12. 5. 2025
Humble, local and regal – the sardine in all her glory
The sardine is that one fish that used to be on the table nearly every day – simple, freshly caught, and within everyone’s reach. And it’s precisely this humility that earned her the crown: in Istria, the sardine is a symbol of home cooking, community, and honest flavours of the sea.
During the Queen Sardine Days, from Friday, May 23rd to Sunday, June 8th, selected inns and restaurants across Slovenian Istria will fill the air with the scent of the sea – and with tradition and memories.
And let’s not forget: the sardine is a true nutritional powerhouse – packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin D and wholesome energy. In short – it’s food that’s good for the heart, for joy, and for us Istrians.
Taste the queen – in a hundred and one ways
Though simple, the sardine rules with endless creativity. This year, 17 local chefs and restaurants throughout Slovenian Istria will serve dishes that blend tradition and imagination.
On the menus, you’ll find it all: marinated sardines with fresh vegetables and citrus notes, fried or grilled sardines that are fragrant from afar, homemade pasta with sardines, the beloved traditional “savor”, and even royal creations with stuffed sardines, pine nuts, asparagus, capers, and date-based sauces.
Sardines shine in both appetisers and main courses. Whether you prefer the classic grill or a more modern twist – our queen of the sea will not leave your taste buds unmoved.
Koper and Surroundings
Folpo
DISHES:
- Stuffed sardines "FOLPO" – €13
- Fried sardines – €9
- Grilled sardines – €9
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Gostilna (Restaurant) Karjola Marezige
DISHES:
- Fish soup – €6
- Marinated sardines in "šavor" (sweet & sour marinade) with local onions – €10.80
- Cold seafood trio for two – €19
- Homemade pasta with sardines and mixed shellfish – €15.90
- Grilled sardines with boiled potatoes and chives – €13.70
- Fried sardine fillets with Dalmatian-style garnish – €14.30
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Gostilna (Restaurant) Oljka Vanganel
DISHES:
- Sardines in homemade "šavor", 12,50 €
- Bavette pasta with fresh sardines, 15,00 €
- Sardines in tomato sauce with polenta, 17,50 €
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Portus Koper
DISHES:
CONTACT: Facebook | Instagram
Restavracija (Restaurant) Al Mulin
MENU (€27):
- Deconstructed šavor (sweet & sour sardine marinade)
- Spaghetti with anchovies and tuna bottarga
- Hibiscus millefoglie
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Restavracija (Restaurant) Brič
MENU (€35):
- Sardines in "šavor"
- Wild garlic soup with sardine
- Baked sardines with chard and potatoes
- Passionfruit cream in a glass with deconstructed coffee, chocolate, coconut foam, and hazelnut-walnut crumble
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Wine pairing (three premium local wines): €10
Additional à la carte dishes:
- Sardines in "šavor" – €13.90
- Baked sardines with chard and potatoes – €17.90
- Fried sardines with pickles – €18.90
- Homemade pljukanci pasta with sardines, olives, and cherry tomatoes – €16.90
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Open daily from 11:00 to 21:00 (closed on Wednesdays)
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Restavracija (Restaurant) Capra & Caprizza
DISHES:
- Capra sardines (fried in panko breadcrumbs, stuffed with goat cheese) – €16
- Sardines in "šavor" – €12
- Homemade pasta with vegetables in red sauce, olives, and fried sardines – €17
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Restavracija (Restaurant) Salicornia
MENU (€27):
- Chef's welcome bite
- Istrian pljukanci pasta with sardines, cherry tomatoes, and salicornia
- Breaded sardines, potato salad with pickled red onion, lemon mayonnaise
- House dessert of your choice
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Izola
Gostilna (Restaurant) Bujol
DISHES:
- Grilled sardines – €10
- Fried sardines – €10
- Marinated sardines – €10
- Sardine "butterflies" – €12
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CONTACT:
WEB |
Facebook |
Instagram
Gostilnica (Restaurant) Gušt
DISHES:
- Grilled sardines dipped in batter, basil purée, and sautéed vegetables – €14
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Gostilna (Restaurant) Perla
DISHES:
- Cold starter: Sardines in "šavor" – €10
- Main course: Fried sardine “butterfly” – €12.90
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Gostilna (Restaurant) Sidro
DISHES:
- Marinated sardines
- Sardines grilled, breaded or fried
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Grill pri Perotu
DISHES:
- Fried sardines on a bed of arugula – €12
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Restavracija (Restaurant) hotela Marina
DISHES:
- Marinated sardines on baby greens with Mediterranean garnish and herb dressing – €16
- Sardines in šavor – €16
- Baked sardines | pine nut cream | daterino tomato salsa | crispy garnish – €16
- Sardine “butterflies” with side dish and spicy sauce – €16
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CONTACT: WEB | Facebook | Instagram
Restavracija (Restaurant) Kamin
DISHES:
- “Belvedere Šavor”: Marinated sardines in lemon juice, served on salad with red radish, currants, spring onion, bread chips, pine nuts, and garlic mayo – €14.50
- Crispy sardines on fennel purée with spicy pepper-raspberry sauce – €18.50
- Thin cuttlefish noodles in lemon sauce with seared sardines, daterino tomatoes, and spinach pesto – €17.50
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Restavracija (Restaurant) Pergola
DISHES:
- Marinated anchovies – €7
- Grilled sardines – €9
- Linguine with sardines – €13
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CONTACT: WEB | Facebook
Portorož & Piran
Restavracija (Restaurant) Marina Portorož
DISHES:
- Sardine Rillettes – served on toasted bread with pickled spring onions
- Venetian-style sardines in "šavor" with pine nuts and raisins
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CONTACT: WEB | Facebook | Instagram
The queen of sea flavours – for good reason
The sardine (Sardina pilchardus) is not only the most iconic fish of Slovenian Istria – she’s also a true star of the Mediterranean diet. Our nonnas and grandfathers used to prepare it with love, and today nutritionists call it one of the healthiest fish you can eat.
It’s rich in omega-3s, which support heart and brain health, and loaded with protein, vitamin D, calcium, and selenium – with low mercury content, a rarity in the world of seafood.
But sardines are more than just good for the body – they’re part of our shared story. For generations, they were a staple of everyday meals, and today they’re reclaiming their role as stars of contemporary Istrian cuisine. Humble in appearance, regal in flavour and value.
Traditionally grilled, fried, or served in savor, during the Queen Sardine Days, you’ll also find sardines in creative new forms – with pasta, sauces, herbs, vegetables, pine nuts, pesto and more.
Visit the Queen Sardine Days
When? From May 23rd to June 8th, 2025
Where? In 17 selected restaurants and inns across Slovenian Istria
Why? Because the sardine is more than a fish – she’s the true queen of our plates and the flavours of Istria!