Restaurant Stara Škola, Istria — Restaurant in Grad Buje

Nestled in the heart of Istria, a delightful surprise awaits culinary enthusiasts seeking a unique dining experience. Restoran Stara Skola in Krasica, a newly opened restaurant, bar, and outdoor cocktail space, beckons with its beautifully restored facility that proudly preserves its Istrian history while seamlessly blending modern aesthetics. As I stepped through the entrance, I was immediately captivated by the meticulous renovation that had transformed this old schoolhouse into a breathtaking space straight out of a design magazine.

The restaurant interior is a harmonious mix of rustic charm and contemporary elegance. The original architecture of the school is tastefully combined with chic lighting fixtures, comfortable furnishings, and stylish accents, creating an inviting ambiance that perfectly complements the spirit of Istria. The attention to detail is evident throughout the property, ensuring that no aspect of the renovation was too small to be overlooked.

Prior to dinner, I enjoyed a cocktail at the rooftop bar, which provides a stunning view of vineyards towards the Adriatic. The mixologists skillfully crafted cocktails that were as visually stunning as they were delicious and well balanced. Sipping a refreshing drink in the charming outdoor setting, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of contentment and appreciation for the thoughtful curation of the entire property.

As I perused the fixed menu, I was delighted to find a playful twist on the classic favorites one often encounters in this region. Chef Priska Thuring's creativity and dedication to using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients shone through in every dish. The menu's constant evolution promises that each visit will be a new gastronomic adventure, enticing patrons to return time and again.

The culinary journey included the essence of Croatia beautifully woven into every course. The fresh, vibrant flavors of locally sourced meat and locally grown vegetables and herbs burst on the palate, elevating simple dishes to a whole new level of culinary delight. The commitment to using homegrown produce was evident, adding an extra layer of appreciation for the chef's dedication to sustainable practices.

From dishes that paid homage to the coastal heritage, to hearty meat-based offerings reminiscent of traditional family gatherings, each plate was fantastic. Priska pours her creativity and love of food into every dish, delivering honest and soulful flavors.

Moreover, the staff's warm hospitality and genuine passion for the culinary arts enhanced the overall dining experience. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it was evident that they took great pride in sharing the cuisine and wine with both local patrons and travelers alike.

Stara Skola is a prominent gem in the heavy crown of the culinary landscape of Istria. With its stunning renovation, comfortable atmosphere, creative and seasonal menu, and a chef whose love and care are evident in every dish, this restaurant is destined to win the hearts of food enthusiasts from near and far.

Whether you are a seasoned foodie, a curious adventurer stumbling into Istria for the first time, or a local on the hunt for a new place to add to your rotation, Stara Skola Krasica is...

We had great expectations. We loved the ambiance right away, the views and the garden are spectacular, the service is excellent, pristine and relaxed, authentic but still up to standard. We started great, tapas concept we liked and everything up to the first warm hors d'oeuvre was exceptionally tasty. Linguine with funghi porcini and lamb was under salted, not at all tasty and somehow the cheese foam was overwhelming and did not to my opinion belong there at all as porcini mushrooms are already strong in taste and so is lamb. The main dish was sadly an utter disappointment. Fish overdone and tasteless on over buttery white beans, the choice to combine the two puzzles me. Not to my or my friend's taste. Swiss chard with carrots in basil sauce was undercooked, hard to chew and tasteless. String beans with fish chips, undercooked and again no proper taste. Tomatoes in basil sauce and goat or sheep cheese, nice but not special. We skipped that entirely and hoped that dessert would repair the damage. The ingredients were so good and so well combined, crispy dough, topped with chocolate mousse and fresh figs but the dough was burned which left a nasty taste in the mouth. We liked the choice of live-music-electric violin to accompany the dinning experience, totally enjoyed it. For the price, altogether with a couple of glasses of wine a 100€ per person one has the right to expect a perfect dish every course. Being served organic and straight from the garden is lovely but sadly not enough. In conclusion-we'd like to come back and have a perfect meal but I do think the chef has to consider food combination more and have nothing short of a strict standard what actually finds its way to the table. But this is a friendly feed back non-the-less as we really do recommend...

This fine dining restaurant takes locally sourced ingredients and transforms them into dishes that are not only delicious but also a captivating lesson in culinary innovation. What sets this restaurant apart is that the food is prepared in a traditional yet exceptionally modern way, combining the best of both worlds – it's like a delicious lesson in culinary innovation. The staff were exceptionally courteous and attentive, ensuring our fine dining experience was nothing short of delightful. What truly sets Stara Škola apart is its extensive wine cellar, boasting a wide selection of wines that perfectly complement the menu. You could say their wine list is so extensive it's like a never-ending school of wine! The interesting decor and the restaurant's unique concept create an inviting and warm atmosphere. Dining here is not just a meal; it's an unforgettable culinary adventure. Stara Škola is a must-visit for anyone looking to savor the finest local cuisine, exceptional service, and an atmosphere that's both intriguing and welcoming. It's an experience that lingers in your memory long after you leave, and it's one "school" where you'll eagerly sign up for more delicious lessons in...