Monte

Monte, seasonal fine dining in Rovinj

Monte is a fine dining restaurant located in Rovinj, on the Istrian peninsula (Croatia). It occupies the walled courtyard of the birth house of chef Danijel Đekić, at the foot of the Church of St. Euphemia, the symbol of the city. The project presents itself as a family house devoted to gastronomy, with a history that began in 1985.

Family origins and evolution

The restaurant's story began in 1985 with a traditional Istrian tavern run by the parents of chef Danijel Đekić. Years later, Danijel and his wife Tjitske, a renowned sommelier, took over the management and transformed the establishment into a gastronomic space where tradition still holds a central place. The couple have passed on their dedication to their sons Ilja and Simon.

Ilja, the elder son, works alongside his father to create innovative, constantly evolving cuisine based on terroir and aimed at recreating archaic flavours linked to childhood memories. Simon, the younger, has followed in his mother's footsteps: he works as maître d' and develops his experience as a sommelier, as well as handling customer service.

Awards

In 2017, Monte became the first restaurant in Croatia to receive a Michelin star, a recognition of its artisanal dedication, authenticity and innovation. The restaurant has also earned distinctions from the Gault & Millau guide and is a member of Jeunes Restaurateurs d'Europe.

Flora and Fauna menus

The culinary offering is divided into two menus, Flora and Fauna, defined as a living ecosystem of Rovinj. Both are inspired by the city and its surroundings: the Adriatic, Mediterranean vegetation, forests, cultivated land and wild terrain. The kitchen draws on daily collaboration with fishermen, farmers, winemakers and artisans, and ingredients arrive directly from their landscapes of origin — sea, forest, garden and hillside — carrying the identity of their provenance. The menu is presented as a seasonal portrait of Rovinj, written by the territory and refined by craft.

Cave Lab experience

For group reservations of 9 to 14 guests, the restaurant offers the private Cave Lab experience.

Hours and location

The restaurant is open Monday to Sunday from 18:00 to 23:00. It is located at Montalbano 75, Rovinj-Rovigno, 52210, Istria.

Location and contact

Montalbano 75, Rovinj-Rovigno, 52210, Istra | Istria, Croatia · Phone: +385 52 830 203 · Email: restaurant@monte.hr · Hours: Monday to Sunday from 18:00 to 23:00