The story
Konoba Zijavica is a seafood tavern in Lovran, Croatia, at Šetalište 25. travnja 2, Mošćenička Draga, 51417, and Gault&Millau gave it 16.5 in 2026. The seafood kitchen cooks from what the boats bring in that day, with Michelin also listing the restaurant as Recommended for 2026.
Owner and chef Stiven Vunić grew up in a fishing family, and his father is one of the last shrimp fishermen in the Kvarner region. That background shapes the menu, which features the daily catch in almost every course. The dishes are refined but plain in their presentation, with clear flavours and balanced textures.
The Kvarner scampi tartare comes with a homemade carrot and lemon ice cream. The ceviche of Adriatic shrimp, octopus and red mullet is served with marinated cucumber, orange and a gazpacho made from small sweet pomodorino tomatoes, finished with a light hint of spice. Desserts are made by Tea Pecek Vunić, the chef's wife. Guests can choose the tasting menu or à la carte plates, paired with an extensive wine list, and dinner on the seaside terrace is a good way to end the evening.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
Konoba Zijavica is one of those essential destinations for true gastronomic enthusiasts - guests who appreciate creative, signature cuisine such as that of owner and chef Stiven Vunić, winner of the G&M Great Chef of Tomorrow 2022 award. His dishes are authentic, highly refined yet unpretentious, characterized by clearly defined flavours, balanced textures, and thoughtful composition. The chef grew up in a fishing family. His father is one of the last shrimp fishermen in the Kvarner region and that heritage defines the restaurant’s philosophy. The menu focuses on the daily Adriatic catch, featured in almost every course and presented with subtle but carefully considered twists. A standout example is the Kvarner scampi tartare, served with an excellent homemade carrot and lemon ice cream. Another highlight is the ceviche of Adriatic shrimp, octopus, and red mullet with marinated cucumber and orange, accompanied by gazpacho made from small sweet pomodorino tomatoes. The dish is refreshing and aromatic, with just a hint of spice that gives it character. Alongside the tasting menu, guests may also choose from à la carte dishes, paired with selections from an attractive wine list that will appeal to wine lovers. The sweet finale is prepared by the chef’s wife Tea Pecek Vunić, whose homemade desserts beautifully complete the culinary story of this talented couple. The most magical time to visit Zijavica is when the nearby beach - one of the most beautiful in Kvarner - quietly empties of swimmers, leaving only the sound of waves rolling over the pebbles and the picturesque view of Mošćenička Draga. At that moment, dinner on Zijavica’s seaside terrace becomes a truly unforgettable gastronomic experience.
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