Countryside Delights: Authentic Flavors and Hidden Gems in Rural Croatia

Life moves differently in Croatia’s countryside. The air is fresher, the pace is slower, and food is rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and local pride

For travelers seeking authentic food experiences in rural Croatia, some of the best meals aren’t found in big cities but in remote villages, family-run estates, and kitchens that follow the seasons rather than trends.

Discover Croatia's culinary hidden gems

In the Dalmatian Hinterland, a young chef brings a modern touch to his family’s land, serving refined takes on classic dishes. In Zagorje, a winery pairs organic wines with a menu that champions local farmers. In Lika, a retreat offers a deeper experience—food grown on-site, mountain herbs turned into drinks, and a setting that makes time irrelevant.

These places don’t just serve great food—they invite you in, slow you down, and remind you why simple, well-made things matter.

Campanelo: Modern take on Dalmatian flavors

Mirlović Zagora, nestled in the hinterland of Šibenik, halfway between Šibenik and Drniš, will certainly challenge your GPS, but when you arrive, you'll be rewarded with the peace and beauty of Dalmatian Zagora.

With a dash of youthful enthusiasm and ambition, chef Mate Sučić decided to open his fine dining konoba Campanelo on his family's ancestral land, combining the best of both worlds: the authentic flavors and aromas of the Adriatic and Zagora. The menu offers a luxurious interpretation of traditional dishes, with a particular emphasis on fresh, local ingredients from his own garden and neighboring farms.

Alongside classic cold cuts and dishes cooked under the bell, Campanelo offers a tasting menu where you can experience Sučić's philosophy and signature dishes like lamb ravioli, grandma's verzot, or deconstructed octopus under the bell.

Vinski vrh: Winery with a gastronomic touch

The expansive Bolfan family estate, with vineyards stretching to the horizon, is among the most scenic spots in Zagorje. Beyond the classic image of a 'hilltop house', Bolfan embarked on an ambitious gastronomic journey a few years ago, complemented by wines from their organic winery.

The story is enriched by a menu that sources almost all ingredients from a dozen small family farms within a 20-kilometer radius. By using local, seasonal ingredients and supporting small producers, the restaurant promotes sustainable gastronomy.

Striking a perfect balance between traditional and modern cuisine, guests can savor dishes like buckwheat with boiled egg and smoked meat, beet cream soup with cracklings, or blood sausage with sauerkraut, along with the quintessential Zagorje štrukli.

Mala Hiža: Modern twist on Međimurian classics

Međimurje is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, and Mala Hiža has been offering authentic Međimurian cuisine with a modern twist for many years – whether through innovative combinations of ingredients or different preparation methods.

This beautiful old oak house from the late 19th century, relocated to Mačkovec and carefully renovated, offers cozy rooms and terraces filled with carefully selected details. There's also a 'wall of fame' dedicated to all the famous people who have enjoyed the hospitality of Mala Hiža, and the rustic ambiance is further enhanced by antiques that give the restaurant the warmth of a living room.

The restaurant's menu, which has earned a Michelin recommendation, is based on traditional Međimurian dishes, as well as a monthly menu that respects the seasonality of fruits and vegetables. The wine list features 150 labels, with a large selection of Međimurian wines.

Korak: Michelin-starred culinary journey in Plešivica

In the heart of Plešivica, Korak restaurant cultivates a unique approach to seasonal cuisine, preparing dishes from ingredients sourced directly from its own estate in the idyllic countryside of continental Croatia. After gaining experience with renowned chefs like Ana Roš and Massimo Bottura, Bernard Korak decided to open the region's first fine dining restaurant with a very clear philosophy: 'if it's not in season, it's not on the plate'.

The Michelin-starred restaurant's menu is inspired by the Plešivica region and its rich palette of ingredients from small local producers; such as raw fresh cow's milk used to make cheeses, ricotta for tortellini, and sour cream for hand-churned butter, wild herbs growing on the estate, freshly caught trout from the fish farm at the spring of the stream or pike-perch from Crna Mlaka, and other wild flavors of Plešivica, which are combined with Korak wines.

Latibula: Tranquil retreat in Lika

Latibula Retreat, a project by renowned chef Dino Galvagno and Ivana Kukić, invites you to escape to the heart of Lika for an extraordinary retreat. Surrounded by serene landscapes, you'll be fully immersed in a world of tranquility and relaxation.

As a unique concept, Latibula offers a luxury that's increasingly hard to find: peace, pristine nature, and exquisite local cuisine. Guided by the principles of self-sufficiency and sustainability, Dino Galvagno prepares meals using freshly harvested vegetables, fruits, and wild foods, as well as local meats and dairy products, all served with natural wines, organic beer, and homemade beverages made from mountain herbs, fruits, and honey from the estate.

As part of the overall experience, Latibula offers accommodation and various activities such as yoga, excursions, and themed workshops.

Photos Campanelo / Nino Stojić, Vinski vrh, Mala Hiža / Denis Perčić, Korak / Berislava Picek – Cropix & Latibula / Sanjin Kaštelan & Ivana Kukić