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Modernly designed 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom holiday villa sits on private plot of 620m2 and offers lap pool, lounge with outdoor cinema and alfresco dining table.
Fresh seafood, homemade pasta, olive oil and a glass of local wine.
Explore the food guideGood food is an essential part of any holiday in Istria, and Pula is a wonderful place to discover the flavours of the region. The city's food scene reflects its location perfectly: the Adriatic provides fresh fish and seafood, while the Istrian countryside brings olive oil, wine, truffles, vegetables and ingredients that change with the seasons.
You don't need to search for complicated fine dining to eat well here. Some of the most memorable meals are simple ones â grilled fish with olive oil, homemade pasta with truffles or a plate of local prosciutto enjoyed slowly with a glass of Istrian wine. If you're wondering where to eat in Pula, here are some restaurants and local flavours worth discovering during your stay.
Set above the marina on the Verudela peninsula, Ribarska Koliba combines a beautiful waterfront setting with a refined Mediterranean menu.
Fresh fish and seafood are at the heart of the experience, while the terrace makes it an especially appealing choice for a relaxed dinner with a sea view.
It is a popular address, so booking ahead is a good idea during the summer season.
02Batelina is a celebrated family-run tavern in the fishing village of Banjole, a short drive south of Pula.
The kitchen follows the day's catch and the season, turning exceptionally fresh fish and lesser-known parts of the catch into imaginative starters and full-flavoured Mediterranean dishes.
The menu changes with what the sea provides. Reserve well in advance and let the staff guide you through the day's selection.
03Ć kuĆŸa is an easy-going choice close to the beach in PjeĆĄÄana Uvala, well suited to a relaxed lunch or an informal family dinner.
Its broad Croatian and Mediterranean menu includes fish, seafood, grilled dishes and pizza, so groups with different tastes can all find something to enjoy.
The outdoor terrace and proximity to the sea are a large part of its appeal.
Cave Romane is a casual neighbourhood restaurant near the beach in PjeĆĄÄana Uvala.
It is a convenient choice when you want to stay close to the sea and enjoy an uncomplicated meal in a laid-back coastal setting.
Pair a visit with an evening stroll along the bay for an easy night out close to the villa.
Restaurant PlaĆŸa sits right by the sea in FaĆŸana, around eight kilometres from Pula and facing the Brijuni Islands.
The menu focuses on Adriatic fish, shellfish and seafood prepared in a traditional Istrian style, with meat dishes also available.
Its waterfront terrace makes it a natural stop after exploring FaĆŸana or returning from a day trip to Brijuni.
Restaurants are only half the story. Knowing what to order is just as important.
Start with Istrian prosciutto, local cheese and olive oil. For pasta, look for fuĆŸi or pljukanci, particularly when served with truffles, mushrooms or a traditional sauce.
Seafood lovers should watch for grilled fish, squid, octopus, mussels and scampi. Simple preparation is often best â good seafood doesn't need much more than olive oil, garlic, herbs and a little lemon.
If you see something seasonal on the menu, consider ordering it. Istrian cooking has traditionally followed what is available locally rather than serving exactly the same dishes throughout the year.
A local dinner deserves a local wine.
Malvazija Istarska is the white wine you'll see almost everywhere in Istria and pairs particularly well with fish, seafood and lighter Mediterranean dishes.
If you prefer red wine, try Teran, another variety strongly associated with the Istrian peninsula. You don't need to know much about wine either. Simply tell your waiter what you're eating and ask for a local recommendation.
For another glimpse of local food culture, visit Pula Market in the morning.
Rather than treating it as another tourist attraction, walk around and see what people are actually buying. Depending on the season, you'll find fresh fruit and vegetables alongside other local products.
Pick up something for breakfast or create a simple picnic to enjoy later by the sea.
Dinner in Croatia tends to be a relaxed affair, particularly during summer. There's rarely a good reason to rush.
In July and August, popular restaurants can become busy in the evening, so reserving a table is a good idea when there is somewhere you particularly want to try.
And don't judge a restaurant only by how close it is to a famous attraction. Some excellent meals can be found a little outside the main tourist streets.
The best way to experience Pula's food scene isn't to chase as many restaurants as possible.
Try fresh seafood one evening, traditional Istrian pasta the next and perhaps visit a konoba for a longer, slower dinner. Order a bottle of local wine, taste the olive oil and leave some time afterwards for an evening walk.
Great food in Istria is rarely about rushing from one course to another. It's about good ingredients, good company and having nowhere else you need to be.
