The House of Monte
Hidden in the stonewalled courtyard of Chef Danijel Dekić's birth house, at the foot of the Chutch of St. Euphemia, the symbol of Rovinj, Monte is a place of gathering, reflection and reminisce… of joyful momets, childhood memories and all things nice.
Habitat
At Monte, cuisine is not composed — it is cultivated.
It grows from the land, moves with the sea and evolves with the seasons.
Each creation begins with nature: flora, fauna and the quiet rhythm of Rovinj.
Each ingredient carries origin, character and time.
Rooted in place and guided by season, Monte presents cuisine that is alive, refined and constantly evolving.
Croatia’s first MICHELIN-starred restaurant
In 2017, Monte became the first restaurant in Croatia to receive a Michelin star — a recognition of unwavering dedication to craft, authenticity and innovation.
Led by chef Danijel Đekić and sommelier Tjitske Đekić, Monte is built on precision, seasonality and deep respect for ingredients and terroir. Their work is defined by constant refinement and a pursuit of excellence that extends far beyond the plate.
Monte has earned outstanding recognition from the Gault & Millau guide and is a proud member of Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe.
Beyond every accolade, Monte remains what it has always been: a family house devoted to gastronomy, integrity and quiet excellence.
Restaurant Monte is a family story that began in 1985 with a traditional Istrian tavern owned by the parents of chef Danijel Đekić. In the following years, Danijel and his wife Tjitske, a renowned sommelier, whom both think of food as a way of celebrating life, and as an act that brings people together, took over Monte and transformed it into a true gourmet oasis in which tradition is still highly valued.
Danijel and Tjitske passed on their dedication and love for the restaurant Monte to their sons Ilja and Simon.
Together with his father, their older son Ilja creates innovative, ever-evolving, and terroir-based cuisine characterised by daring innovation, all in order to recreate archaic flavours that often bring back the best memories from one's childhood.
Simon, the junior, has followed in his mother's footsteps and has taken over the task of Maitre d', besides this developing his experience as sommelier. His natural communication skills have made him the leading front of house.
Flora & Fauna Menus
A living ecosystem of Rovinj
Our two menus, Flora and Fauna are rooted in our habitat; Rovinj and it's surroundings.
Rovinj, being shaped by centuries of different influences, inspires our cuisine.
The Adriatic and its depths, Mediterranean vegetation, forests, cultivated land and wild terrain all reflect a territory where ingredients, people and traditions have always coexisted in delicate balance.
Daily collaboration with fishermen, farmers, winemakers and artisans form the foundation of the kitchen. Ingredients arrive directly from their landscapes – sea, forest, garden and hillside – carrying the identity of their origin.
The menu at Monte is a seasonal portrait of Rovinj – written by the territory, refined by craft
Transition. The Future.
A natural evolution of Monte
Monte has always evolved in dialogue with time, place and family.
For group reservations of 9 up to 14 guests you can visit our Cave Lab private dining experience
