The story
Morgan, at Bracanija 1 in Buje, Croatia, is a family-run Istrian kitchen that earned a Gault&Millau score of 15 in 2026. The restaurant has cooked traditional Istrian food since 1998, with a menu built on meat, game and homemade pasta.
Darinka and Joško began the restaurant's cooking over an open fire, including the first dish baked under a peka lid. The family still runs the room, and the staff often share their own hunting stories as they serve each course. Their traditional Istrian cuisine leans heavily on meat, from dried shoulder blade and Istrian sausages to roasts.
Crestine, pasta filled with rooster cockscombs, is the house's best-known plate. The game list also includes rabbit with black polenta and quail wrapped in bacon. When it is in season, the kitchen serves cannelloni filled with wild pigeon, and the saffron risotto with foie gras has drawn praise for its clean execution.
The dining room is bright and simply styled, with wine bottles on display. The terrace looks out over the countryside and the vineyards of the surrounding hills, which suits a long lunch.
The wine list leans heavily on Istrian bottles, including Malvazija whites and Teran reds, with a few champagnes and labels from Dalmatia and Italy. The meal ends with a chocolate soufflé, which also appears in a version with truffles.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
A sweeping view of the rolling Istrian hills, lined with vineyards, and a truly memorable gastronomic journey—these are the impressions that linger long after a visit to this restaurant. The warm and engaging personnel present each dish with care while sharing their own hunting anecdotes, adding an authentic local touch to the dining experience. The menu focus on meat and homemade pasta prepared with contemporary techniques and served in a refined, luxurious setting. This is a meat lover destination: the place to savour selected and generous steaks. We began with a beautifully arranged platter of cold cuts, featuring beef, pork, and venison. The foie gras, served in a creamy saffron risotto, stood out for its flawless execution and the richness of its flavour. To end on a high note, we indulged in the daily special—cannelloni filled with wild pigeon. A rare and truly local ingredient, available only during the hunting season, it added a distinctive sense of place to the meal. The carefully selected wine list highlights the best of the Istrian terroir, with the staff eager to recommend pairings that elevate each course. The result is a dining experience where flavours and aromas come together in perfect harmony, leaving a lasting impression.
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