Our name, our story
Cicibela
The name of our restaurant is not by chance – it tells a story. Cicibela is a popular name traditionally given to small fishing boats that were deeply connected to the fishermen of the island of Krk and the entire Kvarner region.
Humble, sturdy, and reliable, the gajeta (batana, pasara) was the heart of daily fishing life – a small rowing or sailing boat that locals used to head out to sea in search of fresh fish.
“Cicibela” in Croatian culture
In Betina on Murter island, a special type of gajeta developed in the 1930s proudly carries the name Cicibela and, since 2017, has been recognized as part of Croatia’s movable cultural heritage. Generations also remember the love story of Roko and Cicibela from Split – turned into a film and immortalized in the song Ča je život vengo fantažija.
Cicibelas and life by the sea
On Krk, especially in towns like Baška, Vrbnik, and Punat, almost every house had its own gajeta. From these boats, our grandparents caught blue fish, cuttlefish, Kvarner scampi, octopus, squid – all the ingredients we proudly prepare today at Cicibela.
The boat was more than transport – it was a way of life, a part of the family, a silent witness of hard work, simplicity, and love for the sea.
Meals inspired by history
From sea to table
Just as the boats brought their catch to the harbor, so our restaurant brings the sea to your table. Every dish is inspired by this heritage – from homemade šurlice pasta with lamb stew, to octopus in dark beer with sesame, sautéed vegetables and potato slices, to our monkfish with shrimp and truffles alla “Cicibela”.
The spirit of simplicity, authenticity, and warmth
Honoring the past, living in the present
Since 1981, Restaurant Cicibela has fostered simplicity, authenticity, and warmth. Just as the boats once came home with the bounty of the sea, we aim to provide each guest with a truly memorable experience.
Reservations
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
Excellent food, humorous staff, great location, and shaded tables. I had the salad with feta cheese. Delicious. Ethan had the clams which were full of flavor, simply a large and very tasty portion. Highly recommended.
The best restaurant in the area! Food is outstanding and the staff incredibly friendly – a real pleasure every time!
We ended up coming back for 4 meals in a row.
Great food, great service, reasonable prices for what they offer. We’ll definitely return. We tried several of their dishes and were impressed by the flavors – my favorite was the monkfish with shrimp and tagliatelle in fennel sauce.
Excellent food and service. My wife ordered the grilled chicken and mango salad – very well portioned and more than enough. I had grilled squid, served with warm spinach and a tasty (oil, pesto, garlic) sauce on the side. Extremely friendly and attentive service. A solid 5 stars.
Excellent food and service. My wife ordered the grilled chicken and mango salad – very well portioned and more than enough. I had grilled squid, served with warm spinach and a tasty (oil, pesto, garlic) sauce on the side. Extremely friendly and attentive service. A solid 5 stars.
