Matsunoki

The story

Matsunoki, Mali Lošinj: Japanese Cuisine at Hotel Bellevue on Čikat Bay

Matsunoki is a Japanese restaurant at Čikat ul. 9 in Mali Lošinj, Croatia, set inside Hotel Bellevue on Čikat Bay. Gault&Millau awarded it 16 points in 2026. Its kitchen pairs traditional Japanese technique with Adriatic seafood and organic produce from local farms.

Chef and cooking style

Executive Chef Orhan Cakiroglu was born in Turkey and trained in Japanese cooking techniques at Zuma and Hakkasan. He builds his menu around wild Adriatic tuna, sea bass, crab and squid, along with locally grown ingredients. He describes his approach through kaizen, the Japanese idea of continuous improvement.

Standout dishes

Nigiri and sashimi form the core of the menu, and the sea bream and lobster ceviche arrives in ponzu butter. Shrimp are fried in a light tempura batter, and the Adriatic tuna akami tartare is seasoned with ponzu. Gyoza filled with wagyu beef and crispy beef croquettes make strong appetizers. Desserts often use yuzu yogurt, and the Japanese petit fours end the meal on a light note.

Drinks and wine

The sake list is described as exclusive, and the whisky selection includes Nikka Taketsuru, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki. The wine list holds about 500 labels and 2,800 bottles in a temperature and humidity-controlled cellar. It highlights Croatian grape varieties and organic, biodynamic producers, and it also carries Champagne in standard and large formats. Wine Spectator gave Matsunoki its Best of Award of Excellence in 2021.