It was at Heinz Beck’s La Pergola that chef Goran Hrastovčak learned how to make an ingredient the centrepiece of a dish. In his two tasting menus, “Istrian Fables” and “Modern Tales” (as the names suggest, the first is more traditional and the second more innovative), the cuisine showcases the region and its iconic ingredients, such as scampi, squid, sea bass and Istrian beef. The ravioli filled with lobster and served with Jerusalem artichoke and a scampi bisque is highly recommended. The view of Poreč harbour plus a wine list that features excellent Istrian labels as well as an extensive selection of Croatian wines and renowned bottles from elsewhere in Europe add to the appeal. Among the local wines, we suggest the Primo Fakin, an Istrian Teran-based red with spicy aromas and a pleasant roundness.