Restaurants & Konobas in Medulin, Pomer and Pula: Where to Eat Well

In the evening, when the sun is low and the grill in the konoba is fired up, Istria shows its most delicious side. Around Medulin, Pomer, Banjole, Premantura and Pula there are plenty of restaurants and konobas – from simple family taverns to award-winning fish restaurants. Here is an overview of the places that come up again and again in guidebooks, blogs and review sites, plus tips on how to eat well in Istria.

What is a konoba?

A konoba was originally a cellar or storeroom where wine, oil and ham were kept. Today the term refers to a mostly family-run restaurant serving traditional, regional cuisine. Typical Istrian dishes include:

• Fuži and pljukanci: homemade pasta, often with truffles, game or seafood
• Maneštra: a hearty Istrian stew
• Pršut: air-dried ham
• Boškarin: meat from the Istrian ox
• Fish and seafood: grilled, as brudet or buzara
• Wine: Malvazija (white) and Teran (red)

If you love truffles, you will find more in our guide to truffle hunting in Istria & Motovun.

Pomer: konobas right in the village

In Pomer, the small former fishing village on Medulin bay, there are several restaurants within walking distance. Review sites list here, among others:

• Konoba Istriana: one of the best-known addresses in Pomer, with lots of reviews. The menu features Istrian specialities, meat and fish; there is an outdoor veranda.
• Sopravento: seafood, Mediterranean and European cuisine, in the mid to upper price range.
• Scuza: described by guests as a rustic fish restaurant.

You can read more about the village itself in our guide to holidays in Pomer.

Banjole: Konoba Batelina

The neighbouring village of Banjole has always been tied to the sea and fishing – and it is home to one of the best-known konobas in Istria: Konoba Batelina (Čimulje 25). The Skoko family cooks according to the day’s catch; the konoba is especially known for oily fish and starters made from less popular species. Batelina is listed in the Michelin Guide and has been awarded 90 points by Falstaff.

Good to know:

• According to guidebooks, it opens in the evenings (Monday to Saturday from 5 pm is quoted).
• The restaurant is small, so booking is strongly recommended.
• One travel blog reports that only cash payment is possible.

All details as of 2026 – please check before your visit.

Premantura: konobas at the gateway to Cape Kamenjak

After a beach day at Cape Kamenjak, Premantura is a good choice for dinner. Search results and forums mention here, among others:

• Konoba Casa mia: a small konoba in the heart of Premantura, behind the old tower.
• Konoba Ancora
• Konoba Finera
• Konoba Runke: recommended in travel forums.
• Restaurant at Premantura Resort: according to the resort, open all year round and also to non-residents.

Many konobas open mainly in the evening, and hours change over the course of the season – a quick phone call will clear that up.

Medulin: variety by the harbour

Medulin is the largest town on the riviera and has plenty of restaurants to match. Travel blogs, forums and review sites mention, among others:

• Restaurant da Giovanni: pizza, but also meat and fish dishes, at fair prices according to one blog.
• Restaurant Double T: grilled fish on the first floor with sea views; cash only according to one blog.
• Mizerija: praised by guests for freshly caught fish and seafood.
• Mimoza: recommended in holidaymaker groups for good prices.

Pula: city, market and dinner

In Pula, dinner after visiting the Arena is well worth it. The city’s tourism website mentions, among others, the restaurants Jupiter and Farabuto – as well as Konoba Batelina in nearby Banjole.

Pula market hall

A must for food lovers is the city market around the historic market hall on Narodni trg, built from steel and glass in 1902–1903. Outside you will find fruit, vegetables, cheese, honey and spirits; inside the hall is the fish market. It is best to come in the morning: according to visitors, the fish market opens early and often closes shortly after midday once everything is sold. There are cafés upstairs. If you are cooking for yourself in your holiday home, this is the place to buy fresh ingredients (please check opening hours locally).

Fažana: sardines by the harbour

For a trip to the west coast: in Fažana, much revolves around the sardine. One travel blog recommends Konoba Vasianum there for seafood, such as gnocchi with octopus.

Cooking for yourself with local ingredients

Not every evening has to end in a restaurant. With ingredients from the market in Pula, you can cook wonderful Istrian food yourself: a slice of pršut and cheese as a starter, fresh fish from the fish hall, plus tomatoes, herbs and a good local olive oil. A bottle of Malvazija from a winemaker rounds off the meal. Many olive oil producers and wineries in Istria sell directly from the farm; just ask for recommendations at the market or in your konoba. That way you take a piece of Istria home with you – and enjoy a few relaxed evenings at your accommodation along the way.

Tips for eating out

• Fish by weight: fresh fish is often priced per kilo. Ask to see the fish and check the price before it goes on the grill – a tip that crops up again and again in travel forums.
• Book ahead: in high season, popular konobas fill up quickly in the evening. Book a day or two in advance.
• Carry cash: not every small restaurant accepts cards.
• Opening hours: many konobas only open in the late afternoon or evening and have shorter hours or closing days in the low season.
• Try the house wine: an open Malvazija or Teran almost always goes well and is usually cheaper than a bottle.

From Little Dream

From Little Dream in Pomer you can walk to the restaurants in the village. Banjole and Premantura are right next door (Premantura about 7 km according to guidebooks), and Medulin around 5 km away – a short trip by car, taxi or bike. According to guidebooks, it is a good 8 kilometres to Pula bus station. If you want to drink wine in the evening, it is best to take a taxi or pick a konoba within walking distance.

Good food, short distances and peaceful evenings in the south of Istria: send an enquiry for Little Dream.

Frequently asked questions

What is worth trying in Medulin?

Food-wise, above all fresh fish and Istrian specialities such as homemade pasta with truffles or seafood. There are plenty of konobas around Medulin – from simple family-run places to the Michelin Guide-listed Konoba Batelina in neighbouring Banjole.

Is Medulin expensive?

There is a wide range: travel blogs mention places in Medulin with fair prices, for example a whole grilled fish with sides for under 20 euros, but also upmarket fish restaurants. If you ask about the price of fish by weight beforehand, you will not get any surprises.

When is the market in Pula, Croatia?

According to visitors, the city market around the historic market hall on Narodni trg is open daily, or at least Monday to Saturday, and is liveliest in the morning. The fish market opens early in the morning and often closes shortly after midday once the catch is sold – please check locally.

What restaurants are there in Pomer?

In Pomer itself you will find, among others, Konoba Istriana with Istrian specialities, Restaurant Sopravento with seafood and Mediterranean cuisine, and the fish restaurant Scuza. More good addresses are in Premantura, Banjole and Medulin, all just a few minutes away.