them five years to complete the project and open a welcoming restaurant receiving Michelin’s praises. Crazy, right?

The road to success may be long and tiresome, but the restaurant is now surrounded by a beautiful garden with a fountain and a stream, which attracted accolades from the Croatian National Tourism Office for interior and exterior design.

The guests from around Croatia and wider are parking their cars in dedicated parking in front of the restaurant not only to get their tummies stuffed but also to feast their eyes on décor and nature.

Traditional Regional Cuisine Focused on Meat and Fine Wine

When you eat at a Michelin-recommended restaurant such as this one, you get a well-thought-out and memorable experience. The staff is trained to treat you like royalty, serving each course with care and ensuring that everything is perfect. This means you don’t just get to enjoy the meal – you get to experience it!

Meals in Mala Hiža stem from folk cuisine of the Međimurje region. What you get on your plate has gone through a thorough research and innovation process, always paying attention to the seasonality and origin of first-class ingredients. Nonetheless, head chef Tomašić is open to modern gastronomy trends and new ways of preparing food that he successfully incorporates into the menus of Mala Hiža.

The menu is changed monthly to reflect the already-mentioned seasonality of produce. À la carte menu is there for regular and old-time guests however, the owner says they prefer to operate with a daily menu, a tasting menu, and a list of premium pork.

The focus is on meat and fresh produce rather than fish, and oenological experience with around 150 international and local Croatian wines to match your Michelin-recommended meal.

‍

Maybe Fourth Time’s a Charm

As of 2022, Croatia has 84 restaurants blessed with a Michelin’s touch, ten of which have full-blown stars, which confirms the quality of Croatian gastronomy. However, Mala Hiža, a triple winner of Michelin Guide recommendation, still must prove its versatility and quality for the ultimate, most coveted accolade – a Michelin star.

We are sure your mouth has started to water somewhere in the middle of the text and what better way to satisfy your cravings than indulging in gourmet meals in one of the finest Michelin-recommended restaurants in Croatia? Bon appétit!

‍

And while we wait for Mala Hiža to earn its star, you can head to their website and make a reservation.

‍