A Spring Gastro Weekend in Istria: Where to Eat, Drink, and Enjoy

Here’s how to experience the best of Istrian gastronomy in spring.

Why Spring Is the Best Time for a Gastro Weekend in Istria

Spring is when Istria feels most alive and most delicious. Markets and kitchens fill with seasonal ingredients at their peak, from tender wild asparagus and fragrant herbs to the first vibrant vegetables of the year. As the sea begins to warm, market stalls brim with fresh fish, shellfish, squid, and prawns – perfect for a rich brodetto or simply prepared on the grill. Local cheeses and dairy shine in spring, especially delicate ricotta-style varieties that pair wonderfully with tender greens or a drizzle of honey. The cuisine naturally becomes lighter and more expressive, letting freshness and quality shine through in every dish.

Sunlight filtering through an olive grove.

With fewer visitors than in the height of summer, the region reveals a more authentic, unhurried side, where conversations linger, and hospitality feels especially personal. All around, vineyards are budding, olive groves shimmer in soft green, and the countryside hums with quiet energy – it’s a moment when nature, food, and wine are perfectly in sync, making spring the ideal season for a gastro escape in Istria.

Poreč as the Perfect Place to Stay 

A picturesque Poreč old town with historic buildings, a harbour, and clear blue waters.

Poreč is the perfect place to stay for a spring gastro escape in Istria,  a town where history, sea air, and everyday Mediterranean life blend effortlessly. Roman streets still shape the old town, golden stone glows in the late-afternoon light, and the Adriatic is never more than a few steps away. It’s a place that invites you to slow down immediately: to wander without a plan, to pause for the view, and to ease gently into the rhythm of the peninsula. 

As a starting point for an Istrian gastro weekend, Poreč offers just the right balance of culture, culinary offerings, and coastal charm.

The Gastro Weekend Opens at JAZ by Ana Roš

After settling into the elegant Jadran Heritage Hotel, Valamar Collection,  a beautifully restored historic building originally built in 1913, that blends refined heritage charm with contemporary comfort, a stroll through the old town of Poreč sets the tone for the weekend. 

The inviting street terrace of JAZ by Ana Roš at the Jadran Heritage Hotel, creating a stylish yet welcoming spot to dine and unwind in the heart of Poreč.

The gastro weekend opens with a signature dinner at JAZ by Ana Roš, a restaurant from the three-Michelin-star chef Ana Roš that captures the spirit of modern Adriatic dining with effortless style. It is a vibrant new dining destination in Poreč that reimagines eating out as something relaxed, social, and full of life. Built around seasonal Istrian ingredients sourced from local farmers and foragers with a touch of global flair, the menu celebrates sharing, spontaneity, and bold, modern flavours – what Ana Roš, named World’s Best Female Chef,  calls “young dining.” 

A stylish dining space featuring an extensive wine selection and a warm, modern atmosphere at JAZ by Ana Roš.

JAZ by Ana Roš moves effortlessly from a signature JAZ breakfast with a curated cold buffet and freshly prepared dishes to signature lively lunches and dinners designed for the table to enjoy together. Set on a buzzing seaside promenade in the heart of the old town, JAZ is more than a restaurant – it’s a warm, youthful gathering place where locals and visitors connect over great food, easy conversation, and an inviting, feel-good atmosphere.

Taste Istria: Vineyards, Olive Groves and Inland Magic

Saturday is all about slowing down and letting inland Istria work its quiet magic with rolling vineyards, hilltop towns, olive groves, and long, lingering flavours.

Olive Oil Farm Visit in the Morning

After the JAZ breakfast at the hotel, we suggest heading into the countryside for a visit to the oil tasting at Monte Formento, Istrian Olive Grove. Surrounded by quiet groves and rolling Istrian landscape, this family-run estate offers an authentic introduction to one of the region’s most prized products.

Guests can enjoy a guided tasting of extra-virgin olive oils, learning to recognise the fresh green aromas and signature peppery finish that make Istrian oils so distinctive – a gentle, sensory start to the day that feels unhurried, local, and deeply rooted in the land. The exceptional quality of Grebac family oils is backed by numerous awards, including three listings in the Flos Olei guide to the world’s best oils, seven gold medals at the major regional olive evaluation in Split, and two gold medals at the Liquid Green Gold of Istria exhibition in Tar.

A relaxed terrace setting with local oil and a platter of regional specialities, perfect for a leisurely tasting.

After the olive oil tasting,  head inland toward Istria’s gentle green hills. The drive itself is part of the experience: winding roads, stone villages, and sweeping vineyard views.

Hilltop Wandering – Motovun and Grožnjan

Continue toward one of Istria’s iconic hill towns:  Motovun, with dramatic views over the Mirna Valley, medieval walls, and a timeless atmosphere or Grožnjan, a tiny artists’ town filled with galleries, stone alleys, and quiet charm. This is not about rushing from sight to sight, but about wandering: pausing for photos, stepping into small studios or shops, and soaking in the panoramic views over forests and vineyards.

A countryside terrace in Motovun filled with fresh local produce and a panoramic view of rolling hills.

Afternoon Stop at Local Winery 

On the way back toward Poreč, a stop at Radovan Winery offers more than just a tasting – it becomes a leisurely afternoon pause. Surrounded by vineyards and open countryside, guests can enjoy a relaxed tasting of regional varieties such as crisp Malvasia and elegant Chardonnay to bold Cabernet wines, guided by the family’s warm, personal approach.

A bottle of Radovan red wine is set on an outdoor table, ready for a relaxed evening meal

Following the tasting, a light lunch can be arranged at the winery, featuring seasonal local ingredients and simple, traditional flavours that pair beautifully with the wines. It’s an unhurried, authentic experience that captures the essence of Istrian hospitality – where wine, food, and conversation naturally come together around the table.

Return to the Coast: Dinner at Spinnaker Restaurant

After a day immersed in Istria’s olive groves and vineyards, the evening brings a change of scenery back by the sea. Dinner at Spinnaker restaurant offers a refined take on regional cuisine, where local ingredients meet modern culinary technique. 

Rooted in tradition yet boldly inventive, Spinnaker brings Istrian flavours to life with inspired pairings and surprising taste combinations, each dish kissed by the region’s celebrated olive oil. The menu celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients with exquisite seafood specialities at its heart, while imaginative, artful desserts provide a memorable sweet finish. A curated wine list featuring refined Croatian and international selections complements every course, and exceptional service ensures attentive hospitality throughout. Set on a scenic terrace along the promenade at the Valamar Riviera Hotel & Residence,  the restaurant offers a serene, elegant atmosphere perfect for relaxed yet elevated dining. 

Elegant bite-sized creations served at Spinnaker, combining fine dining with a refined seaside atmosphere.

Recognised for award-winning excellence, Spinnaker is featured in Michelin 2025 and highly rated by Falstaff (89 points) and Gault & Millau (16/20), affirming its place among Istria’s top culinary destinations.

A Slow Morning, Oyster Tasting and a Sweet Farewell at Harry’s Piccolo in Poreč

Sunday begins at an easy pace with a relaxed walk through Poreč’s old town, when the streets are still quiet, and the light is soft on the historic stone façades. Wandering past Roman traces,  the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica, quiet sunlit squares, and little artisan shops, guests can soak in layers of history while enjoying the gentle rhythm of local morning life by the sea.

A stop for ice cream in the town square adds a playful, carefree touch – pistachio, lemon, or strawberry in hand while strolling beside the Adriatic is a simple pleasure that feels completely in tune with the Mediterranean setting.

Oyster Farm Tour and Tasting 

For a truly memorable Sunday, guests can rely on the Experience Concierge by Valamar to arrange an oyster farm tour and tasting in the Lim Channel.

A romantic oyster tasting on the tranquil waters of Lim Channel – guests savour freshly harvested oysters and sparkling wine.

Gliding across the emerald waters of the Lim Channel in a small wooden boat is an experience that awakens all the senses. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and untouched nature, you’ll visit a family-run oyster farm where these prized delicacies,  long celebrated as an aphrodisiac, are cultivated with passion and care. Hosted by the owner, who shares the story behind the craft, you’ll taste freshly harvested oysters paired with premium sparkling wine, elevating the moment into something truly special. It’s an intimate and memorable experience, perfect as a romantic surprise or a unique taste of Istria’s coastal heritage.

In the afternoon, enjoy an espresso or macchiato on a sunlit terrace in Poreč, watching locals go about their day with no rush at all. It’s a small but meaningful ritual, a quiet moment to soak in the Adriatic light and let the weekend linger just a little longer before dinner and departure in the evening.

Sweet Farewell at Harry’s Piccolo in Poreč

For a memorable farewell dinner on Sunday, Harry’s Piccolo at Pical Resort, Valamar Collection in Poreč, offers an experience defined by precision, creativity, and deep respect for exceptional ingredients. Michelin-starred chefs Matteo Metullio and Davide De Pra craft seasonal menus that express a refined, modern Mediterranean identity, marked by bold reinterpretations and elegant balance. The culinary story follows the historic Parenzana trail, weaving together the flavours of Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia in an innovative tasting journey that feels both rooted and contemporary. 

The fine dining restaurant at Pical Resort blends contemporary elegance with ambient design, creating a refined yet inviting atmosphere for an elevated culinary experience.

Michelin-starred fine dining, thoughtfully paired with exclusive wines, and signature cocktails all come together in an intimate, sophisticated setting where each course speaks for itself.

Gastro Journey in Istria: Rooted in Tradition, Elevated with Elegance

What makes a spring gastro journey through Istria truly special is the remarkable balance the region offers, and nowhere is this more evident than in and around Poreč. Along the coast, elegant restaurants such as Spinnaker, JAZ by Ana Roš, and Harry’s Piccolo showcase refined interpretations of Adriatic ingredients, where creativity and technique meet sea views and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Spring brings a particular vibrancy to these kitchens, with lighter flavours, pristine seafood, wild herbs, and early seasonal produce shaping menus that feel both fresh and expressive.

Just a short drive inland, the mood shifts to something more rustic and heartfelt, with traditional konobas serving honest, deeply rooted flavours in a warm and easygoing setting. This seamless blend of coastal sophistication and countryside authenticity allows visitors to experience the full spectrum of Istrian gastronomy: diverse, welcoming, and always deeply connected to the land and sea.