Tradition with a new voice
Tradition with a new voice
At the Vila Rova restaurant, cuisine becomes a personal story of growing up, returning and creating. Chef Marin Pleše, born and raised on the island of Krk, returned home after gaining experience in some of Europe’s finest restaurants – not to replicate what he had learned, but to tell the story of his region through his own culinary expression.
His cuisine is based on local ingredients, but also on emotion and memories. The dessert Belo kafe (‘White coffee’) is inspired by the humble custom of the island’s households – in times when coffee was a rarity, people used to dip dry bread in a coffee substitute made of barley and chicory. Today, through delicate zabaione and bread ice cream, this humble tradition becomes a sophisticated, yet sincere tribute to times gone by.
His work has been recognised at the highest level – he was named Gault&Millau’s Young Talent of the Year and Best Chef of Kvarner, while Vila Rova has earned a place in the Michelin guide and the international JRE association.
Pleše does not reinterpret tradition for effect – he lives it. His dishes reflect his childhood, the island and a deep understanding of what it means to cook from one’s own identity.
This is not just haute cuisine.
This is a personal story – served on a plate.
At the Vila Rova restaurant, cuisine becomes a personal story of growing up, returning and creating. Chef Marin Pleše, born and raised on the island of Krk, returned home after gaining experience in some of Europe’s finest restaurants – not to replicate what he had learned, but to tell the story of his region through his own culinary expression.
His cuisine is based on local ingredients, but also on emotion and memories. The dessert Belo kafe (‘White coffee’) is inspired by the humble custom of the island’s households – in times when coffee was a rarity, people used to dip dry bread in a coffee substitute made of barley and chicory. Today, through delicate zabaione and bread ice cream, this humble tradition becomes a sophisticated, yet sincere tribute to times gone by.
His work has been recognised at the highest level – he was named Gault&Millau’s Young Talent of the Year and Best Chef of Kvarner, while Vila Rova has earned a place in the Michelin guide and the international JRE association.
Pleše does not reinterpret tradition for effect – he lives it. His dishes reflect his childhood, the island and a deep understanding of what it means to cook from one’s own identity.
This is not just haute cuisine.
This is a personal story – served on a plate.
Signature dish
Dessert 'Belo Kafe'
Inspired by the humble custom of the island's households – dipping dry bread in a coffee substitute made of barley and chicory.
From a humble tradition to a world-class dessert
"Belo kafe" as a story of the island.
"Belo kafe" as a story of the island.
Gallery
KRK MADE — Taste of the Island
Vila Rova is a verified KRK MADE partner — a seal of authentic island gastronomy, tradition and quality.
