Located in the heart of Lepoglava, the restaurant Ivančica has become an indispensable destination for gourmets and lovers of local cuisine. Known for its specialties and warm hospitality, this restaurant is not just a place to dine—it is an experience that combines traditional flavours with a modern gastronomic approach, all under the auspices of one of the most unusual projects in Croatia.
Ivančica is part of the catering program of the Lepoglava Penitentiary, but that by no means means that the quality is any less. On the contrary, visitors from all over Zagorje and the Varaždin region come precisely for their famous dishes and, above all, for - believe it or not - squid! Yes, coming to Lepoglava would not be complete without tasting fried, grilled, or squid in beer batter, which has become a real gastronomic hit in the region. And although squids are not a product of the local jail, their preparation is at a level that would put many coastal restaurants to shame.
Restaurant Ivančica is not only a place for everyday meals. With a capacity of 250 people, it offers spacious air-conditioned halls and private booths ideal for family lunches, business meetings, or intimate celebrations. Wedding ceremonies are often held on weekends, and themed evenings such as St. Martin and New Year's Eve are organized during holidays. However, for real lovers of local food, you can enjoy lamb and breast meat on Thursdays, all produced inside the prison.
"Last year we produced 57 tons of pork and 35 tons of vegetables," proudly points out Zlatko Manjerović, deputy director of the penitentiary. These products are used not only for the nutrition of prisoners but also for the restaurant's offering and distribution within the justice system. "Along with meat, we also produce various cured meat delicacies such as buđola, salami, and sausages," adds Manjerović.
Among the restaurant's specialties, homemade meat delicacies stand out, including Kosana Mast—a real, local specialty, fat made from ground pork skins. We especially enjoyed the Meso iz Banjice smoked and boiled meat aged in lard, which reminds us of Međimurje meat z'tiblice. Banjica, a traditional vessel for preserving fat, gave its name to this delicious dish that perfectly represents the rich culinary heritage of this region.
Restaurant Ivančica is also proud of its steaks; two stand out in particular: Veseli Zagorec and Banov odrezak. Veseli Zagorec (Joyful Zagorac), stuffed with cheese and ham, is sympathetically connected to local humour, while Ban's steak, stuffed with bacon fat and bacon, delights with its rich taste. This steak is named after Ban Ivaniš Korvin, whose tragic family story ended in Lepoglava, where he was buried with his son Kristofor. But when enjoying these juicy dishes, we put history aside and indulge in pleasure.
One of the indispensable side dishes in Ivančica is buckwheat porridge - a dish with a thousand-year tradition. This "black porridge," once despised by the aristocracy, is today the pride of northern Croatia and is increasingly found on the tables of modern restaurants. In Ivančica, it is served with various dishes, and its simplicity and nutrition make it a perfect addition to Zagorje specialties.
Every meal in Ivančica is accompanied by an offer of wines produced in the prison. These award-winning wines from Decanter are a perfect match with rich food flavours. But what particularly catches the attention is Lepoglavska šljivovica - a homemade plum aperitif that prepares you for a feast. This authentic spirit of Lepoglava is an ideal introduction to what follows at the table.
Restaurant Ivančica is not just a place for a meal - it is a corner where tradition, local products, and a modern approach to gastronomy come together, creating an unforgettable experience for every visitor. That's why, when you find yourself in Lepoglava, don't miss the opportunity to visit this restaurant and taste delicacies that will delight you.
Restoran Ivančica
Ulica Hrvatskih pavlina 1, Lepoglava
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