15 Must-Try Foods in Rijeka, Croatia

A European cruise with Dinogo® offers an unparalleled adventure. You'll visit famous ports and explore hidden gems, like Rijeka in Croatia. As you step off the ship in Rijeka, prepare to immerse yourself in its local cuisine, which predominantly features Mediterranean flavors with a hint of Italian influence.

While in port, you’ll discover a plethora of exciting activities in Rijeka. The city is perfectly positioned, providing easy access to the region's rich culinary offerings from nearby islands and towns.

This diverse and delectable selection showcases the top 15 culinary delights in Rijeka, each one a must-try during your visit to this coastal Croatian gem.

1. Truffles from Istria

Located inland from Rijeka, the charming town of Istria is renowned not only for its asparagus but also for its exquisite black and white truffles. A fun fact: in Croatia, truffles are not just a luxury item; they grow plentifully in the region. Each year, these culinary treasures are foraged from the lush oak forests, competing with the finest truffles from Italy and France. You can easily find them at local markets, making them one of the top souvenirs to buy in Rijeka. Just remember to ensure they are pre-packaged and sealed before you board your ship.

2. Asparagus

Omelet lovers should try the asparagus (and truffle) fritaja during breakfast in Rijeka. This dish features some of the most delectable wild-picked asparagus, known for its bolder, slightly bitter flavor that perfectly enhances any meal.

3. Trešnje (Sweet Cherries)

During the summer, indulge in the juicy, sweet cherries from Lovran. Grab a few pounds and savor them as a delightful snack while relaxing by the beach.

4. Delights Featuring Chestnuts

In the autumn, Lovran is celebrated for its sweet chestnuts. Be sure to sample desserts and cakes made from chestnut puree. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to forage for chestnuts yourself, there’s a Croatian tradition that suggests carrying three chestnuts with you brings good luck.

5. Rapska torta (Rab Cake)

Croatian towns and villages boast unique cake recipes, and the island of Rab, located near Rijeka, is home to one of the most renowned cakes—the Rab cake. This delightful treat is primarily made with almonds and maraschino liqueur, baked in a festive spiral and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar.

6. Wild Garlic Leaves

In Croatia, wild garlic leaves are a beloved springtime delicacy. You’ll find them featured in various dishes, including salads and cooked alongside potatoes. They’re a common ingredient in nearly every restaurant you visit!

7. Šurlice

For pasta enthusiasts, trying šurlice is a must. This rustic-style pasta is uniquely crafted by wrapping dough around knitting needles, resembling the shape of an elephant's trunk. It's also referred to as needle macaroni.

8. Dark Pie

Dark pie, known as Škura pogača, is a delicious seafood pie packed with squid, cuttlefish, and octopus. Its dark color comes from the cuttlefish ink incorporated into the recipe.

9. Seafood Dishes

From codfish stew to scampi alla busara, and from sardine balls to squid stuffed with prosciutto, Rijeka’s restaurants and taverns offer a delightful array of fresh seafood dishes. Be sure to try Kvarnerski škampi, a local variety of scampi known for its tender texture and sweet flavor.

10. Frankopan Cake

When in Crikvenica, be sure to seek out the Frankopan torta. This delightful cake is crafted with apricots or peaches, mixed with almonds, raisins, and a blend of sweet spices. Once a delicacy for the nobility, it makes for a perfect indulgence today.

11. Žlahtina (native Croatian wine)

If you’re on the hunt for more culinary delights in Rijeka, consider enjoying an appetizer platter featuring Krk prosciutto and sheep milk cheese, perfectly complemented by a glass of dry white Žlahtina, the most beloved wine in Croatia.

Even better, explore the verdant vineyards on the Island of Krk where you can find the Konoba Nada Wine Cellar. Bring home a bottle of its signature wine as a delightful keepsake from this picturesque village. Dinogo permits one 750 ml bottle per adult onboard if you’re over 21 years old.

12. Creska Janjetina (Lamb)

This exceptional lamb is sourced from a centuries-old breed known as Cres sheep. These free-roaming sheep thrive on a diet of ewe’s milk and aromatic, nutrient-rich herbs, resulting in meat that is lean, flavorful, and healthy. You can enjoy this lamb in dishes like lamb goulash, stew, or simply grilled lamb chops.

13. Krčki Sir (Croatian Cheese)

The island of Krk in Croatia produces this hard, full-fat cheese crafted from raw sheep’s milk. Its rich and robust flavor comes from the sheep’s diet of locally sourced herbs. This cheese is commonly enjoyed sliced as a table cheese or grated over pasta dishes.

14. Grobnički Sir (Croatian Cheese)

Hailing from the Grobnik Valley near Rijeka, this Croatian cheese is also made from sheep’s milk. It features a hard, chalky-white appearance and a granular texture. While it has a pleasantly salty taste, it’s not overpowering and is typically served as an appetizer alongside local ham.

15. Krčki Pršut (Croatian Prosciutto)

Krk is renowned for its unique method of producing Croatian prosciutto, which combines two distinct ham-curing techniques. The non-smoked ham is cured with its skin intact, seasoned with sea salt, pepper, rosemary, and bay leaf. It matures in the strong, salt-laden Bora winds of the Adriatic, giving it a distinctive flavor.

You’ll find numerous opportunities to savor Croatia’s culinary delights as you explore the stunning cobalt-blue beaches, impressive castles, and vibrant markets along the Main Street. Don’t forget to take home a few unique souvenirs exclusive to Rijeka. From beautifully crafted gold embroidery and lace to durable wooden toys, these treasures will ensure your memories of this enchanting country endure long after your cruise with Dinogo.