Slavonia and Baranja increasingly visible on the global gastronomic map: two awards and entry into the Gault&Millau elite

Slavonia and Baranja have once again confirmed their strong rise on the Croatian gastronomic map, at the most relevant address - at the gala dinner and presentation of the new edition of the prestigious guide Gault&Millau for 2026year. Osijek-Baranja County achieved exceptional success, winning even two out of a total of nine awards given, and one rural restaurant found itself in the most prestigious society.

Gault&Millau is one of the world's most influential gastronomic guides, founded in 1962, which today operates in more than 20 countries and through its international network ensures strong global visibility for destinations and their best restaurants, chefs and producers.

The most important recognition goes no more and no less than to Zmajevac, u Restaurant winery Josić, which was among the exclusive group of the 16 best in Croatia according to Gault&Millau. This is the only restaurant in eastern Croatia to be awarded four chef's toques, also known as toques (French for "toques"). touches).

What makes this success even more significant is the fact that Josić found himself alongside restaurants from Zagreb, Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia, destinations that traditionally dominate the Croatian gastronomic scene, as the only rural restaurant on that prestigious list.

The kitchen of the Josić restaurant is run by a young Baranjac Daniel Biro, a perfect representative of the new generation of chefs who combine tradition and a contemporary approach, and his qualities were confirmed by the trophy Young Talent of the Year 2026. 

25-year-old Danijel has built his experience in Slavonia, Baranja and fine dining on Pag, and today he has his own culinary show and collaborates with the global culinary platform Gronda. In Zmajevac, he finds inspiration every day in fresh local ingredients that he skillfully pairs with famous Josić wines.

Other restaurants in Slavonia and Baranja were in the high company of those rated with three and two chef caps - Black Pig, Meandar, Lumiere, Slavonian House Vinkomir, Waldinger Club Restaurant, Lulu Fusion Bistro, Čingi Lingi čarda, Didin konak, Baranja House, Citadel and Primitivo.

Primitivo picnic area, or rather Mario, Ivor and Svebor Romulić, the winners of the trophy are Special experience 2026 for a unique concept of experiencing nature and gastronomy, which merges into a true multisensory experience at the OPG Čudesna šuma. This estate, located on the very edge of Kopački rit, is a continuation of the personal story of Mario Romulić, one of the most famous Croatian photographers and a man who is truly one with nature. The same love and connection is felt and lived by his sons, twin brothers Ivor and Svebor.

"These awards confirm the uniqueness of Baranja's wine and gastronomy identity, which is based on local ingredients, wine tradition and a strong connection to the area, and come as a great recognition for the local gastronomic scene, which has finally been positioned in the place it deserves. I sincerely congratulate all the awardees.", he pointed out Mislav Matisic, Director of the Osijek-Baranja County Tourist Board.

These results come as a logical continuation of the successful 2025, in which Slavonia and Baranja was also recognized on the Gault&Millau scene, when Marinko Rotim from the restaurant Crna svinja was awarded as a chef of traditional cuisine.

Gault&Millau guide to Slavonia coming soon 

"An important step forward in the international positioning of our area is the publication of a special Gault&Millau guide for Slavonia and Baranja, which will be presented in Osijek at the beginning of May.", emphasized the prefect of Osijek-Baranja County Nataša Tramišak. "This is a project that will bring together top-notch gastronomy, wine offerings and authentic experiences in one place and present them to a domestic and foreign audience at the highest level."

It is a publication in Croatian and English, approximately 200 pages long, which will bring together the best restaurants, wineries, accommodation and experiences of the region. The project is being implemented in partnership with the tourist boards of Osijek-Baranja, Vukovar-Srijem, Virovitica-Podravina and Požega-Slavonia counties, with the aim of strengthening the international positioning of Slavonia and Baranja as a leading continental eno-gastronomic destination.

Photo: Osijek-Baranja County Tourist Board / Photos: Goran Jakuš, Matej Dokić and Ivan Brčić