More than just a gourmet initiative, CHEFS@SEA is about creating bonds beyond borders, celebrating creativity through shared experiences, and discovering the soul of a destination through its local ingredients.

This year’s edition, held on June 11th, 2025, unfolded across the stunning Croatian coast and islands, offering a unique opportunity for visiting chefs to immerse themselves in local culinary heritage. From foraging wild herbs and pulling fresh langoustines from the Adriatic to exploring cheese dairies and olive groves with their hosts.

In return, each international guest led a tailored masterclass for the host restaurant’s kitchen team, sparking mutual inspiration and professional growth.

Highlights from CHEFS@SEA 2025

Boškinac, Pag
Matija Bregeš welcomed Federico Beretta (Feel Como, JRE-Italy). Their itinerary included langoustine fishing and visits to a garlic grower, butcher, and cheese producer. Connecting contemporary cooking with the island’s distinctive terroir.

Lemongarden, Brač
Ante Udovičić collaborated with Anđela Risimić (S5 by Angie, JRE-Serbia). Together, they explored wild herbs, flowering fields, and Brač’s olive oil traditions before a masterclass focused on foraged flavors.

LD Restaurant, Korčula
Marko Gajski hosted Pricillia Lebon (L’Ogustin, JRE-France). They visited Eko Škoj farm and worked with ingredients from land and sea, combining tradition with refined technique.

San Rocco & Badi, Istria
Teo Fernetich and Ivan Badurina welcomed Teresa Gutiérrez (Azafrán, JRE-Spain) and Juan Carlos Ferrando (Juan Carlos Ferrando, JRE-Spain). The Istrian program featured oyster tasting and truffle foraging, highlighting regional diversity.

Vila Rova, Krk
Marin Pleše partnered with Jeremy Vandernoot (Yirmi, JRE-Belgium). Their collaboration centered on fresh seafood, wild vegetables, and a shared passion for honest, seasonal cooking.

A Focus on Authenticity and Connection

CHEFS@SEA 2025 is a tribute to shared knowledge, genuine collaboration, and the untapped stories hidden in every coastal path, farm, and plate. No mise-en-place brought from home, no shortcuts. Just honest cooking rooted in the moment, inspired by the land and sea of Croatia.

For JRE-Croatia and the Croatian National Tourist Board, this project is more than a culinary exchange, it's a heartfelt invitation to experience Croatia through the hands and hearts of those who know it best.

Because when chefs meet at sea, they don't just cook — they connect.