Anna’s garden

The story

Anna's Garden Umag: Istrian Cooking Near the Lighthouse | Gault&Millau Rated

Honoring a legacy by the lighthouse

Anna's Garden Umag blends traditional Istrian cuisine with modern techniques within the grounds of Villa Valdepian. This seaside bistro sits beside the Savudria lighthouse, offering diners views across the Adriatic toward the Slovenian Alps. The restaurant carries the name of Austrian Baroness Anna Plochl, whose charitable foundation built the historic villa. Chef Marko Gorela oversees the kitchen, applying his experience from renowned establishments along the Slovenian coast to the local terroir.

Seasonal rhythms and local sourcing

Gorela designs every dish around ingredients that travel minimal distances, prioritizing freshness and the rhythm of the seasons. The kitchen enriches familiar home recipes through innovative preparation while maintaining a deep respect for local flavors. Diners can explore a five-course tasting menu that adapts to individual preferences rather than following a fixed script. Standout options include marinated anchovies finished with orange peel and mustard seeds, or grilled sea bream paired with house-grown olive oil. The menu also features creative pasta creations like Paccheri & Cervo and daily fish selections based on the morning catch.

Terrace dining and regional pairings

The open terrace provides a relaxed setting where guests enjoy spuntini, a collection of cold appetizers typical of the region. These small plates invite sharing alongside glasses of carefully selected Istrian wines. The atmosphere encourages lingering over meals prepared under the peka or served as refined seafood delicacies. Service remains discreet yet attentive, allowing the scenery and flavors to take center stage. Evening dining here often concludes with sweet finishes like mascarpone and lemon desserts, rounding out a meal rooted in the landscape.

Recognized excellence

The approach to cooking has earned Anna's Garden a score of 13.5 from Gault&Millau, acknowledging both the quality of the food and the distinctive setting. Critics note the successful balance between elegant presentation and the warmth of traditional hospitality. The recognition highlights how the kitchen transforms everyday local produce into memorable dishes without losing their authentic character. This rating places the bistro among the notable culinary destinations in northwest Istria.