OUR STORY

Ivan Buzolić

Antonio Buzolić

The city of Hvar is situated in the very middle of the nautical route which, throughout the history,  connected Venice and Dubrovnik (and of course, further into the Mediterranean on one side, and the Far East on the other) and has always been a first resting port for the ships sailing to and from Venice.
Such a rich history definitely affected culture of the island of Hvar, along with its gastronomy.
You can only imagine the riches transported to Venice from the Far East, and all the wonders that were transferred onto smaller vessels in the port of Hvar to be shipped off to the rest of Mediterranean. While the rest of Europe peeled potatoes and admired onions, the citizens of Hvar enjoyed and savored the exotic tastes of bananas, pineapples, coconut, saffron and so on…

Ivan and his daughter Maja

The tradition of rich Hvar’s cuisine remains basically the same today. As in most cuisines around the globe, modern chefs combine aristocratic cuisine, forerunner of what we call Haute cuisine today, with the common folks’ cuisine, creating a unique fusion of past and present, introduced through modern dishes which contain the essence of what Hvar really is.

Family Buzolić

There are people who dedicated their life to cuisine; nourishing historical heritage of recipes and the taste of Mediterranean, while bringing it to the new level of visual experience. Ivan Buzolić, the father of slow food movement in Dalmatia, and the owner of food concept Speeza, is the pioneer of the Hvar’s cuisine today.
He is the first Croatian international culinary judge, a world master chef and founder of Croatian Master Chefs Association.
But don’t let his titles intimidate you; underneath it all, he is still a little playful boy who spends his days in his kitchen, playing with ingredients, creating new tastes and recipes, thrilled when he stumbles upon someone who is willing to learn and has the passion for cooking.

After years of creating his magic in both rented and owned restaurants, he took a step back and along with his team, designed a new food concept that will allow both him and his clients - maximum pleasure, efficiency and tastes of Hvar.

You can now attend one of Speeza's cooking classes in the nature, or indoors, you can book a cooking class at your venue, rent a private chef, or book a private gastronomic experience designed for you and your needs.

 

Just had a very informative cooking lesson about Mediterranean cuisine and loved the whole culinary experience. Tuna Carpaccio, Tuna Tartare, Gnocci and Sea Bass. A wonderful experience with the three family members cooking and inspiring us. A must do local experience. Book it now!Mark G.,
The food and service are impeccable. One of my favourite places in HvarJ. Carlos T.,
Unique Dalmatian cuisine. Slow food culture and family run restaurant. My friend and I had a six course meal here, and we love the experience. The staffs were very friendly, we learned a lot about the food culture they are promoting. Healthy ingredients and freshly prepared, and the white wine was delicious. couldn't ask for more for a girls night out. 🙂Shannon L.,
Place with an amazing and delicious food! Best service from all Croatia! The waiter was Incredibly polite, funny and outgoing!A. Cortes,
One of the top place to dine recomended by Barcelona Chef Academy and food science. - Abel JuanAbel juan,
Amazing Croatian cuisine. Strongly recommend the fish stew - "gregada" ��M. Andrade,