Belona — Restaurant in Grad Cres

A Culinary Gem at the Entrance of Town: Belona on the Island of Cres

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)

I have had the pleasure of dining at Belona on the beautiful island of Cres on numerous occasions, and each visit has left me thoroughly impressed. As a frequent patron, I can confidently say that Belona is a true contender for the title of the number one restaurant in town, competing closely with Restoran Riva. With its remarkable kitchen staff and exceptional service led by Mr. Blaž, Belona offers a dining experience that is unparalleled in terms of quality and sophistication.

The first thing that strikes you upon entering Belona is its idyllic location at the entrance of the town. Nestled amidst a picturesque park and a charming street adorned with majestic trees, it provides a serene ambiance.

Now, let's talk about the true stars of Belona: the ladies working in the kitchen. With their years of experience, their culinary expertise shines through in every dish they create. Each plate is a work of art, meticulously crafted to delight both the eyes and the palate. The attention to detail in the presentation is astounding, and the flavors are nothing short of extraordinary. From the fresh seafood caught from the surrounding waters to the locally sourced ingredients, Belona takes pride in delivering the very best of the island's culinary treasures.

But it's not just the food that makes Belona exceptional; the service provided by Mr. Blaž and his team is truly commendable. From the moment you step through the door, you are greeted with warmth and genuine hospitality. Mr. Blaž's attentiveness and professionalism ensure that every guest feels like a VIP. He effortlessly guides you through the menu, offering insightful recommendations. The seamless coordination among the staff creates a dining experience that is both polished and personalized, leaving you feeling pampered and satisfied.

Whether you are a seafood enthusiast or an adventurous foodie, Belona caters to all palates with its diverse menu. The extensive selection of dishes, ranging from mouthwatering appetizers to exquisite main courses, is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to culinary excellence. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, showcasing Belona's dedication to catering to a variety of dietary preferences.

In conclusion, Belona is a true gem located at the entrance of the town on the island of Cres. Its exceptional kitchen staff, led by the talented ladies, deliver dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. The restaurant's idyllic setting amidst a charming park and tree-lined street adds an enchanting touch to the dining experience. Mr. Blaž and his attentive service team elevate the dining experience to new heights. Belona's commitment to high-level dining is evident in every aspect, making it a must-visit destination for any food lover seeking a memorable culinary adventure. I wholeheartedly recommend Belona for an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you...

Yesterday evening I dined at Belona, and it was, without a doubt, one of the most disappointing experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment we walked in, it was clear that this place hasn’t seen an update since the days of former country Yugoslavia. The furniture was old and worn, with mismatched chairs and tables that looked like they were borrowed from a garage sale. The chandeliers were dusty relics, and the tablecloths were faded and stained, adding to the overall feeling of neglect.

As if the decor wasn’t bad enough, the service was abysmal. The waitstaff spent more time yelling at each other across the restaurant than actually attending to customers. It was clear that there were far too few staff members for the number of guests, and you could see the stress on their faces as they rushed around trying to keep up. While we tried to eat in peace, they were loudly telling each other what needed to be brought to the tables and what was missing, making the entire dining experience chaotic and stressful. To make matters worse, some of them were chewing food as they came out of the kitchen, which was both unprofessional and unappetizing.

When the food finally arrived after an hour of waiting, it was another major disappointment. I ordered pasta with prawns and was shocked to find only two tiny prawns in the entire dish. On top of that, the food was completely bland, lacking any spice or flavor, as if the kitchen had forgotten to season it entirely. As if that wasn’t enough, they served ketchup directly from a tube of a well-known brand, rather than in proper dishes, adding to the overall lack of attention to detail.

Overall, this place is a relic of the past in the worst possible way. The owners clearly haven't invested in it for decades, and it shows in every aspect—from the decor to the service to the food. I would not recommend wasting your time...

We were regular visitors of Belona since many years and enjoyed especially food and atmosphere when the former owner and staff were in charge. It all changed: food (except fish) got worse from one visit to another (they are using tons of flour, e.g. for the white onion soup), same as service that simply forgets to serve, lets us wait for an hour even if there are just a few guests, but charges stuff we ordered but never got served (without saying sorry). Vine, water is warm, no expertise regarding the fish they serve. It‘s a pity…there are far better...