GAULT & MILLAU 2019: BEST RESTAURANT IN THE REGION

Villa Magdalena has been awarded as best restaurant in the region Croatian Zagorje by Gaullt & Millau 2019. Restaurant won 2 caps and 13,5/20 points.

“The Villa Magdalena restaurant is a proof that the gastronomy of Zagorje region can be represented in a sophisticated way. The restaurant is located within Krapinske toplice (spa) hotel, offering a magnificent view of the Zagorje hills from its terrace. Although all traditional gastronomical specialties of the region are represented on the menu, it is clear that chef Mislav Božić takes inspiration from the Zagorje cuisine and local foods and presents them in an inventive and imaginative way. You can also order the tasting menu at a price of 345 kuna, which changed depending on the season. The greeting from the kitchen, a very tasty and finely chopped, lard-preserved pork, served with hot bread rolls, was such a pleasant surprise. For the main dish we had a juicy and outstandingly cooked duck breast „Anatina carota“, served on blueberry sauce with a side of fried potatoes, carrots with thyme and shallots seasoned with honey vinegar. It is a dish deserving of all the praise! The dessert, „Zagorje rhapsody with pumpkin seed oil“ made us genuinely happy. The cake with poppy seeds, pumpkin seed oil and white chocolate, served with pumpkin seed oil ice cream is a brilliant example of an exquisite and definitely carefully thought-out dessert made from seemingly clashing ingredients. The wine list contains around 50, mainly Croatian wines, but only local ones are served by the glass. The tableware is attractive, the staff young and friendly, though slightly lacking professionalism, a quality we certainly expect from a restaurant of such a high culinary ambition. What this restaurant has to offer demonstrates quite a high level of Zagorje gastronomy. The prices are reasonable and booking a table is highly recommended.”