Our Story
Villa Zaluki builds its story on a simple yet powerful idea – to cook honestly, without pretense, with full respect for the ingredients, the people who produce them, and the guests who come to our table. Our restaurant is a family project where experience, passion, and daily dedication come together. It is led by head chef and owner Franjo Vardić, together with his family and a team of local people from the surrounding area. Every team member is part of the same story – a story of authentic cuisine, a warm atmosphere, and creating a place where guests feel at home.
Our story and beginnings
A culinary journey shaped by learning and refinement.
ranjo Vardić began his culinary journey at a very young age. His love for cooking developed through years of work, learning, and continuous improvement. For more than 12 years, he worked in the very space where the restaurant stands today, gradually building his knowledge, technique, and recognizable culinary style.
During that time, the restaurant became more than just a workplace – it became a space where the idea of a distinct culinary identity was formed. After years of experience and dedication, Franjo took over the restaurant from the previous owner and continued to run it as both owner and head chef, now with a clear vision and full creative freedom.
Today, Villa Zaluki is the result of that long journey – a blend of tradition, experience, and personal culinary philosophy.
Homemade, Handcrafted and Authentic
At our table, you will always find homemade prosciutto, hand-sliced, along with a carefully selected variety of cheeses from local producers.
Refined Flavours
of Nature
A selection of homemade pasta, all crafted in-house following traditional local recipes.
Meat Prepared with Respect and Patience
Meat holds a special place in our kitchen, and we approach it with great respect and care.
Our cooking philosophy
In our kitchen, we follow a simple rule: less is more – but only if it is the best.
We do not compromise when it comes to ingredient quality. Every ingredient must meet our standards of freshness, taste, and origin. If a particular ingredient is not available at the quality we require, we simply do not offer that dish that day.
Our menu naturally changes with the seasons, as we believe nature sets the rhythm of the kitchen. That is why guests can always expect fresh, seasonal dishes that reflect the time of year and the richness of the local region.
Local community as the foundation
Our connection with the local community is especially important to us.
We believe that quality does not come only from the kitchen, but also from the relationships we build beyond it. That is why we collaborate with small, trusted family farms and local producers from our area. Most of the ingredients we use come from nearby – fresh vegetables, meat, and olive oil are the result of the work of people we personally know and with whom we share the same values.
Our team is also made up of people from nearby places. This is not a coincidence, but a conscious decision – because we believe that local connection creates a more genuine relationship with the work, the guests, and the food itself.
The family team behind everything
A small but highly dedicated team…
Alongside Franjo, an important role in running the restaurant is held by his wife Ivana, who is actively involved in organization, guest communication, and the day-to-day operations of the restaurant. Together with the rest of the team, she forms the heart of our daily life.
Our team is not large, but it is dedicated. Every person who works here contributes to the atmosphere that guests feel the moment they step into the restaurant – warmth, hospitality, and a relaxed, informal approach.
More than a restaurant
A place where you are not just a table number
For us, Villa Zaluki is not just a place to eat. It is a space for meeting, conversation, and sharing moments.
We want every guest to feel that they are not just a number at a table, but a person we give our full attention to. We enjoy telling the story behind each dish – where the ingredients come from, how they are prepared, and why we chose them on that particular day.
The atmosphere in the restaurant is designed so that guests do not feel rushed. So they can pause, enjoy, and experience food in the right way – slowly, relaxed, and with pleasure.
Our mission
Our mission is simple, yet demanding:
To create food that has a story, flavours that are remembered, and an experience that brings guests back. Because for us, food is never just a meal – it is an experience, an emotion, and a connection. And that is exactly what we want to share with you – every day, on every plate.