The main attraction of Restaurant Kamin is the spectacular view from its terrace overlooking the entire Gulf of Trieste. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Grado in Italy on the opposite side of the bay, the town of Izola below, and, in the distance, Triglav and the Julian Alps. With a bit of luck, you may even catch a glimpse of the Dolomites. The fantastic scenery makes the excellent food taste even better.
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We visited Restaurant Kamin on a Sunday in mid-May. The weather was glorious, with clear spring skies and views stretching all the way to Italy.
Along the Slovenian coast, there are countless restaurants serving traditional Istrian and Mediterranean cuisine. Few truly stand out, partly because the area attracts so many tourists and many restaurants focus on catering to large numbers of visitors.
Restaurant Kamin distinguishes itself through its high-quality food and spectacular location. While it may not be at the very highest gastronomic level, the food is consistently very good. The restaurant also features a spacious terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the fantastic views over the Gulf of Trieste.
When the weather is good and the air is clear, which is often the case in spring, the views stretch far away. The entire Gulf of Trieste is visible, with Grado in Italy on the opposite side of the bay. During our visit, we could also see Triglav and the Julian Alps in the distance. The only minor disappointment was missing the sunset, as the sun disappeared behind the nearby hotel Belvedere.
In summer, the air is often more humid and hazy, which reduces visibility. Even so, the entire Gulf of Trieste remains clearly visible from the terrace.
Istrian cuisine
Istrian cuisine bears many similarities to Italian cuisine. Slovenian and Croatian Istria were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and after the First World War, large parts of the region became part of Italy. Following the Second World War, however, Istria was incorporated into Yugoslavia. As a result, many Italians living in the region emigrated to what is now Italy. These historical connections and population movements in both directions have created strong culinary ties between Istria and northeastern Italy that remain evident today.
Below are some typical dishes from Istria.
- Scampi alla Busara - Scampi cooked with tomato, garlic, chilli, and parsley.
- Brudet - A signature fish stew popular along the Italian Adriatic coast as well as in Istria and coastal Croatia. It is prepared with a mix of fish, vegetables, spices, and either red or white wine.
- Pršut - Known as prosciutto in Italy. The Istrian version is typically slightly drier and saltier and pairs well with local wines.
- Njoki - Gnocchi in Italian. A popular side dish in both Istria and Italy.
- Istrian Jota - A soup made from beans, sauerkraut, potatoes, and bacon. It is especially popular in Trieste, and today it can be found throughout Slovenia.
- Pogača - Traditional Istrian flatbread, similar to focaccia in Italy.
- Calamari - A coastal staple found in almost every restaurant, typically served fried or grilled.
Getting to Restaurant Kamin
It is approximately 115 kilometres from Ljubljana to Restaurant Kamin. The entire journey is mostly on good motorways, so in normal traffic it takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. However, there are currently some roadworks that may cause traffic congestion, so it is recommended to check Google Maps or another navigation app before departure.
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Our Dinner at Restaurant Kamin
Since it was spring, we did not have a late dinner and had booked a table for 18:00. In summer, it is more common to dine later, once the temperatures have cooled down in the evening. During spring, the air is also cooler, as the sea has not yet warmed up. Despite this, we chose to sit outside on the large terrace to enjoy the fantastic view.
We ordered the brudet and grilled calamari. The brudet consisted of mussels, scallops, shrimp, crayfish, and scampi, served with polenta. A real feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. The grilled calamari were served with chard, potatoes, and aioli, and were fantastically delicious. We were very satisfied with both the food and the quality, and we highly recommend a visit to this restaurant.
You can read more about Restaurant Kamin on their website. Tables can be reserved via the website, email restaurant@belvedere.si or by phone at +386 5 66 05 666.
Where to Stay
If you want to stay longer in Slovenian Istria, there are some hotel suggestions below.
- Hotel Belvedere - Restaurant Kamin is located right next to Hotel Belvedere. Consider combining your visit to the restaurant with a longer stay in the area.
- Hotel Marina - Hotel Marina is one of the best, if not the best, hotels in Izola. The building also houses an excellent restaurant.
- Hotel Kempinksi Palace - A five-star luxury hotel in the nearby town of Portorož, dating back to the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy era.
- Villas and apartments - Izola is one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist destinations, with a wide range of private rooms and apartments available for rent.
