Dinner with 5 Hilton chefs and 7 courses sold out in just 1 day

That the Zagreb gastronomic scene is eager for top-notch and different gastronomic experiences was confirmed by the unprecedented interest in "5 Hilton chefs nights".

The exclusive dinner, which took place yesterday, April 23th in a modern setting OXBO Restaurant & Bar, is sold out in less than a day after the announcement, making this event one of the most sought-after gastronomic experiences of the spring season.

The striking and elegant interior of the OXBO restaurant, located within the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, became the stage on which five top Hilton chefs, along with their teams from Zagreb, Opatija and the island of Ugljan, joined forces. Entitled "5 Hilton hotels, 5 chefs, 1 dinner", guests enjoyed seven courses that combine regional traditions and various culinary techniques.

The evening's program was hosted by Izabela Gardener, a prominent entrepreneur and communications expert, whose energy and experience in event management further shaped the overall experience.

Collaboration with Erdoro Winery: History in every glass

The menu is designed as a food & wine pairing experience in collaboration with the Erdoro winery from Plešivica, with a carefully selected wine selection signed by sommelier Miljenko Čehulić.

Inspired by the tradition of the Erdödy family, which dates back to 1736, this winery today represents one of the most interesting ecological projects in the region. Erdoro and Terra Falconis wines, produced from carefully selected grapes from the highest quality locations in Plešivica - a region often called the "Croatian Champagne" - accompanied the course of the dinner and further highlighted each individual dish with their character.

A journey through seven courses: Chefs' signatures

An exclusive menu was opened by a master chef of Asian cuisine Tika Sharma with exotic amuse-bouche.

Duck terrine with truffles and fig was presented by the OXBO restaurant team, led by with chef Ivan Ivanek (DoubleTree by Hilton), known for its passion for fire and expressive, strong flavors that leave an impression. Island freshness through rolls with celery, shrimp and cottage cheese was presented by the Terra restaurant team led by chef Andrej Ivanšić (Hotel Preko), which reinterprets Mediterranean cuisine through a modern fine dining expression, relying on local ingredients.

Tortellone with confit lamb was prepared by the ReUnion restaurant team, led by with chef Karl Bukovsky (Canopy by Hilton), a young, up-and-coming chef whose Sunday lunches regularly sell out. The seafood highlight of the evening, a reinterpretation of cuttlefish stew, is by chef Miroslav Janjic (Pierrot restaurant, Keight Hotel Opatija), which stands out for its precision and creativity, confirmed by one of the most prestigious Hilton awards.

The evening's meat main course, dry aged Black Angus, was handled by the Hilton Garden Inn restaurant team under the leadership of chef Antun Šolić, with impressive experience in preparing gala dinners and large events, recognized for its sure hand and top-notch organization.

The sweet ending in the form of a visually impressive eclair was jointly created by pastry chefs Sandra Cindrić and Antea Šinjor.

A standard that sets trends in the hotel industry

This event is not just a dinner, but a demonstration of the Hilton standard that has set high standards in the global hotel industry for decades.

From the Adriatic coast (Keight Hotel Opatija and Hotel Preko on Ugljan) to the urban heart of the capital (DoubleTree by Hilton, Canopy by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn), each restaurant and team brings an authentic story of their region, creating a unique gastronomic map of Croatia on one table.

 "We are extremely pleased that the event sold out in record time. This is confirmation that guests recognize the passion and effort that our chefs put into each dish. Guided by Hilton standards, through the cooperation of our hotels, we combine the best of Dalmatia, Kvarner and Zagreb into an experience that goes beyond a classic trip to a restaurant," she said Josipa Jutt Ferlan, executive Director of the Hilton Hotel Zagreb Opatija Ugljan.

"I have complete confidence in our chefs - in their precision, creativity and execution. I am sure that every course will be at the level expected from Hilton, but also a step beyond. This is not just a dinner, but a joint signature of our teams from Zagreb, Opatija and Preko.” he stated Marinko Topalović, Executive Chef Hilton Hotels Zagreb, Opatija and Ugljan.

Hilton hotels in  Croatia

The Zagreb City Hotels company within the Hilton Group in Croatia manages the hotels in the capital city DoubleTree by Hilton Zagreb, Canopy by Hilton Zagreb and Hilton Garden Inn Zagreb, the Keight Hotel Opatija (Curio Collection by Hilton) on the Kvarner Riviera and the Hotel Preko (Curio Collection by Hilton) on the island of Ugljan.

These facilities represent the pinnacle of modern hospitality, combining global standards with an authentic local experience in each destination.

OXBO Restaurant & Bar - A destination for true gourmets

OXBO Restaurant & Bar at the DoubleTree by Hilton Zagreb is a recognized destination for lovers of fine dining, known for its top-notch steaks such as wagyu A5 and Black Angus cuts, and an open kitchen that offers guests an insight into the process of creating gastronomic masterpieces.