Culinary Days

Source of Izola’s Tastes

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Recipes

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The proximity of the fertile lands provide for a unique blend of Istrian and maritime cuisine. The traditional dishes of the rural outskirts are based on homegrown produce, thriving among the vineyards and olive groves, while the seaside cuisine relies on fish and molluscs. Local homegrown produce is also sold at the farmer’s market during summer. Enjoy the many flavours of Izola!

KM0: Only local and fresh

Days of Calamari

The Culinary Days, which began their journey in Izola, have now expanded to the entire Slovenian Istria region. This time, 17 selected inns and restaurants invite you to enjoy special dishes featuring calamari, inspired by the tradition and creativity of local chefs. Some of them also offer tasting menus or dishes paired with selected wines. From October 17 to November 2, 2025, we invite you to savor them in selected inns and restaurants across Slovenian Istria. CHECK OUT THE PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

Days of Venetian Cuisine

When the flavours of the sea, the freshness of local ingredients and a rich cultural heritage come together, something unique and new is created - the Days of Venetian Cuisine. We invite you to indulge in tempting dishes enriched with a touch of history. Reviving Venetian Culinary Tradition The Days of Venetian Cuisine bring together selected restaurateurs from the city of Isola who have prepared unique menus inspired by Venetian traditions for the occasion. The focus is on simple but full flavours and dishes that impress with their simplicity and authenticity. Participating restaurants Gostil...

Days of Sardine the Queen

During Days of Sardine, restaurateurs are going to offer various sardine-based dishes in their restaurants. Sardines are excellent grilled, fried, and baked in the oven. Even salted sardine fillets are a simple dish, but a real specialty.

Days of wild asparagus

Are you a fan of wild asparagus, those delicious harbingers of spring? Between March 28 and April 13, 2025, selected inns and restaurants across Slovenian Istria invite you to the Days of Wild Asparagus – a culinary celebration of this prized seasonal ingredient. Wild asparagus (Asparagus acutifolius) are known for their intense flavor and health benefits. They grow individually, often hidden among thorny undergrowth, and are foraged from March to early June. From traditional recipes to contemporary culinary creations, this versatile spring delicacy takes center stage in a wide range of dish...

“Farm life knows no schedule. The farm is life.”

“Wine is the reflection of the love you give it.”

»When I return home and see the sea, I feel something stir inside me.«

»The sea is one of the fairest things that exist.«

Pier of tastes

Where Istrian flavors meet the sea Join us at the last Pier of Tastes of this year, an outdoor culinary event held several times a year on the North pier in Izola. The event takes place in an idyllic setting, offering breathtaking view of Izola’s popular Svetilnik (Lighthouse) and Bele skale (White Rocks) beaches, offering you a one-stop experience of authentic local cuisine. See you next time in April 2026!

Farmer's market

The seasonal market »Ruba sz moje njive« (Stuff from my field) offers an opportunity for the local farmers to sell their crops. It is part of the Kilometer Zero initiative, which has been established for several years and has enriched the gastronomic offer in Izola. The goal of the initiative is to promote the use of produce from the immediate environment and offer support to local agriculture. However, it also ensures that the dishes in Izola’s restaurants are made from fresh and local ingredients. The restaurateurs involved in the initiative undertake to use at least 80 % of ingredient...