Pula

As a result of its proximity to Italy and its wealth of glorious coastline, Istria has a varied, fresh and sophisticated cuisine which draws on influences from across the Mediterranean and the Adriatic coasts. As the largest town in the region, Pula has a wide range of restaurants serving a refreshing selection of fresh products. The fertile soil of the region gives a distinctive flavour to the olives and grapes which grow near to the sea and the vineyards which give the area its name for great wine and some of the finest olive oil in the country. Istrian cooking takes advantage of many Italian techniques so expect to find an interesting mix of Mediterranean. Along the coast, restaurants serve brancin (sea bass), list (sole), dagnje (mussels), vongole (clams) and kozice-racici (prawns). According to local lore, the seafood tastes better here than elsewhere in the Adriatic and Mediterranean because the waters around Istria are so rich in nutrients.