If you are a true sailing enthusiast who wants to explore the beautiful Croatian coast and islands, it is almost impossible not to hear about the Kornati. The Kornati archipelago was called "the nautical paradise" because it includes 89 islands and islets. Most of these islands are uninhabited,

which is an additional benefit for those who want to enjoy the untouched seaside during their vacation. It’s only several nautical miles away from our base, and the true oasis of pristine natural beauty.

That is also confirmed by the fact that most of the islands and islets in the Kornati archipelago are part of the National Park Kornati. The Kornati have become an inevitable destination for families with kids, sailors beginners, but also for those experienced ones.

Whether sailing means a sport or recreation for you, you will definitely find a piece of paradise for yourself in the Kornati Archipelago! But, as it is known, you cannot sail on an empty stomach! That's why we have made a brief guide of excellent restaurants in the Kornati area.

Discover where they are located, what their story is, and which delicious food you can eat there.

Fešta

There is beautiful restaurant Fešta in the bay of Golubovac on the island of Žut. On one hand it is surrounded by the breathtaking Kornati landscape, Dalmatian karst and centuries-old olive trees and on the other, by the crystal clear sea. There are berths for 30 boats along the coast, which are all free for restaurant clients. The restaurant is decorated in Dalmatian style, with many old tools and accessories that were used by people in Dalmatia, many years ago. In the form of old Dalmatian taverns, the walls of the restaurant are full of historical objects, old photographs and other souvenirs. Apart from the fact that restaurant decoration completely retells the story of old Dalmatia, there are also many traditional dishes in offer, which will make you taste and remind stories of ancient times. Everyday co-operation with local fishers is key to the freshness of the food offered by the restaurant, and every meal at this restaurant combines gastronomic trends and traditions. Preparing food here, on island Žut is a big challenge for restaurant’s staff because they are supposed to produce electricity by themselves and must purify water. But despite that, one part of their offer is their homemade bread, pasta and many other delicious dishes. They also make their own olive oil that you can taste with exquisite fish specialties, but also buy it as a souvenir.

Reservation for this beautiful restaurant can be made by phone: +385 22 786 0410 or via their website: www.zut.hr

 Mare

Charming family restaurant Mare settled at the place where Telašćica Nature Park meets the National Park Kornati. On the island of Katina, in the Vela Proversa cove, visitors have been tasting traditional seafood for over 40 years. Once it was only a shelter and a safe berth to local fishermen, but then by the time they created a whole new hospitality story as they started preparing domestic sardines, casseroles and wines. Today, the family restaurant ''Mare'' offers the most exquisite seafood delicacies prepared traditionally. During the summer months, you can enjoy fresh fish, shellfish and crabs which are caught on daily basis by local fishermen in the Kornati Archipelago. Dishes offered in the restaurant depend on fishermen's daily catch, which guarantees the freshness of all the food served in 'Mare'. Meaning that, except the daily menu, you can have a look and see which fish is that day's catch and later, choose it as your dish. A pleasant atmosphere on the terrace of this restaurant, delicious Mediterranean food and friendly staff is ideal if you want to make a break during sailing. You can book your table and place at the restaurant at 098 / 273-873 and 098 / 332-697.

Core

Even though it is the largest island in the Kornati archipelago and part of the Kornati National Park, island of Kornat is uninhabited. On this island, in the bay of Vrulje lies a stunningly designed restaurant and lounge bar Core. After a complete renovation and modern space arrangement, in 2015 it reopened its doors to all sailors. A perfect blend of traditional and modern looks in the ambience, but also in delicious food. Apart from the beautiful restaurant terrace with a romantic atmosphere, you can relax on baldachin beds and lounge chairs in the lounge area with home-made wine, cocktails or sparkling wine. The restaurant and lounge bar Core lure on a relaxing break during sailing. If you decide to have lunch or dinner in this restaurant, you should also try home-made wine. Foods like fish and seafood in this restaurant are top quality, and with all that in one package your gastro experience would be remarkable. These dishes are prepared to combine Dalmatian tradition or sea specialties with innovative ingredients and culinary methods. Already after the first bite, you will fall in love with modern Mediterranean cuisine and it will make you want to be here as often as possible. You can book your table at www.core-kornati.com or call +385 91 200 40 45

Opat

In the southeastern part of the island Korant in a quiet cove, Opat lies under the same name as the name of restaurant. Once there was only a small old farmhouse with a few sheep and olives, and today it has been made a cuisine out of that house, from which the exquisite specialties of Mediterranean cuisine have been coming out for the past 19 years. At the entrance to the bay in the season, at first, you will be attracted by anchored yachts of all sizes, which tells about the popularity of this place. At the "ground floor" of the restaurant there is a bar, and above it, there are terraces with larger and smaller tables and on top, there is the already mentioned kitchen. The kitchen of the Opat Restaurant is an open-type so that every guest can watch how his or her dinner is being prepared, and each dish is made out of freshly prepared foods from their surroundings. We recommend fish dishes and seafood to truly experience this place. The cozy, peaceful and romantic atmosphere of this restaurant with plates made of fresh fish and homemade spices and a rich wine list will make you remember that you will want to return every following year. You can book your place by phone at +385 91 224 7878

Žakan

The Žakan restaurant is placed in the southern part of the Kornati archipelago, on the island of Ravni Žakan. Unlike these above, this restaurant offers a different, modern ambience and access. Quiet bay with a beautiful restaurant and a playground next to it, are favorite destination for lovers of modern gastronomy — an ideal place for a romantic dinner or socializing with friends and business partners with pure gastronomic delight. All the food is traditionally made with fresh homemade ingredients, and a special touch of modern gastronomy is added to each dish to please even the most discerning palates of food lovers. A special sense of detail is reflected on the plate, as well as in every corner of the restaurant. If you've never been to Žakno and you are there for the first time, we suggest you try the chef’s tasting menu, which comes in courses with the choice of top-quality wines. To have the gastronomic experience that you remember, call and book your place: +385 91 7260 579 or by e-mail: niksa@marina-hramina.hr

No matter which restaurant you choose, you will not make a mistake or stay hungry. Apart from being a paradise for boaters, the Kornati Archipelago is a real paradise for gourmet lovers. The excellence of this food is further appreciated because there is no electricity and water on the islands of Kornati archipelago. Restaurants and other facilities have aggregates, solar panels and water tanks, but despite that, they create excellent gastronomic experiences.

If you’ve already drooling over some of these dishes and have already directed your sails towards one of these restaurants, we should warn you that these restaurants are seasonal, so if you are sailing before or after the main season, make sure that the restaurant is open. Also, if you intend to anchor in the national park area, you will need to buy a ticket for National Park Kornati. Tickets can be purchased online, on the spot at any bay or at Euronautic reception.