The best bars and cafés Istria

Timetable

In summer, most café-bars and tearooms are open from morning to night, from 7 to 8 a.m. until evening. The same establishment may offer continuous service throughout the day, serving breakfast, hot or cold drinks, with or without alcohol, as well as snack-restaurant formulas. Out of tourist season, they will be closed or have reduced opening hours.

Budget & Tips

As in Italy, Croatians drink a lot of coffee! The morning espresso, black without sugar, and the long espresso are the same price: €1 to €2. Double espresso, with twice as much coffee, is twice as expensive. For macchiato, instant Nescafé or cappuccino in sachet with hot or cold milk: around €2. Much better is homemade, with hot milk whipped into a creamy froth. Italian-style hot chocolate, thick and creamy, is drunk with a spoon: around €3.

Green and black teas and infusions, whose aromas have more flavor than in France, are served with a dollop of honey: around €2. In tea shops, these hot drinks are accompanied by cakes and pastries (extra charge). In bakeries(pekarna), strudels with seasonal fruit are well represented, while a cold drink, soda or ice cream cone (1 scoop) also costs from €2 to €3.

As Croatia's leading wine-growing region, Istria boasts a fine wine list. At aperitivo time, you can order a glass of wine, either on its own or accompanied by a platter of local antipasti, olives and cheese (istarka prsut): between €5 and €10. While a half beer is not expensive (€2), cocktails with alcohol are not less than €6-8.

A Rovinj travel agency (Viator) offers a wide range of excursions and guided tours to discover the vineyards, with driver and wine tasting... in complete road safety.

Age restrictions

The legal age for the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Croatia is 18. There is considerable tolerance for long summer evenings.

What's very local

In cafés and tea rooms, try infusions(caj) with chamomile(kamilica), red berries (šumskovoće), cranberries(brusnica) or rosehips(biljni čaj cvjetovi šipka).

The white Istrian malvasia wine(istarska malvazija) or the red grape variety(teran or refošk) is renowned throughout Croatia. Known as the world's smallest city, Hum is also popular for its biska, a spicy brandy made from mistletoe according to an ancient recipe.

Also original is the Istrian craft beer San Servolo, one of the best in Croatia, produced in Buje, a traditional brewing town (Favorit). Honey brandy(medenica or medica) and homemade plum rakija are also popular throughout the country.

Kids

During the day, minors are allowed in cafés-bars, provided they are accompanied by adults and order a non-alcoholic drink.

Smokers

Smoking is prohibited inside cafés and tearooms, but if the establishment has set up a separate room with ventilation, , smoking is permitted. A wide tolerance is allowed on the terrace.

Tourist traps

In cafe-bars, unlisted prices can vary depending on whether you're a tourist or a local. To avoid being cheated, ask for the menu and check the price of drinks before ordering.