The story
Overlooking the marina in the old fishing town of Izola, Restavracija Hotela Marina is a boutique hotel restaurant that has become a destination in its own right. The guiding philosophy is simple and uncompromising: “Iz morja na krožnik” – from the sea to the plate. Every dish reflects a commitment to seasonal, local, and sustainable sourcing, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavours.
Chef Ivica Evačić – known to all as Ivek – began his culinary career in Izola in 1989. After years of experience across hospitality, he took the reins of the restaurant in 2003. With steady determination, he transformed what was once a pension-style dining room into a refined à la carte gastronomic destination. His approach is rooted in respect for the land and sea of Istria, which he calls “Zemljo Istro.” Working closely with local suppliers and a dedicated team, he creates dishes that are honest, vivid, and deeply connected to place.
The restaurant’s kitchen operates on the principle of “živa kulinarika” – live cooking, with no reheating or flavour enhancers. Seasonal ingredients come from nearby farms and fishermen, including olive oil cold-pressed from olives grown on the Belveder hill. The “Kilometer nič” (Zero Kilometer) initiative, adopted in 2011, guarantees that every ingredient is as local as possible, often organic or integrated production. This commitment to sustainability and quality is evident in every plate.
Since 2020, Michelin inspectors have consistently awarded Restavracija Hotela Marina a Michelin Recommended distinction, acknowledging the restaurant’s dedication to authentic Mediterranean cuisine and seafood. The award reflects not just the skill in the kitchen but the harmony between the food, the setting, and the ethos of the team.
Dining here means tasting the essence of the Slovenian coast: from a simple seafood risotto to refined preparations of local fish, all enhanced by house-pressed olive oil. With outdoor seating and a view of the boats bobbing in the marina, the restaurant offers a genuine taste of Izola – warm, welcoming, and unforgettable.
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Marina is built on a proven formula for an exceptional dining experience: warm hospitality paired with professionalism, a sincere relationship with guests, high-quality ingredients, an extensive wine list, and a kitchen that clearly knows exactly what it is doing. Its philosophy is rooted in pure flavour, precise preparation, and that Mediterranean simplicity that becomes most convincing when the ingredients themselves are outstanding. Suppliers are carefully selected, and traceability and sustainability are far more than fashionable words here. It is precisely for this reason that Marina has remained a favorite among both local and international guests for years. The heart of the menu belongs to the sea. The spotlight falls on freshly delivered fish, shellfish, crustaceans, and other seafood delicacies, all prepared in ways that preserve their natural character. Guests can choose between trusted maritime classics and more refined creations. Time and again, the raw Adriatic scampi, sea bass carpaccio, sardines in šavor, scallops, octopus, fish stew, and the daily catch prepared grilled, baked, or in salt continue to impress. The wine list follows the maritime focus of the kitchen beautifully, while the experienced sommelier team ensures that every selected wine thoughtfully complements the dishes. A visit to Marina leaves a lasting impression not only because of plates that honour the sea, but also because of service that makes every guest feel they have arrived exactly where they should be.
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