Our fist up close exploratory of Eastern Europe’s restaurants is none other than Croatia’s famous Marcellino. Sitting astride Zagreb’s diplomatic corridor atop Jurjevska Street, this superb eatery caters to a chic, and yes powerful clientèle. If Mediterranean cuisine is your taste, this is the place in Croatia’s capital to partake.
Monday through Saturday, Noon to Midnight, Chef – Owner Mario Čerhak delivers on his philosophy of “emotion in cooking evokes emotion in dinging.” He is one of the most talked about young chefs in this part of the world, a dynamic and super talented culinary visionary actually. As anyone who knows Croatia realizes, that country’s traditional cuisine (the real stuff) is actually hard to come by. Too many outside influences can be blamed for this, but Mario would have his tradition served uniquely as his own – an idea guests will find both pleasing and appropriate.
Aside Mario’s passionate creations, there is the restaurant’s atmosphere, which is elegant and rather simple. The interesting Summer exterior garden is extraordinary for those who like their gastronomic enticements in the jungle, but inside the place exudes a calm comfort well enough suited to the food and the prices. Some complain a bit about the portions relative to the cost, but the quality is there.
Mediterranean haute cuisine, a great venue a-buzz with local dignitaries and celebs, surrounded by beautiful woods, and located at the heart of one of Europe’s most charming cities, there is not a lot more anyone can ask for in a restaurant is there? Recommendations here include; Starters of Salad a la Grecque – red pepper sorbet with feta cheese sorbet – vegetables and olive oil, Veal Balsamico – baked veal breast marinated in aceto balsamic oil, followed with an unbelievable Mousse au chocolate – about 70+ percent kakao.
Mario Čerhak’s little jewel is definitely one of those places visitors to this city should check out. And the prices some complained about? A la Carte menu items appear far cheaper than equivalent Western European counterparts. The video below courtesy Deutsche Welle shows Mario in action.
For reservations at Marcellino, you can email – info@marcellino.hr or alternatively call +385(0)1 46 77 444 in Zagreb.