Café Zvon: Little Vienna in the Heart of Izola

Nestled in San Simon Bay, Café Zvon is a favorite among both locals and tourists, offering a cozy ambiance and authentic sweet flavors. In a conversation with Milan Teržan, the café’s manager, we uncover the origins of the café, its philosophy, and the exciting new practices that have shaped its journey in recent years.

Where did your story with Café Zvon begin, and what motivated you to take over?

Café Zvon's story dates back to 1996, when the owner sought to offer something comforting and familiar to both the local community and visitors. The café drew inspiration from the traditional Viennese coffee houses, which is reflected in both its interior and architectural design.
My desire to run a business began in high school. I always envisioned creating a space that blended a restaurant and a bar, which is exactly what Zvon embodies. COVID-19 brought its share of challenges but also presented new opportunities. During the pandemic, the owners considered leasing the café, and in September 2020, I seized the chance to take over and start this new chapter in my career.

How do you find living in Slovenian Istria or Izola, which isn’t your hometown? What challenges or advantages have come with that decision?

When I was looking for a new place to live, Izola felt the most homely and authentic among the coastal towns. Coming from the Prebold area in the lower Savinja Valley, I’ve found that people here are just as open-minded. My biggest challenge was adapting to the burja wind and the high summer temperatures, but the friendly locals and pleasant climate more than make up for it (laughs).

How would you describe the atmosphere of Café Zvon, which you've now been running for four years?

Café Zvon attracts guests looking for a welcoming and peaceful ambiance. The positive atmosphere stems largely from our friendly staff and the warm, homely feeling we strive to create. We aim to offer a place where people feel comfortable, and I believe that’s what sets us apart from the rest.

What’s on offer at the café? How do you incorporate seasonal elements?

Our menu evolves with the seasons. In spring, we feature elderflower and strawberry desserts, while late summer brings fig, kaki, and plum offerings. We also highlight seasonal ingredients like asparagus and olive oil, particularly for event presentations.
Our drinks menu adapts accordingly too. During summer, refreshing cocktails and smoothies are popular, while winter sees us serving hot chocolate, teas, and warm beverages. Our afternoon menu shifts focus to aperitifs and cocktails, making it ideal for a relaxing break.

One of your standout creations is a dessert featuring Refosco wine. How did you develop it, and what inspired this unique treat?

My pastry chef and I wanted to create a cake that captures the essence of autumn, which is grape harvest season. Istria is known for its Malvasia and Refosco wines, but we opted for Refosco due to its intense flavor. It pairs perfectly with the homemade plum jam our grandmothers used to make, resulting in a unique and flavorful treat that complements our chestnut cake.

How important is it to preserve the authentic local flavors and ingredients?

Preserving authenticity is crucial—it adds to the identity of our region, supports local farmers and producers, and enhances the value of our café. Guests come here looking for something local, so we rely on traditional recipes like crostatas and sponge cakes. This commitment to authenticity is the core of our philosophy.

What other local specialties or drinks do you recommend for an authentic Istrian experience?

Our most popular specialties include the apple crostata, a glass of local wine, and our signature non-alcoholic Elderflower Refreshment cocktail. And of course, we can’t forget the Refosco cake, which we’ve already mentioned.

Have you introduced any vegan options? This segment is becoming increasingly popular.

Yes, we've made great strides in offering high-quality vegan options. Our vegan cheesecake is the top seller among desserts, but we also have delicious vegan baklava and macarons. We’ve expanded our gluten-free offerings as well. For ice cream lovers, we provide seven to eight vegan flavors. Only the necessary ones contain dairy—even our chocolate ice cream is vegan (laughs).

How are you incorporating sustainable practices into your business, and what measures are in place to protect the environment?

We focus on using local, seasonal fruits and collaborate with local winemakers to incorporate their wines into our dessert and drinks menu. Additionally, we’ve set up a shelf dedicated to local products, allowing guests to purchase authentic souvenirs or gifts. This not only supports local producers but also adds a sustainable dimension to our café.

How else do you engage with the local community, and how significant is the local environment to your business?

Our engagement with the local community grows each year. We participate in local events like the Pier of Tastes in Izola and the Wedding Fair in Koper. We also collaborate with local hotels, creating custom desserts for them on request. Our connection to the community is vital, and it adds to the overall experience we offer.

How do you ensure a pleasant experience for your guests? Who exactly are they?

Our guests are mostly over fifty years old, but we’ve had more young people lately and we have adapted our offer a bit in order to be more appealing to them. During the so-called low season, our guests are mainly locals from Izola and the rest of Istria. More tourists come here in the summer. Many of them stop here on their way to Croatia. Café Zvon is almost a traditional stop for them. Of course, we shouldn’t forget everyone who orders cake for various celebrations. What guests praise about us is friendly staff and the ambience of the café itself – the café-style interior and the green terrace. We do our best to make everyone feel welcome and enjoy the authentic atmosphere.

What are your future plans for Café Zvon, and what role do you see it playing in the local community and Izola’s tourism?

Our brand already attracts a mix of tourists and locals, making us a key player in the local hospitality scene. Looking ahead, we plan to expand our range of desserts and drinks, and we’re considering hosting monthly events like flautist performances, which we already do. These initiatives will help contribute to both the cultural and tourism sectors in Izola.

What would you say to someone considering a visit to Café Zvon?

Come, try our offerings, and enjoy a memorable time with us!

Finally, here are some fun facts about Milan:

If I were a desert, I would be kremšnita (a traditional cream cake)—creamy and light.

An experience in Izola I really enjoy is cycling along the coast.

Something I always recommend to my guests is visiting Izolana – House of the Sea.

My favorite event in Izola is the Fishermen’s Festival.

My favorite free-time activity is relaxing on the beach by the lighthouse or in the Marina.