The story
In the quiet village of Korte, above Izola, Hiša Torkla has returned to the family that started it all in 2002. After a period away, a young and motivated team took over in 2024, restoring the restaurant’s seriousness, recognition, and high quality. The result is a warm, family-run restaurant where the food speaks for itself.
The heart of Hiša Torkla is the open grill on the glassed-in terrace. Here, a custom-made, height-adjustable Asado-style grill – inspired by the legendary Argentine method – cooks steaks over wood and embers. The approach is minimal: coarse salt and sauces like chimichurri are added only after the meat is perfectly cooked. It is a pure, fire-driven philosophy that has earned the restaurant a Michelin Recommendation for 2026.
Inside, the main attraction is a dry ager. Hiša Torkla dry-ages not only beef but also certain types of fish – a rarity in the region. The controlled aging process concentrates flavor and improves texture, adding depth to every cut.
The restaurant offers two distinct atmospheres: the terrace with its panoramic views of the Istrian countryside, and an indoor space with a minimalist Istrian touch, perfect for winter. For those seeking privacy, a private dining room with a wood fireplace accommodates up to 14 guests. A thoughtfully selected wine list of Slovenian and international bottles complements the menu.
Hiša Torkla’s menu is a straightforward celebration of ingredients. Cold starters include raw scampi with aioli, tuna tataki, beef carpaccio with truffles, and Wagyu tartare. The signature “Capesantin” tartare and sashimi of dry-aged grouper with truffle stand out. Salads feature grilled prawns and squid or roasted beetroot with goat cheese. Warm starters range from fuži with scampi and truffle to cuttlefish black risotto and grilled scallops. The grill is the star, but the respect for tradition and modern ideas is evident in every dish.
Hiša Torkla is a destination for those who appreciate the craft of fire, the patience of aging, and the honesty of a family kitchen.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
At the top of a hill, where the view gently descends toward the blue Adriatic, stands Hiša Torkla. Large glass walls open up panoramic views across endless olive groves, Istrian houses, and the sea. The true culinary highlight is undoubtedly the menu, which celebrates the gifts of the Adriatic. Fresh fish arrives at the table grilled with nothing more than a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper, allowing its natural sweetness and crisp skin to shine in full beauty. The flavour is pure, delicate, and subtly sweet - as though the sea itself had delivered a gift onto the plate. Do not miss the scampi with aioli sauce: juicy and meaty, they melt in the mouth, wrapped in a creamy garlic-rich sauce brightened with lemon and fresh herbs. The sweet finale belongs to the Basque cheesecake with its lightly caramelized crust, melting like a cloud. Without excessive sweetness, yet with an intensely creamy heart, it provides the perfect conclusion to lunch or dinner. The dishes are beautifully supported by a glass of outstanding wine from the thoughtfully curated wine list. Hiša Torkla is not merely a place for a good meal, but an experience of Slovenian Istria in its most authentic form. Every bite carries a story of the sea, olive trees, and tradition, while the views ensure that the visit lingers in memory long after the final plate has been cleared away.
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