The island of Korčula: a magnificent cultural heritage and unique cuisine

"The jewel of Lešić Dimitri Palace is this Michelin-starred table where chef Marko Gajski draws on Dalmatia’s rich culinary traditions, cooking seasonally with island produce from freshly caught fish to wild herbs and showcasing a huge array of native olive oils from Korčula and the Pelješac peninsula. The outdoor terrace is a peaceful oasis protected by pine trees just steps from the sea, offering stunning views over the nearby archipelago. Since starting here in 2017, Gajski has built a close-knit team that earned a Michelin star after three years and pursues a philosophy of positive energy and sustainability. Signatures include prawn gyoza with a Mediterranean accent that uses every part of the prawn (meat for the filling, head for the sauce and a delicious butter, shell as a powder) with oven-dried cherry tomatoes and grated cabbage marinated in vinegar, and an elegant take on Komiška pogača with confit tomatoes, onion marmalade, crackers made from cooked dough that’s dehydrated then fried, caper powder, garlic cream, fresh oregano, salted anchovies and olive oil infused with wild oregano. The wine list, curated by head sommelier Dinko Lozica, is as meticulous as the cuisine, spotlighting southern Dalmatia, Korčula and Pelješac with native varieties such as Pošip, Grk and Plavac Mali and creative pairings grounded in deep knowledge of local history and production." - La Guida Michelin