Central Dalmatia in the focus of gastronomic tourism: 18 restaurants under the lights of the Michelin Guide, Dalmatian brunch in the maturing phase

The Split-Dalmatia County (TZ SDŽ) is increasingly profiled as a top gastronomic destination.

This significant shift is confirmed by the latest edition of the world-famous gastronomic guide Michelin, which was recently updated and includes 18 recommended restaurants from Split-Dalmatia County, i.e. restaurants ZOI, Šug, Zinfandel Food & Wine bar, PiNKU fish and wine, tavern Fetivi, Dvor, Zrno Soli, Kadena, BÒME in Split, Mare restaurants, Il Ponte, TRS tavern in Trogir, two restaurants in Supetar, Kala tavern and restaurant Otok, two restaurants on the island of Hvar, Mediterraneo (Hvar) and The Restaurant – Maslina Resort (Stari Grad). and restaurant Nicolo Polo in Gradac and Jeny in Tučepi.

"We are extremely proud that this year Michelin recognized and included 18 restaurants from the Split-Dalmatia County area in its prestigious guide. These awards are the result of the dedicated work of our restaurateurs, chefs and everyone who contributed with their efforts to this significant confirmation of the excellence of our gastronomy. Each of these restaurants brings a unique story, enriching our culinary scene with authentic dishes that reflect the rich tradition and innovation of our region. These awards are not only a personal success for each of the winners, but also a big step forward for the entire county, which is increasingly positioning itself as a top destination for lovers of gastronomy. We believe that in the future there will be many more restaurants from our coast, islands and hinterland, which will further show the diversity and richness of our gastronomic heritage that our visitors enjoy everything that our region can offer", pointed out the director of the Tourist Board of the Split-Dalmatia County Ivana Vladović.

The Michelin awards are a continuation of strengthening the recognition of the Split-Dalmatia County as a gastronomic destination and the strengthening of gastronomy products and the demand for them year after year.

Namely, according to the latest survey by TOMAS Hrvatska, which covered the years 2022 and 2023, a marked growth in gastronomy was recorded as one of the reasons for arrival from 5% (in 2019) to as much as 22% in 2022/2023. The Tourist Board of Split-Dalmatia County, precisely for the aforementioned reason, places great emphasis on the promotion of gastronomy as one of the key products in the development of year-round tourism and highlighting the authenticity and quality of Split-Dalmatia County's offer.

Restaurants with a Michelin star are extremely important for the branding of a destination, as well as in the segment of premium and luxury offers, but as everywhere in the world, it is less than about 1% of the total restaurants that carry this prestigious title. Not all restaurants can or should have a Michelin star and a recommendation. In 2024, Croatia will have a total of 11 restaurants with Michelin stars and 71 restaurants with a Michelin recommendation.

The Tourist Board of the Split-Dalmatia County has made a big step towards self-sustainable tourism, connecting restaurants and OPG and, above all, promoting the authentic offer. 

It's about a project "Dalmatian brunch" which values ​​the rich gastronomic heritage and the art of food preparation in central Dalmatia, and as such is intended to preserve the identity of the Split-Dalmatia County and create additional offers for local and foreign tourists. This is Dalmatia, this differentiation is based on our way of life and culture, an experience that is remembered as well as the reason for coming.

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"The Dalmatian brunch project is definitely our most important project that has marked the last two years of our office's work. A lot of effort and work has been invested in properly presenting brunch to the world, especially to foreign tourists, because brunch in Dalmatia does not mean just an ordinary meal. We want to be recognized as one of the symbols of the Dalmatian way of life. In Dalmatia, we do not compromise when it comes to food make sure that this tradition is passed on to the younger generations who may not have had the opportunity to try all our local autochthonous dishes, often neglected on restaurant menus," they state the TZ of SDŽ.

This is a large strategic project, and it takes time for the project to be accepted on the market with constant development, connection and promotion both to the domestic and foreign markets, as well as to tourist agents and agencies. After almost two years, the Dalmatian Brunch project is currently in the maturation phase, following the process of certification of catering establishments, and the phase of an additional stronger marketing strategy and promotion abroad. 

"So, the project has been running for almost two years now, we can say that we are extremely satisfied with the results. Around 40 establishments, including restaurants and OPGs, have expressed interest in joining the project, which makes us especially happy because it is an indicator that real The sector wants to affirm and build a destination brand together with the public sector. In the fall, all these facilities will undergo a verification process in order to obtain the "Dalmatian Brunch" certificate, which guarantees that they meet high criteria in terms of authenticity and quality., add from TZ SDŽ.

The criteria include that the facility prepares dishes according to traditional Dalmatian recipes, the use of indigenous ingredients from local OPGs, serving brunch at certain times of the day (from 10 a.m. to 14 p.m., or from 11 a.m. to 13 p.m.), and offering dishes "on a spoon" that are and price adjusted, while meeting all sanitary and other necessary conditions.

"We can conclude that the 'Dalmatian Brunch' project is far from static, as part of the project, a number of different activities were carried out and a cycle of education was started in order to ensure the highest quality. Among the activities, the presentation of the brunch at the FESPO fair in Zurich, as well as a special presentation, stand out. in Sarajevo, where the response was excellent. In the fall, the Dalmatian brunch is expected to be presented in several other destinations. Also, a detailed cookbook that preserves the tastes and smells of the past, in which you can find recipes of Dalmatian dishes, is being prepared its finalization is expected, and then further promotion", stated from TZ SDŽ.

Great emphasis in this project is placed on the education of all stakeholders of the tourism sector, because TZ SDŽ believes that without investment in knowledge and further development of skills, we cannot progress or stand out on the market. In cooperation with ŠKMER, TZ SDŽ conducted a series of educations and masterclasses throughout the county, and all stakeholders of the tourism sector, whether they were landlords, restaurateurs, hoteliers, cooks or waiters, had the opportunity to participate free of charge.

The workshops covered all aspects - from the making of bread dough, to the preparation of meat and fish dishes, to the making of Dalmatian desserts, then the serving of food, all the way to branding the destination and its gastronomic specialties.

"Although it is often pointed out that other Mediterranean countries in the area, especially Italy, have excellently branded their cuisine, our task is to emphasize Dalmatian cuisine, which offers so many specialties in a very small geographical area. If you start from Zagora, the coastal road all the way to the island every visitor can expect a wealth of flavors and aromas, and every region has cherished its own traditional dish for centuries", conclude from TZ SDŽ.

Photo: Dalmatinska Marenda video / illustration: hrturism