Matulji, located at the junction of the sea and the wooded slopes of Ćićarija, is a true paradise for gourmets seeking authentic flavours. Near Rijeka and Opatija, this area exudes its uniqueness, and a new gastronomic project, called Matuljišs or Matuljicious, brings together restaurateurs who present the sumptuous flavours of this region through seasonal menus. Our culinary adventure began at Mala Riba, a renowned fish restaurant, part of a prestigious gastro-network with roots in the famous Draga di Lovrana.
The young and energetic manager of Mala Riba welcomed us into a space that exudes the warmth and charm of the former Zlatno krilo, from the same network of owners, with a carefully preserved interior and always fresh seafood. Already at the entrance, the motto of the Matuljišs project – “Finger Lickin' Good!” – is confirmed at every step.
Our journey began with lemon-marinated Striped red mullet. At Mala Riba, surmullet is served fresh and gently marinated, providing the perfect blend of sour and salty notes. Surmullet is often offered in the Kvarner region. This succulent fish is known for its red colour. Surmullet forages in the sand and among the sea rocks. The surmullet must be as fresh as possible, clearly visible at Mala Riba. Marinated in lemon, they give a unique combination of flavours. The extravagant red colour of the surmullet gave this fish a special status in ancient Roman cuisine, making it a very special part of the Roman table and therefore a symbol of wealth and decadence. We continued with white fish pate and a unique combination of polenta and shrimp on a bed of feta cheese. The feta, with its subtle saltiness, provided the ideal balance to the shrimp, while the polenta added a touch of rustic home cooking.
The risotto with shrimp, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes stood out among the main courses. Inspired by Venetian influence, this dish combines Adriatic seafood's richness and seasonal vegetables' freshness in a harmonious harmony of flavours.
The surprise of the evening was an unusual but fantastic combination of green beans and prawns in mustard sauce – a combination that intrigues and delights with every bite.
For lovers of the classics, octopus salad and fritto misto were a real hit. Fritto misto, an Italian favorite, at Mala Riba delights with perfectly fried sardines, anchovies, squid, and prawns, accompanied by the inevitable Swiss chard with potatoes.
Fast as an Atlantic horse mackerel! It's rare to hear this, but the ancient Celts would say that. In pre-Christian times, the Celts saw the Atlantic horse mackerel as a symbol of speed and agility. This fish was associated with the goddess Brigid, known for her speed of action and thought. The Mediterranean horse mackerel is a fast inhabitant of our Adriatic. Although there are some fishing doubts as to whether it is a white or blue fish, at Mala Riba, they readily say that the Atlantic horse mackerel is a white fish and goes best with Julienne vegetables. The classic octopus salad accompanied all of this food wonder.
Our gastronomic tour ended with a sweet symphony – delicate tiramisu and a sponge cake enriched with dried figs. A real dot on the “i” for this unforgettable gastronomic story. At Mala Riba, the menu is not just written on paper – it lives through display cases full of fresh fish, seafood, and a variety of prepared delicacies. Each visit reveals a new story about the tastes and smells of Kvarner, which you will carry in your memory for a long time. A real little magic of the sea and tradition – don’t miss visiting Mala Riba!
Bistro Mala Riba
Ul. 43. istarske divizije 22a, 51211 Matulji
+385 51 277 945
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