Korak Winery — Attraction in Grad Jastrebarsko

Nestled in Žumberak hills, a picturesque part of Croatia just outside of Zagreb, Korak Restaurant is a hidden gem that delights both the senses and the soul. We embarked on an unforgettable culinary journey several weeks ago when my husband, a friend, and I indulged in an exquisite 8-course meal with wine pairing, and we were left astounded by the entire experience.

Perched on top of a hill, accessible via a windy road, Korak boasts breathtaking panoramic views in all directions. The restaurant, an integral part of a family winery, offers a setting that feels straight out of a fairytale. It was no surprise to discover that Korak had recently been awarded a prestigious Michelin star, and from the moment we arrived, we knew we were in for something extraordinary.

Upon being seated in a charming garden, the stage was set for an evening of enchantment. The tasting menu, thoughtfully crafted by the talented chef, showcased culinary ingenuity at its finest. One of the most mesmerizing creations was the tortellini made from grilled vegetables, transformed into ashes, and then artfully reconstructed before being coated with homemade butter and adorned with shaved truffles from the Zumberak region. The truffles, lighter than the standard variety, offered a sublime twist to this dish.

Throughout the meal, we savored delicacies that celebrated the region's local produce. Local snails with chanterelle mushrooms and lamb's lettuce impressed with their harmonious blend of flavors, while the baby goat shank on a bed of almond puree, drizzled with almond honey saffron sauce, was a tender and memorable experience. Not to be outdone, the duck with smoked honey sauce emerged as one of the best renditions of duck we had ever encountered.

As if the culinary delights were not enough, the dessert of forest blueberries with dulce de leche goat ice cream left us in a state of pure bliss. The combination of sweet and tangy notes was a perfect conclusion to the gastronomic symphony we had indulged in.

Our enchanting experience wouldn't be complete without mentioning the delightful, freshly baked, homemade bread. The bread had a crust that was perfectly crisp, giving way to a soft and pillowy interior. Each bite was a heavenly experience, and we couldn't help but indulge in more than one slice throughout the evening.

The graciousness of the restaurant extended even further as they kindly offered us one loaf of their divine homemade bread to take home. This gesture left a lasting impression on us, and it was a wonderful surprise to savor the flavors of Korak once more in the comfort of our own home.

Our experience was further enriched by the warm and knowledgeable hostess, Vera, who shared valuable insights about the restaurant. We learned that Korak is truly a family affair, with the chef being Vera's brother and their father serving as the skilled winemaker. The wines, all produced by the family, were thoughtfully paired with each dish, enhancing the flavors and elevating the entire experience.

One of the most astonishing revelations of the evening was the efficiency of the kitchen. Despite being a Michelin-starred establishment, the restaurant operated with only a few staff members, a feat that left us truly impressed.

In the end, our visit to Korak Restaurant was nothing short of magical. The combination of exquisite cuisine, delightful wines, and the charming familial atmosphere made for an extraordinary evening that we will cherish forever. As we bid farewell, we couldn't resist taking a piece of the experience home with us, purchasing several bottles of our favorite wines, including the orange chardonnay and the pinot noir.

We are already eagerly anticipating our next visit to Korak, knowing that we'll be welcomed back into this captivating fairytale with open arms and indulged once again in the culinary delights that have rightfully earned them their Michelin star. If you find yourself in Croatia, make sure to take the journey to Korak Restaurant for an enchanting and unforgettable...

We ate here a number of times, even before they received the coveted Michelin star. Sadly, the place has since gone downhill in terms of quality of service and food. I recently took a friend there during the Strawberry and champagne festival, and it was a complete mess from start to finish to say the least. A few examples:

1. it was written that a prepaid reservation was a MUST, so we paid upfront for the package, only to realize upon arrival they took in a bunch of walk-ins who took our reserved (and paid for!!!) place.
2. the waitress literally made us follow her from one table to the next, with some guests bluntly saying “we just came in and took some chairs and sat here with no reservation”. At no point did she tell them to leave while we were left standing. After a while it was just getting ridiculous and embarrassing to follow her so we decided to wait in one place.
3. finally we get a table - it was still dirty from the people before. We asked for a nicer table as one near us was available. They told us no and then placed new walk-ins there.
4. we had to ask 4 times to get our table cleaned, to get some water and had to repeat the name on our reservation 5 times to 3 different people. At one point they forgot we were just sitting there, table dirty and all, and we had to wave to the lady to get her attention.
5. at one point we’ve had enough as our experience was completely ruined. We told the waitress that we understand it’s a busy time, but we paid upfront and this not the way to do things. She rolled her eyes at us and said yeah yeah we’re so sorry 🙄 later another guy said he’s not even a waiter but an agronomist as an excuse for poor service. The owners hanged out with their friends completely ignoring the other guests. Suffice to say we will not be coming here again anytime soon. Shame, because the place was a gem, now completely ruined with poor service and...

Korak – A Story That Continues

At Korak, nothing is ever repeated, yet everything feels comfortingly familiar. This summer’s chapter continues seamlessly, with a trusted cast of characters: tortellini, snails, trout, and poultry — this time appearing as exquisitely prepared pigeon. The flavors are new, the execution more precise, and the experience once again fresh, vibrant, and full of nuance.

There’s always a subtle thread of nostalgia woven through the menu — one that gently leads back to the kitchen of Bernard’s grandmother. This time, it surfaced in the dessert: her beloved crêpes. So simple, yet deeply evocative. This is what makes Korak truly exceptional — authenticity without pretension.

We love this restaurant. We love this family. Their warmth, sincerity, and effortless hospitality accompany you from the very first welcome to the final sip.

A special mention goes to the non-alcoholic pairing that accompanied my tasting menu — unexpectedly delightful, thoughtfully composed, and refreshing in every way. A pairing that stood proudly beside each dish.

Korak is far more than a meal. It’s an experience we long to return to — because we know it will be different each time, but always just as remarkable. Perhaps...