Krk – 2 Tips for Tasting Local Specialties of the Island

In the last article, we visited several places on the island of Krk with interesting history and sights. We managed to complete this island trip in one day, taking breaks for both lunch and dinner to sample at least some of the local culinary delights.

Already on the way, we noticed from the car the extensive olive groves, especially on the way to Punat. Eight olive trees are said to be enough for one family. The island produces first-class virgin olive oil. The local cuisine uses mainly ingredients from the island, not only olive oil, but also sheep’s cheese, various aromatic herbs and spices, as well as high-quality lamb, which gets its specific taste thanks to the Mediterranean herbs that grow here in the pastures. And above all, fish and seafood, which can be prepared in many different ways.
In the picturesque towns, you can choose to sit in a restaurant or tavern, which is called a “konoba” here. It is usually an authentic stone and wooden small tavern where locals mix with tourists.

Invitation to Lunch
We were just strolling through the labyrinth of small and narrow streets in the town of Vrbnik when it was lunchtime. We were here at the end of April, the weather was beautiful, and Istrian bluebells were blooming everywhere. Tiny blue flowers led us to the Nada Restaurant. It is located at one of the highest places in the old town.

This restaurant can also be found in several guidebooks, as it is unique with its terrace overlooking the sea. Old barrels have been converted into tables. If you want to sit here in the summer months, you should definitely book seats in advance online. Luckily, even inside, you will find a pleasant, modern restaurant.
Since we came here from a country that doesn’t have a sea, we preferred the fish and seafood dishes.

Šurlice is a homemade pasta, thin and elongated, which is said to be hand-formed around knitting needles. They are often served with lamb or beef stew.

Presnac (or presnec) consists of a dough that holds a lightly sweetened cheese filling. In the past, the island used to produce a lot of sheep’s cheese. To use it all up, the housewives invented this dessert. Originally offered at carnival time, it can now be tasted all year round.
Address: Vrbnik, Glavača 22
For more information, opening hours and the current price list, please visit the website: Nada

From the windows of our car, we saw not only olive trees but also vineyards, especially around Vrbnik. The Vrbnik Field (Vrbniško pole) originally grew grain, but from the 1930s onwards, grape growing started here. It is one of the places where the best autochthonous variety on the island of Krk thrives. It is Vrbniška Žlahtina (the name is derived from the Slavic word, which means “noble”). This rare noble wine of golden colour is a typical light summer wine. It is recommended to drink it young, when all the aromas can still be primarily perceived. We had the opportunity to taste this wine both at lunch in the Nada Restaurant in Vrbnik and at dinner in the Bracera Tavern in Malinska. The wine was truly delicious!

Invitation to Dinner
Konoba Bracera is a typical tavern where a combination of stone and wood predominates, with a large fireplace that enhances the pleasant, homely atmosphere. It is a family-run establishment including a five-room inn, only 50 m away from the beach and the centre of Malinska.

We were welcomed by the owner Danijel Deni Šabalja, with homemade fig brandy (smokovača).

Deni told us that bracera is the name of a ship that can carry heavy cargo even in the roughest seas. It’s a ship you can rely on. His family has been involved in fishing for a long time. Deni also goes out every morning to catch fish, which then land on the table in the restaurant within a few hours. That’s why, in addition to the regular menu, guests can choose an additional menu that adapts to the morning’s catch.

For starters, they brought us a small work of art on a plate: octopus and sea bass carpaccio, fish tartare and prawns with ricotta and asparagus. The octopus carpaccio in particular caught our eye – a black and white slice with an interesting pattern.

As I mentioned before, this restaurant offered us some great Žlahtina wine as well as olive oil, which they produce themselves. The family owns almost 400 olive trees, and they also grow their own organic vegetables and herbs.
This was followed by homemade pasta with cuttlefish stew. The dish, stained from the black cuttlefish, didn’t look very appealing, but tasted delicious.

The portions weren’t large, so we thought: “Okay, this is the kind of restaurant where they serve you small dishes so you don’t overeat…”

But then Deni and his son Tino came to our table and brought us a huge plate full of all sorts of fish and seafood that I, as a landlubber, couldn’t even name! Everything tasted fantastic, and there was so much food that the four of us couldn’t finish it all.

For dessert, Deni offered us figs in prosecco with ricotta.

The whole evening took place in a truly pleasant atmosphere; Deni told us the history of his family and even showed us his trophies from his youth, which he collected as a promising football player.

At the end, we thanked the cook who prepared these delicacies for us. It is Deni’s nephew Ivan. If you visit Konoba Bracera, don’t forget to say hello to all three of them from me as well. 🙂
Address: Malinska, Kvarnerska 1

For more information, opening hours and the current price list, please visit the website: Konoba Bracera

Where to stay:
During our stay on the island of Krk, we stayed at the 4-star Hotel Malin in Malinska. It is a pleasant hotel with a swimming pool and wellness, surrounded by dark blue sea and thick greenery. Located just under 10 minutes walk from the town centre and only 100 m from the beach.
More information: Hotel Malin

Read more: Krk – a Croatian Island with a Rich History – travel potpourri

More information about the island of Krk: Visit Krk

Text: © Copyright Ingrid, Travelpotpourri
Fotos: © Copyright Ingrid, Travelpotpourri