Gourmet Story of the Opatija Riviera

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Opatija – the centre of gastronomic events

Opatija surely wouldn't have the title of the Queen of Tourism or the Jewel of the Adriatic if the air in the town wasn't filled with intoxicating scents of the Mediterranean cuisine. The location right on the coast makes fresh seafood easily available on daily basis, and the area's Mediterranean vegetation and ideal climate provide the best ingredients for Kvarner restaurants. In addition, the large number of sunny days throughout the year and good-quality soil are the right preconditions for the production of excellent wines in the region. The Opatija Riviera is renowned for the high quality of service resulting from the long tradition of catering and hospitality.

Scents of the Kvarner cuisine

Are you wondering what is being cooked in the kitchens across Opatija Riviera? Seafood specialities spiced with local aromatic herbs are always very popular. Gourmets will surely appreciate the precious taste of Kvarner scampi and wild asparagus prepared in various ways, a wide choice of cakes and desserts prepared by skilled confectioners, or the variety of autumn fruits, such as a special variety of sweet chestnut that thrives only in this area.

A good meal demands a good glass of wine. Local experts recommend local white wine varieties such as Malvazija or Pinot gris or Pinot blanc to accompany white fish or white meat. Roasted lamb is best served with Vrbnička žlahtina and Chardonnay, while red meat and oily fish require a glass of red wine such as Teran, Merlot, Borgonja, Cabernet sauvignon or Cabernet. The mentioned desserts perfectly blend with local wines Muškat and Prošek.

Gourmet Story of the Opatija Riviera

The Gourmet Story of the Opatija Riviera is a food festival that this year takes place from 15 May to 12 June. It includes approximately forty restaurants and konoba-style taverns on the Opatija Riviera that offer menus based on oily fish, Kvarner scampi and local food.

Guests of the Liburnia Riviera Hotels can enjoy a wide range of specialities in selected restaurants. The Hotel Ambasador in Opatija and its Garden Restaurant Hortenzija, which offers a magnificent view of the sea, is an popular venue among gourmets. Another excellent choice is the restaurant of the Hotel Admiral, distinguished for a pleasant and quiet atmosphere and its summer terrace. A wonderful setting can also be found in Opatija's Hotel Kristal, whose terrace is nestled in greenery and offers a beautiful view of the sea. If you are looking for a place to enjoy a tasty dinner in Opatija, you can opt for the restaurants of the Hotel Palace Bellevue and the Hotel Istra, which offer something for every taste. The finest Kvarner and Mediterranean specialities can be sampled in the restaurant of the Hotel Marina in Mošćenička Draga, which offers its guests the All Inclusive option with all meals of the day.

On Sunday 25 May from 11:00 to 16:00, the Angiolina Park in Opatija will host a presentation of the Opatija Riviera restaurants, who will be offering Kvarner specialties at affordable prices. In addition to the wide range of culinary delights, there will also be an entertainment programme with Dino Antonić & 4 Shades and Dominik Heštera.