Poreč is a beautiful city found within the Istrian Peninsula of Croatia and is the perfect holiday destination for history lovers and foodies. It is an ancient Roman town, famous for its UNESCO-recognised Euphrasian Basilica and its blend of Italian, Austro-Hungarian, and Slavic influences. Apart from the city’s cultural influences impacting its architecture and art, it has also left its stamp on the local cuisine. Traditional Istrian dishes range from freshly caught seafood from the Adriatic to locally produced olive oils and truffles.
In this post, we are going to share all the delicious ingredients that make some of Poreč’s best dishes. We will explore some great seafood spots in town and also give our picks for some local wines to try from the area. Get ready to fill your belly with all that Poreč has to offer.
The culinary delights of Poreč
Given Poreč’s geographical location, it is easy to understand how the sea and neighbouring countries and cultures would have a large impact on its cuisine. But what is Poreč food exactly?
The heritage of its dishes is a reflection of the peninsula’s past as neighbouring Italy includes strong flavours of olive oil, truffles and pasta, while the Austro-Hungarian roots bring hearty stews and pastries onto your plates. The Slavic traditions of the area mark cooking techniques and garnishes, bringing Croatia’s past to be reflected with every bite you take. Some dishes like maneštra (a bean and vegetable soup), pasticada (slow-cooked beef in a sauce), and pljukanci (hand-rolled pasta) are the perfect examples of these influences.
Our recommendation for trying some of these meals is at a local konobas, they are traditional taverns that can be found all around the city. You even have the option of dining at a Michelin-recommended restaurant, Damir & Ornella, located about 25 minutes outside of Poreč, if you prefer a high-end eating experience.
Luckily, there is a lot of variety within the typical Istrian food, which means you will never get bored!
Maneštra
Fritaja
Traditional dishes from Poreč that you must try
Istrian Pasta: Fuži and pljukanci are both arguably staples in Istria’s traditional cuisine. Fuži is a hand-rolled noodle, while pljukanci are slightly thicker noodles. Both of these pasta noodles are made from simple ingredients: flour, eggs and a pinch of salt. But what makes fuži and pljukanci so special is the trick of rolling each noodle. Typically, they are served in a truffle sauce or with žgvacet, a hearty meat-based stew.
Maneštra: This is a traditional vegetable and bean stew. Ingredients vary by season but typically include beans, potatoes, onions, and garlic, and often pork or pancetta is added. Every Istrian household has its own version, with some adding barley or pasta.
Fritaja: Gets its influence from the Italian frittata, the Istrian fritaja is an egg-based dish that uses seasonal ingredients like wild asparagus in the spring or truffles and mushrooms in the fall. Some even add fresh seafood into the mix.
Truffles: The forests of Istria are famous for both black and white truffles. The white truffle, in particular, is celebrated for its intense aroma and is usually shaved over pasta, eggs, or steak.
Istrian Prosciutto: Not like Italian Prosciutto or Spanish Jamon, Istrian prosciutto differs in its dry-cured process that involves salting the pork leg and air-drying it in the bura, a strong north-eastern wind. The curing time usually takes a year.
Boškarin Beef: Boškarin is an ox, native to Istria. The meat is used in stews or eaten like a steak.
Each of these dishes represents Poreč’s culinary heritage, with locally sourced ingredients and flavours that are deeply rooted in tradition.
Istrian Prosciutto
The best seafood spots in Poreč
In our humble opinion, eating in Poreč offers some of the best fish and seafood you can eat along the Adriatic. From sea bass and scorpionfish to shrimp, clams, oysters and octopus, there are so many options for amazing meals.
Traditional taverns like Konoba Aba offer an authentic Istrian ambience and are famous for their seafood. You can find dishes like grilled sea bass and squid on the menu. A must eat Poreč location!
Only a 4-minute walk away, you will find the Restaurant Divino which has gorgeous seaside views. We suggest trying the Adriatic tris, which features local sardines and anchovies as a starter!
When looking for a place to eat, Poreč stands out for its cuisine. For more suggestions, please check out our guide to the best restaurants in Poreč.
Istrian Pasta
Food by season
Every season brings local ingredients to life, influencing the dishes on the peninsula.
Spring
Poreč is full of wild asparagus and other produce. You will see many restaurants using these ingredients in traditional fritaja dishes.
Summer
Summer cuisine in Poreč highlights fresh seafood. Popular meals are grilled fish with a fresh salad using locally sourced olive oil.
Autumn
Autumn is important because it begins the truffle harvest, especially for the famous white truffle (September to December). Additionally, olive picking usually takes place during these months.
Winter
Winter in Poreč is marked by hearty stews, like maneštra and žgvacet. These dishes are perfect for providing comfort during the chilly months.
Boškarin Beef
Poreč's wine and olive oil trails
Apart from enjoying seafood and fresh fruits and vegetables, Poreč also has a developed wine and olive oil region. Famous wines from the area include Malvasia and Teran, which are native grapes. Malvasia is a white wine, perfect for pairing with any seafood dish, while Teran is a red wine, great for accompanying hearty stews and pasta.
There are some guided tours that you can join that take you through the vineyards and production process. We suggest signing up for one as it’s a great opportunity for a day trip outside Poreč’s city centre.
Apart from wines, Istria also produces some high-end olive oils. You can take part in olive oil tasting in many bodegas and farms throughout the area.
Coffee and tea
Coffee culture in Poreč is heavily influenced by neighbouring Italy. Espresso and cappuccino are the most common coffee beverages enjoyed in cafes along the seaside and city squares.
Gathered from the Istrian countryside, there are many herbal teas produced from the area. Lavender, chamomile and sage are common flavours used in teas.
Savor every bite in Poreč
Poreč typical food is a unique blend of the area’s culture, history and neighbouring influences. The peninsula’s environment, including the sea and forests, provides its cuisine with fresh ingredients that influence Poreč’s traditional meals. To fully embrace the cuisine, staying at one of Solis Poreč‘s properties gives you premium accommodations and convenient access to some of the best restaurants in town!
Don’t miss your chance to discover Croatia and eat your way through Poreč!
