Cap Aureo Signature Restaurant

Unforgettable Fine Dining in Rovinj – Cap Aureo Delivers at Michelin star Level! When celebrating our 34th wedding anniversary, we wanted something truly special. After researching gourmet restaurants in Rovinj, Cap Aureo caught my attention – even though the same hotel, the Grand Park Hotel, also hosts a two-star Michelin restaurant. For our evening, however, we chose Cap Aureo. And what a choice it was. We knew the evening would come at a price – but already early in the experience, we knew it would be worth every money. In fact, this turned out to be one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. Perhaps the best. Cap Aureo does not (yet) hold a Michelin star, though it absolutely should. From what I’ve heard, this may be due to formal criteria – perhaps related to the fact that Chef Jeffrey Vella is also involved in other culinary ventures. But from a quality perspective? Without a doubt: Michelin star level. This restaurant thinks, creates, and delivers like a top-tier destination. We went for the 7-course tasting menu, though you can have up to 20. We left the selection of dishes to our main waiter, and what followed was a masterfully composed meal. It began with delicate snacks – small, flavour-packed bites that set the tone – and continued with perfectly prepared highlights like lobster, squab, and lamb. Each plate was a thoughtful composition of texture, temperature, and taste. Beautifully presented, deeply satisfying, and clearly crafted by a kitchen with exceptional precision and care. There’s no ego here – just pure culinary joy. The wine pairing was spot-on. The sommelier delivered detailed and passionate presentations – and although, as someone working in the wine industry, I could have done with slightly shorter descriptions, I appreciated her depth of knowledge and thoughtful pairings. Every wine lifted its dish. Service was flawless throughout: present, attentive, warm, and well-paced. We felt cared for from beginning to end, yet always allowed to just enjoy the moment. I’m sharing a few photos from the evening – but only a few. Some things are better experienced without spoilers. And this is definitely one of them. My husband and I fell in love with Cap Aureo. As we walked out into the warm Rovinj night, we were already talking about coming back. Huge thanks to the entire team – in the kitchen, on the floor, and behind the wine list. For us, this evening was truly perfect. ________________________________________

@grandparkhotelrovinj and the amazing team at @cap_aureo_rovinj_ took excellent care of @carolinegilby and me last night. it was exquisite, and - in the true meaning of that word - challenging. Many flavours concentrated and pushed to (and slightly beyond) the limit anyone else would dare. Special shout out for the apple desert, suckling pig, wild asparagus, and the “green jelly cube”. Wines pairings that were definitely “out there”, and one which resulted in fierce whispered debate among the experts at the table. Others that provoked delight and drew out smiles and shared stories. All absolutely at the limit of what I am qualified to have opinions on. Did I learn? Yes. Was it “the simple pleasure of eating”? No. Was everything “nice”? Also no (because “nice” isn’t the objective of anywhere at this quality level). Did I enjoy it? Absolutely yes. We missed the sunset. Not that we needed any excuse to return another day. Recommended, memorable. Last tip: use GPS to find the toilets. The hotel is huge. And don’t close the door without checking how to open it… (Huge thanks also to Sandra and @markokrstacic (of Medea Vina) who generously hosted, entertained, and educated us.)

This restaurant undeniably stands as one of Croatia’s best and most beautiful restaurants. My husband and I visited it for the second time and were just as delighted as we were two years ago. We had a 10-course menu with a wine pairing and the food, wine selection, service, ambiance... everything was great. We’re looking forward to come back.

The restaurant will surely be earning its first star soon. Based on all of the 1, 2 and 3 Michelin star restaurants we have eaten at, we have no doubt this one will receive the recognition it deserves. The menu allows a choice of 20 tasting courses. We opted for 10 with the wine flight. We allowed the chef to choose for us, based on some information provided on what we like food wise. The front of house is well rehearsed, acting as one. They maintained a friendly, professional, informative and efficient approach throughout the evening, with nothing being too much trouble. They even prepared a pasta dish for our son with nonalcoholic wine to make sure he was included. Thank you. The sommelier was outstanding. His love and knowledge of Croatian wines was clear. And despite the 10 course wine flight our heads were ok the next day (attributed to the biodynamic approach used across Croatian). The courses were all presented well with an excellent commentary, including suggestions as to the best way to eat them.. personal favourites for us were the corn and lobster courses. Finally, the location of the restaurant, being set within the beautiful grand park hotel, has breath taking views of the town and marina. We will be back on our next trip to the beautiful Rovinj when I expect a star will have made it to the door.

A complete experience with a warm atmosphere full of minor details. An ambiance that you will fall in love with and want to return to again and again.

A treat for all the senses, perfect setting, superb service, a sommelier (Andreas) with such an extensive knowledge of local and regional wines took us on a wine journey around Croatia and we just loved it. We were at awe. The menu is somewhat puzzling, a lot of options and you do not know how to approach it. The food was creative, different, few times overcreative - in certain dishes they overplayed their hand- some of the dishes made no sense (e.g. raw Brussels sprouts in a caccio and pepe sauce really to die for - it would make more sense with a local pasta (e.g. pljukanci reinvented)). To sum up, a dinning experience not to be missed if you are a foody and willing to go overboard in terms of cash:-).

Extraordinary and Unforgettable!!! Incredible food, service and setting. Stunning. We had the 7 course tasting menu with wine pairing and loved taking a journey through Istiran cuisine with each course and learning something about the heritage and provenance from the really genuinely passionate staff. A night we’ll never forget.

By now we visited the Cap Aureo twice. The first time we enjoyed the large menu, the next time a smaller one. The staff is incredibly courteous and attentive. The compositions of the dishes are a real treat. We also liked the reference to regionality here. The icing on the cake of this culinary journey is the wonderful view of the old town of Ronvinj. Thank you for a wonderful time. We will be back.