It goes without saying that we have a soft spot for San Rocco. The reality is that if it was not for this wonderful boutique hotel and restaurant, then Istria & Villa Oliva would likely not be a part of our lives today. A few years on from our first experience of Istria, we still religiously, on every visit, pass by to say fond hello's to the Fernetich family and treat ourselves to a gastronomic feast.
San Rocco is located in the small town of Brtonigla, with its distinctive yellow church tower, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The Gourmet restaurant is deservedly both JRE designated, as well as being recognized in the Michelin Guide.
Priding itself on leveraging high quality local produce, the mediterranean cuisine is stunningly presented & simply fabulous. The interior dining room, housed in the old cellar, is charming, and hosted our 5th wedding anniversary party, but my favourite spot to sample the creative cuisine is the beautiful terrace ... on a summer's day, treating yourself to a gourmet lunch outside overlooking the garden and pool, is an experience not to be missed ...
It's a bold statement, but I think it's possible that they have my ultimate dish to die for ... Imagine 4 simple and classic ingredients, elegantly and creatively combined into a culinary masterpiece ... The image above speaks more than any words can (credits to jre.eu for this image) ... potato, egg, salt and her majesty the Istrian Truffle (ok, so the latter is not that simple!) ... Wow ...
My recommendation is not to imagine it but to experience it for yourself ...