Istria. The bit of Croatia that looks like Italy but insists it isn’t. A place where you can drive for 20 minutes and see breathtaking coastlines, medieval hilltop towns, and at least five different road signs telling you you’re lost.
But none of that matters. Because you’re here for the food.
This isn’t your average “let’s grab a burger” kind of place. No, no. Istria takes its food very seriously. So much so that the locals will spend hours debating whether truffles taste better with fuži pasta or on a steak. Meanwhile, you’ll just be wondering why a plate of cheese and ham is the best thing you’ve ever eaten.
Let’s dive in.
Truffles – Because Fancy People Love Mushrooms
Istria is famous for its truffles. Which, if you don’t know, are wild, expensive mushrooms that pigs and dogs dig up while their owners sip espresso and act important.
But here’s the thing: they taste insanely good.
You’ll find them shaved over pasta, mixed into buttery sauces, and sometimes just sitting on a plate because, hey, why not?
If you only eat one thing in Istria, make it fuži pasta with truffles. Fuži is handmade, oddly-shaped pasta, and when you drown it in creamy truffle sauce, it becomes a gift from the gods.
Pair it with Malvazija white wine, and you’ll never want to leave.
Boškarin – The Local Cow That Became a Legend
Let’s talk beef. Or rather, let’s talk about boškarin, the ancient Istrian ox that was once used for farming but is now on every fancy restaurant’s menu.
The meat is rich, tender, and usually served as carpaccio, steak, or in a slow-cooked stew. Some places even make boškarin burgers, which sounds a bit wrong given how majestic these animals are, but trust me—it’s worth it.
If you’re a meat lover, this is your moment.
Seafood – Because You’re Next to the Sea, Obviously
Istria has a coastline. And where there’s a coastline, there’s fresh seafood.
What should you order? Simple.
- Black risotto (Crni rižot) – Looks like someone dropped their ink pen in your rice but tastes like pure ocean magic.
- Grilled fish – Freshly caught, cooked over an open fire, and drenched in olive oil. You don’t need anything else.
- Octopus salad – A mix of tender octopus, potatoes, and a ridiculous amount of olive oil. Light, refreshing, and perfect with a glass of wine.
If you’re one of those people who says “I don’t really like seafood”, Istria is where you change your mind.
Maneštra – Soup That’s Basically a Hug
Maneštra is Istria’s version of minestrone but thicker, heartier, and packed with beans, potatoes, and bits of pancetta.
It’s the kind of thing you eat when:
✔ You need comfort food.
✔ It’s slightly chilly outside.
✔ You’ve had too much wine the night before and need something to save your soul.
Some locals have been making maneštra for so long that they could probably cook it in their sleep. And honestly? It would still taste amazing.
Istrian Pršut & Cheese – The Simple Things Are Always the Best
Every country has “a plate of stuff” that people order when they don’t know what else to get.
In Istria, that’s pršut (air-dried ham) and local cheese. And it’s absolutely perfect.
The ham is aged for months until it’s thin, salty, and melts in your mouth. The cheese is strong, a little crumbly, and makes you want to move here permanently.
Pair it with a glass of Teran red wine, and congratulations—you’re now living your best life.
Istrian Wine & Olive Oil – Drink This, Drizzle That
Istria isn’t just about food—it’s also about wine and olive oil. And they take both very, very seriously.
For wine, here’s what you need to know:
✔ Malvazija – Crisp, white, and pairs perfectly with seafood.
✔ Teran – Deep, red, and made for meat lovers.
And then there’s olive oil, which in Istria is so good that it’s won international awards.
How do you enjoy it? Simple. Pour it on everything. Bread, fish, cheese, salads—there’s no wrong way to use it.
Where to Stay After You’ve Eaten Everything
By now, you’ve probably eaten enough to need a nap. Or at least a comfortable place to recover.
That’s where Petite Miranda in Umag comes in. Cozy, stylish, and perfectly located for food lovers. Whether you’re here for the wine, the truffles, or just to eat your way through Istria, this is the place to stay.
Final Thought – Just Come Hungry
Istria is one of those places where food is a way of life. Whether you’re dining at a seaside tavern, a hilltop restaurant, or a tiny family-run konoba, you’re going to eat well.
So come hungry. Try everything. And if you need a place to stay while you do it? You know where to find us.
