Culinary Days

Origin of Izola’s Tastes

Meet Izola’s Chefs

Recipes

Taste

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 wild asparagus

Are you a fan of wild asparagus, those delicious harbingers of spring? You are invited to the Wild Asparagus Culinary Days in Slovenian Istria between 27 March and 12 April 2026. 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 dishes – all waiting to be discovered during the first edition of the Days of Wild Aspara...

Days of Calamari

Are you a fan of squid – one of the most popular seafood delicacies? You are invited to the Squid Culinary Days in Slovenian Istria between 22 May and 7 June 2026. Squid is appreciated for its delicate flavour and its versatility in the kitchen. Many beloved dishes are prepared from it, ranging from simple, traditional recipes to modern culinary interpretations that highlight the freshness and richness of the sea’s flavours. A wide variety of delicious dishes can be created from squid, from classic preparations to contemporary culinary creations. All this awaits you at the Culinary Days of...

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...

Culinary Days of White Sea Fish

Are you a lover of white sea fish – one of the most prized delicacies from our sea? You are invited to the White Sea Fish Culinary Days in Slovenian Istria between 30 October and 15 November 2026. White sea fish such as sea bream, sea bass, dentex or scorpionfish are valued for their delicate flavour, high-quality flesh and the many possibilities they offer in the kitchen. They are used to prepare many beloved dishes, ranging from simple, traditional recipes to modern culinary interpretations that highlight the freshness and richness of the sea’s flavours. A wide variety of delicious dishe...

Culinary Days of Young Olive Oil

Are you a fan of young olive oil – one of the most recognisable delicacies of Slovenian Istria? You are warmly invited to the Culinary Days of Young Olive Oil, taking place from 15 to 31 January 2027. Olive oil from Slovenian Istria is renowned for its exceptional quality and is considered a true culinary masterpiece of nature and the skill of local olive growers. It is produced from carefully harvested olives grown in the distinctive Istrian landscape, where a long tradition of olive growing, the expertise of producers and unique climatic conditions intertwine. Among the most characteristic...

"On a boat, you are everything: a mechanic, a cook, and a fisherman."

“An olive tree must breathe in its own rhythm”

"For me, the most valuable thing is that people come back."

“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 We invite you to join us again in 2026 at the Pier of Tastes in Izola! This popular open-air culinary event takes you on a journey through local flavours and authentic Istrian hospitality. The event takes place in an idyllic seaside setting overlooking Izola’s Svetilnik and Bele skale beaches, where local producers, fresh ingredients, and the creativity of Istrian chefs come together. The Pier of Tastes offers a unique opportunity to experience, in one place, the very best that Slovenian Istria has to offer – from select wines and olive oils to authentic ...

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...