Chefs Overview
Floriana Ružić

Floriana Ružić

San Rocco
Floriana Ružić

A Visionary in Istrian Fine Dining

At San Rocco, chef Floriana Ružić leads the kitchen with a deep respect for Istrian tradition and a bold, creative spirit. Over the past decade, she has refined her craft under the mentorship of Teo Fernetich, blending local heritage with contemporary techniques. Her signature style lies in elevating humble ingredients—such as barley, a staple of Istrian lower-class cuisine—by pairing them with luxurious elements like truffles. Her innovative approach and dedication to seasonal, regional produce earned her the Gault&Millau Young Talent Trophy in 2020. Every dish she creates is a tribute to Istria’s rich culinary identity, reimagined for today.

Istria’s culinary heritage is my inspiration, but it’s creativity that keeps it alive. I want every dish to be full of tradition, reinterpreted with a fresh, modern perspective.

Floriana Ružić

San Rocco

JREJRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs
Brtonigla-VerteneglioCroatia

In the former family wine cellar, where large oak barrels once held the cherished Malvasia and Teran, today stands San Rocco—one of the most renowned restaurants in the region. Set in the heart of Brtonigla, surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and quiet stone alleys, this family-run boutique hotel and restaurant embodies Istrian elegance, tradition, and contemporary refinement.

San Rocco's cuisine is the result of culinary exploration deeply rooted in local heritage and seasonality. Adriatic fish, truffles, mushrooms, and game—ingredients that reflect the landscape of northwestern Istria—are interpreted with precision, balance, and a modern sensibility. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with outstanding local and international wines, creating a harmony that, within the restaurant’s intimate and elegantly designed setting, becomes a complete and immersive gastronomic experience.

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