8. Tuna, Sushi & Wine Festival

18.03.2024
Festivals

Tuna, Sushi & Wine Festival is the most important annual gastronomic and tourist event of the Tourist Board of the city of Zadar. Get ready for a week filled with delicious delights at the Tuna, Sushi & Wine Festival, running from April 5 to 10. Returning for its eighth edition, this multi-day extravaganza of seafood and fine wines is set to make a splash at the historic Zadar Arsenal.

Once again, Biograd’s Ilirija is teaming up with the Zadar Tourist Board to bring this festival to life. But that’s not all – some of Zadar’s most prominent names in the fishing and mariculture industry are also on board. Companies like Pelagos Net Farma, Jadran Tuna, Kali Tuna, Cromaris, and Marikomerc will be adding their expertise and flavors to the mix.

And let’s not forget about the wine! The festival has partnered with the Zadar County Winemakers’ Association Vina ZaDar, which boasts 25 of the region’s top winemakers. So, alongside the tantalizing tastes of tuna and sushi, expect to sip on some of the finest local wines this county has to offer.

Tantalizing Tastes and Melodic Beats: The Tuna, Sushi & Wine Festival at Zadar's Arsenal

The eighth Tuna, Sushi & Wine Festival happening this year brings together fishing, tradition, mariculture, food, and top wines from the region. It’s split into two parts, each with its theme and space. The first part kicks off on Friday, April 5, at 8 p.m. in the Arsenal. Upstairs, there’s an elegant restaurant setup for a fancy four-course dinner. All the tasty ingredients come straight from the festival’s partner mariculture companies.

Downstairs in the Arsenal, the vibe is more laid-back. There’ll be different food corners set up by the partner companies, each with their chefs and dishes. You can expect creative finger foods made from various fish and, of course, sushi and other Japanese delights. Plus, there’s a special treat – a concert by Danijela Martinović.

To be part of this exciting event at the Arsenal, make sure to grab your tickets in advance from Entrio, Eventim, or directly at the Arsenal.

Flavors and Melodies Unite

The outdoor part of the festival, just like in past years, will be held at Petar Zoranić Square. It kicks off officially on Saturday, April 6, and runs until April 10, right there on the square. The doors will be open all day long for anyone who loves seafood. It does not matter if you like Dalmatian and Mediterranean flavors or Asian, especially Japanese cuisine.

You can look forward to some amazing dishes prepared by renowned chefs. Some of the chefs you’ll see are Hrvoje Zirojević and Mladen Križanović, one of top sushi chefs who trained at the Tokyo Sushi Academy.

And it’s not just about the food – there’ll be music and other entertainment too! Elena Stella & Ante Jeličić Trio will kick things off in the morning, followed by the Kanella group in the evening. On Sunday, there’s the Urban concert. To wrap it all up on Wednesday, April 10, Natali Dizdar will take the stage.

This year, with active participation from Zadar‘s key mariculture companies and a return to the Arsenal, the eighth Tuna, Sushi & Wine Festival is going back to its roots.

Croatia's Culinary Tapestry: Tuna, Sushi, and Wine

In Croatia, food isn’t just sustenance—it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and the bounties of land and sea. For centuries, fishermen cast their nets into the Adriatic. They have been bringing in the prized tuna that has graced Croatian tables for generations. Alongside this maritime heritage is Croatia’s long-standing tradition of winemaking. Vineyards dot the landscape, producing wines that reflect the terroir and history of each region. Croatians savor the flavors of their heritage, from hearty Dalmatian seafood stews to fresh Mediterranean salads bursting with local produce.

But the story doesn’t end there. In recent years, sushi has become a star in Croatia’s culinary constellation. Once considered exotic, sushi has found its place alongside traditional Croatian fare. It is embraced by food enthusiasts seeking new flavors and experiences. This culinary fusion symbolizes Croatia’s openness to the world, where old meets new, and innovation thrives.

As you explore Croatia’s culinary landscape, you’ll find yourself on a journey of discovery. Here you can find bustling seafood markets to quaint wineries in picturesque villages. Every corner of Croatia offers a taste of its rich culinary heritage.

Join us on a gastronomic journey through Croatia’s vibrant food scene and indulge in a culinary experience like no other. Start your adventure now!

Your CTC Team