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Yacht Club Opatija - Taste of Istria and Kvarner

If you are looking for a place where top-notch gastronomy, seafood specialties, and a select wine list are intertwined, Yacht Club Opatija is a destination you should not miss. The manager of the club and trattoria, Mladen Rašić, was our host and showed us why fishermen, sailors, and gourmet connoisseurs make a daily pilgrimage here.

Located in the picturesque Opatija harbour, crowded with boats and filled with the scent of pine trees, Yacht Club Opatija offers authentic Istrian-coastal cuisine in an intimate setting with three terraces rising above the sea. The view of the Opatija harbor and the Kvarner Bay further enhances the Mediterranean experience.




The restaurant's menu features fresh seafood, homemade pasta, risottos, and a selection of high-quality meat dishes. The brunches here are like those our grandmothers used to prepare – simple, yet rich in flavors and tradition. There is always blue fish, and for those more inclined to delicacies, there are crabs, mussels, and battered fish, prepared for even the most demanding palates.



We started the evening with bruschetta featuring fish pâté, a welcome from the kitchen that hinted at the richness of flavors to come. One of the more interesting choices for the welcome is Tomac Millennium. This premium Croatian sparkling wine embodies the blend of tradition and innovation of the Tomac family, pioneers of biodynamic winemaking in Plešivica. Produced using the classic method of second fermentation in the bottle, this sparkling wine stands out with its elegant perlage, fresh fruity aromas, and mild brioche notes that reflect its aged character. It is the perfect aperitif, but also an excellent companion to fine appetizers and seafood delicacies, confirming Plešivica’s reputation as the Croatian champagne region.

Next came the scallops gratin paired with a young Malvasia 2024. Fakin Motovun, whose freshness and fruity notes perfectly complement the sweetness of the shellfish. For lovers of deeper aromas, the Sauvignon with its notes of mown grass and green herbs was an excellent choice. The scallops gratin is a perfect combination of the delicate flavour of Adriatic scallops and the rich, crispy crust of butter, breadcrumbs, and herbs.

This dish, a favourite in coastal taverns and festive occasions, is quick to prepare, but leaves an impression of luxury and refinement. Legend has it that scallops were a favourite food of the Venetian doges, who believed that they brought them strength and longevity. Today, they are gratinated with the addition of parmesan and white wine, which achieves the perfect balance between creamy interior and golden crispness, bringing a true seafood delicacy to the plate.

The wine list at the Yacht Club is the result of knowledge, experience, and careful selection of labels to satisfy both domestic and foreign guests. Mladen Rašić, who four years ago ran Navis and worked with as many as 236 wine labels, created a new wine list that combines the best Croatian and international wines. Croatian guests like to explore Italian and French wines, while foreign guests are most often oriented towards local Istrian wines, especially fresh Malvasia, blends, Refosco and Teran.

Oleum Viride Belić’s olive oils – Buža, Selekcija, and Rosulja – reflect the richness of Istrian olive-growing tradition and a passion for premium extra-virgin oils. Buža, prized for its balanced aroma of fresh almonds and green apple, is a favourite choice for delicate fish dishes. Selekcija, a blend of carefully selected varieties, brings a harmony of spiciness and bitterness, ideal for gourmet combinations of tuna, monkfish, as well as meat dishes prepared at the Yacht Club. Rosulja, an indigenous Istrian variety, stands out with its fruity notes and mild freshness, making it the perfect accompaniment to fish dishes. Each of these oils embodies the spirit of the Istrian terroir and the Belić family’s dedication to crafting oils that win awards and delight gourmets.

The main courses continued to impress – anchovies in tempura with potato salad, accompanied by Krauthaker Chardonnay 2022, perfectly combined freshness and creaminess. The wine spent four months in oak and eight months in stainless steel, resulting in a balanced structure and subtle notes of vanilla, citrus, and white flowers. Anchovies in tempura with potato salad combines the tradition of Adriatic fishing cuisine with a touch of Asian frying techniques, creating a light, crispy and aromatic dish.

Anchovies, a favourite fish of Dalmatian farmers and fishermen, have long been considered a symbol of abundance. An old legend says that they were brought from the sea as a sign of good luck to families living along the coast. Historically, fried fish was an integral part of taverns, and with the arrival of foreign influences such as Japanese tempura, this simple dish was enriched with new textures.



For risotto lovers, an exceptional experience is offered by risotto with canestrale, where the shellfish meat is perfectly infused with the rich flavors of white wine and garlic. Risotto with canestrale, the top-quality shellfish that adorn the Adriatic depths, is one of the most revered dishes of Croatian cuisine. Legend has it that canestrale were once considered a gift from the sea by Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, and that the fishermen who were the first to find them in their nets had good luck throughout the year. Historically, risotto with canestrale was particularly popular among Venetian merchants who brought rice to Dalmatia, where it merged with the local seafood, creating a dish that still carries the spirit of the Mediterranean past today.

Semifreddo, which means "half-frozen" in Italian, is a traditional dessert with roots in northern Italy. This dessert combines the rich texture of ice cream with the airy lightness of mousse, thanks to a preparation method that eliminates the need for constant stirring in the freezer. In the Yacht Club version, the semifreddo with almonds and figs offers a delightful combination of creaminess, crunchy nutty notes, and the natural sweetness of dried fruit, making it the perfect finale to a Mediterranean feast.

Yacht Club Opatija is a place where tradition and modern approaches to gastronomy merge, offering authentic flavors by the sea and making every meal an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a fan of fish, shellfish, meat or top-quality wines, you will find something here that will win you over. Spend pleasant moments with snacks specially crafted for you and discover why this place is an unmissable destination for true gourmets.

Yacht Club Opatija

Zert 1, Luka Opatija, 51410 Opatija

tel: +385 91 2205 285


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