Konoba Vinko — Restaurant in Grad Šibenik

This rating is provided specifically for communication with a staff member , unfortunately didn’t get a chance to experience the cuisine. Contacted the venue, from their fb page, for specific hours listing the day/date of planned visit , weren’t clear or if reservations required. Received a prompt response around 8pm advising hours and confirmed open , for the following day as planned. Difficulty finding place as a big van blocked the entrance and sign. After entering the premise restaurant fairly full outdoor terrace , don’t know about indoor option. Waited for almost 5 min before anyone approached , older gentleman was moving chairs around a line table not occupied. When a waiter approached with a brief hello advising the venue is full asking after asking if we had reservations. I advised we didn’t but I had communicated last night asking if open and hours . He advised reservations were required even though I wasn’t advised and insisted on seeing the message of communication as he didn’t believe I wasn’t advised . Uncomfortable situation as the insinuation was not appreciated, I showed the message with his comment “this was sent in English” so if I had communicated with him in English a table would be available? He didn’t reply other then to say we can’t wait for a table to open as reservations are in place until closing . The empty table sat empty .. we drove 2 hours upon being recommended by Michelin .. the defensive stand by the person , who failed to advise the restaurant was fairly full and reservations suggested if planning on coming the next day , stating blame on miscommunication is very disappointing. An apology ,for omission of this important fact that the restaurant is busy and reservations are recommended , she simply communicated we are both at fault . Hospitality is crucial in this industry especially when being recommended by Michelin. Disappointed in the communication, simple 2 words that should have been added to the response from Konoba Vinko “reservations recommended “ would have avoided this review and a waste of time 1/2 day of driving from their new customer . I am sure the rating is deserved for quality of cuisine and service , my experience with how this was handled received 2* instead of 1* only because the response was prompt but...

Reservation was made for 28th of June 23 at 1930 hours. Arrived 1920 hours. Although, the waiter started imediately to tell us some limitations for the menu. At that time, about 70 % of the meat meals were not available anymore. Sold out ?.?? Was the explanation. Excuses also were the freshness, minimum delivery, and quality presentation. Mostly during the day, at lunch, these products are available, but not always in the evening. Salades, and chicken was no problem. Guts were still available, except for 1 group of 4, they had no reservation, but were known by the staff, they could have a meat dish. Other customers, mostly also foreigners, after our arrival, could have guts, risotto, or chicken, like we could. A pity, because we wanted to taste the house dish, but as the waiter said before, then you have to come at lunch, then there is plenty of it. So why making reservations for dinner, in the evening, and only serve guts, or chicken, in a dedicated 'better restaurant 'nominated by Michelin' 2023'? What is the use of a menu card? Because for lunch people can be served what is on the menu card? In the evening, only that what is left. Misleading the customer, he will eat what is left, or goes. (?) Strange feeling. Like the way, first come first served.

A failed opportunity, and a great disapointment. We really looked forward to enjoy a great meal, dinner, but received a great disapointment. Client, forsure was not 'the king', but had to be happy with what would be served.

But, but, we also have to say some positive. The served food, guts, tasted very well. For sure a bravo, good job, for the cook.

Indeed, again, a disapointment about the way how we were treated, a Michelin, (?) but with limits.

Please, think about. The customers for dinner also deserve the same menu as those at lunch. I presume, other customers, at that time present, feel the same, but I do not know if they also...

This is not a typical konoba you see hundreds of in Croatia. This place is more upscale and you can tell right away when you enter. Having said that, it's not very stiff but rather relaxed. I've called around noon and made reservation, as it was suggested by numerous reviews.

Once we've entered it took few minutes to confirm our reservation and seat us. Finally we've ordered two house specials - veal risotto and roasted piglet. Vine (white and red) recommended to both dishes was very good. Risotto was good, with nice texture and subtle taste of veal, which was cut to very fine pieces. On the other hand piglet was really disappointing. Skin was tasty, but it was crisp only in small parts, leaving most of it rather tough. But the worst part was the meat itself - it was very chewy and hard to eat. I had to spend a lot of time cutting (what was also tedious) and chewing. It was not something I would expect for famous house dish. When I complained to the waiter he just brushed it off saying - as I told you, lamb would be softer and this is pork, so it's more tough.

In the end I think place is OK, as my partner enjoyed her dish and we both enjoyed the wine. But I expected way more from highly praised restaurant with numerous awards. If not my lady I'd rate this...