Behind the Scenes: Meet the Chefs Writing New Gastronomic Chapters at Aminess

David Skoko is renowned for his seafood specialties, which comes as no surprise given that he honed his craft in the family konoba Batelina. His cooking is based on local ingredients, prepared with great talent and creativity, and he proudly calls himself the Fisherman’s Son. One of the most prominent figures on the domestic and international culinary scene, he also hosts his own TV show on the “24Kitchen” channel. David brings the authenticity of the Istrian region to every dish, making it both modern and deeply rooted in tradition.

Our Executive Chef and Chef of the Year 2025, Matija Bogdan, built his professional path in the kitchens of some of the world’s most renowned restaurants. Today, he stands behind the concept of 7 Seas Restaurant & Bar on Krk and Korčula, where he combines local stories with global standards. For Matija, gastronomy is about striving for excellence in every segment—from the ingredient itself to the final presentation. His work is based on a strong commitment to seasonal ingredients that make a difference in Croatian gastronomy, with a clear goal: for guests to feel the authenticity of the destination in every dish.

Chef Hrvoje Zirojević, named Chef of the Year by the Gault&Millau guide in 2019, is known for his work in renowned restaurants and his international experience, including Japan and the USA. After many years of collaboration with Aminess, our partnership reached a new dimension in spring 2026 with the opening of the rooftop restaurant VIRA by Hrvoje Zirojević at the Aminess Laurel Khalani Hotel in Makarska. In this independent concept, Chef Zirojević brings his distinctive creative vision, turning Makarska into an unmissable gastronomic destination.

The best way to experience the work of our chefs is through Aminess Wine & Gourmet Night dinners. These are moments when gastronomic vision becomes reality, as chefs tell a story of the destination, the ingredients, and their passion for cooking through carefully designed courses. These evenings combine authentic culinary signatures with premium wines from local winemakers, offering guests an experience that goes beyond a classic dinner.

You can learn more about the concept and atmosphere of these evenings in our guide to Wine & Gourmet Night dinners.

Plan your gastronomic experience at one of our locations. Here is an overview of upcoming dinners in 2026:

Novigrad | Oliveto and Half 8 restaurants | David Skoko

• Half 8: 26 June, 31 July, 28 August
• Oliveto: 14 February, 7 March, 29 May, 30 October, 18 December

Njivice, island of Krk | 7 Seas Restaurant & Bar | Matija Bogdan

• 19 June, 17 July, 7 August, 25 September

Korčula | 7 Seas Restaurant & Bar | Matija Bogdan & guest chef Hrvoje Zirojević

• 26 June, 24 July, 28 August, 18 September

Makarska | Vira Rooftop Dining & Bar | Hrvoje Zirojević

• 4 June, 2 July, 6 August, 10 September

Brač | Grill Garden Restaurant | Hrvoje Zirojević

• 15 May, 19 June, 10 July, 11 September, 16 October