In the small Croatian port city of Rijeka, big things are happening for Chef Gabriela Filca. In January 2024, at just 23 years old, she became Head Chef of the one-Michelin-star destination, Nebo Restaurant & Lounge at Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa. Chef Filca’s appointment made her among the youngest women chefs ever to lead a Michelin-starred kitchen — a rare feat in the world of haute cuisine, traditionally dominated by men.
Under her leadership, Nebo retained its Michelin star in 2024. In the same year, Chef Filca received Gault&Millau’s “Great Chef of Tomorrow” award, which recognizes young, talented chefs who are expected to shape the future of cuisine and provided her with the opportunity to study at France’s famed Roquefort Société.
In July, the Michelin Guide unveiled its 2025 edition for Croatia, reaffirming Nebo Restaurant & Lounge as a Michelin-starred destination. Making headlines was the debut of the Michelin Young Chef Award, bestowed upon Chef Filca—marking a historic moment as the first Croatian chef to receive the honor.
Discover why Nebo Restaurant & Lounge is the most coveted reservation in town.
Coastal Cuisine Meets Contemporary Elegance: Nebo’s Rise Above Rijeka
Nebo Restaurant & Lounge opened its doors in mid-2021 atop the newly built Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa. Conceived as a modern tribute to Croatia’s coastal and inland culinary heritage, the restaurant set out to blend minimalist design with panoramic sea views.
The founding team was led by Chef Deni Srdoč, who, at 26, became one of the youngest chefs in Croatia to lead a restaurant to Michelin recognition. His vision centered on tasting menus that wove local ingredients into artistic, multi-sensory experiences. In its very first year, Nebo secured a Michelin star, a milestone that instantly positioned it among Europe’s most promising fine-dining venues. Guests and critics alike praised the precision of each course, from the Matured Sea Bass that was aged, marinated, and then seared, to the Tomato Quartet, which featured four varieties of biodynamic tomatoes layered on sourdough puff pastry made from a six-year-old starter.
As Nebo settled into its rhythm, Chef Srdoč and his brigade introduced new signature elements, including “Greetings from the Kitchen” that offered guests bite-sized nods to Croatian delicacies such as Istrian truffles, Zagorje cherries, and Dalmatian olives. The rooftop vegetable garden began supplying the kitchen with nettles, wild greens, and heirloom tomatoes, and Chef Srdoč and his team ramped up their sustainability initiatives, turning stems and shells into broths, purées, and garnishes. Nebo’s tasting menus grew more narrative-driven, each course representing a specific Croatian locale or season.
When Chef Gabriela Filca stepped into the executive chef role in 2024, she tapped her strong relationships with coastal fishermen, truffle hunters, and alpine foragers to introduce regular, collaborative pop-up dinners as well as a fresh “Story of the Storm” menu that featured cuttlefish stones and sea foam to infuse a marine aesthetic into the offering’s story and presentation. Celebrated for her bold leadership, culinary artistry, and deep commitment to sustainability and regional identity, Chef Filca leads a team dominated by women and showcases her poetic storytelling through food with signature dishes such as Mrav, hazelnut leaf with mushroom and quince, and Buča, pumpkin prepared nose-to-tail.
From Terroir to Table: Nebo’s Wine Journey Marries Flavor and Philosophy
Since its debut in 2021, Nebo Restaurant & Lounge has cultivated one of the region’s most compelling wine programs, seamlessly aligning with the destination’s culinary philosophy. Spearheaded by renowned sommelier Tomislav Mikinac, the cellar showcases a deep reverence for Croatian terroir. Indigenous grape varieties like Malvazija and Pošip take center stage, offering guests a sensorial journey through the country’s coastal and inland landscapes. Thanks in large part to Mikinac’s efforts, Jutarnji List awarded Nebo with their Best Wine List of 2023 distinction, praising the 30-page wine list for its blend of classics, hidden gems, and emerging labels.
Over the years, the wine program has evolved into a narrative—one that tells the story of Croatia’s winemaking renaissance and elevates Nebo’s zero-waste, farm-to-table ethos with pairings designed to mirror the seasonal rhythms and earthy depth of the kitchen’s creations. Mikinac frequently collaborates with boutique wineries that share the same values as the restaurant, with thoughtfully aged vintages, organic options, and limited-release labels that reflect both innovation and tradition. As a result, Nebo has become not just a destination for elevated dining but a cultural ambassador of Croatia’s viticultural identity.
Setting Sail on Adriatic Flavors: Filca & Mikinac Chart Nebo’s Next Chapter
As Nebo Restaurant & Lounge rides the wave of its latest triumph, it already eyes the next chapter of Adriatic culinary exploration. Chef Filca’s fusion of inventive technique, sustainable stewardship, and heartfelt homage to local terroir has not only earned her praise and recognition but has also reaffirmed Nebo’s reign as the hottest table in town. Guided by Mikinac’s dynamic wine storytelling, each visit invites guests to explore the rich tapestry of Croatia’s culinary heritage—one memorable sip and bite at a time.