New Executive Chef At Hotel Bellevue Croatia

APPOINTMENT

Hotel Bellevue, a Preferred Hotels & Resorts member on the island of Lošinj, Croatia, has announced the appointment of Roko Nikolić as its new Executive Chef. Bringing a wealth of experience and an innovative approach to gastronomy, Nikolić is set to lead the hotel's culinary evolution and redefine its food offerings.

With a career spanning some of Croatia's most renowned restaurants, including Blu Bistro in Rovinj, Tri Sunca in Imotski, and ZOI in Split, Nikolić has established himself as a dynamic force in the culinary world. His journey has been marked by a passion for fusing tradition with innovation, a philosophy that has earned him the prestigious "Great Chef of Tomorrow" award by Gault&Millau Croatia 2024. Nikolić honed his skills in the internationally acclaimed Alma La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana and gained invaluable experience at the two-Michelin-starred Arnolfo in Tuscany, where he worked as Chef de Partie.

"Being named Executive Chef of Hotel Bellevue is both an honor and an exciting challenge," said Nikolić.

"Leading the culinary direction of a luxury property known for its impeccable hospitality gives me the opportunity to apply my knowledge, push creative boundaries, and contribute to a thriving gastronomic destination."

At the heart of his vision for Hotel Bellevue is a dedication to elevating its two flagship dining venues: Bava and Matsunoki. Bava Innovation, the hotel’s signature pop-up restaurant, is set to take guests on a global culinary journey, with this year’s concept focusing on Greek cuisine. By introducing diverse international influences, Nikolić aims to create a dining experience that is dynamic, culturally rich, and ever-evolving. Matsunoki, an established fine-dining Japanese restaurant, will continue to flourish under his leadership, with a focus on further enhancing its distinguished reputation.

"Bellevue is a culinary destination in the making. Our goal is to have the best breakfast on the Adriatic, and we will work very actively towards reaching that. With Lošinj and the Kvarner region named the European Region of Gastronomy for 2026, we have an extraordinary opportunity to highlight the richness of local ingredients and Mediterranean heritage while integrating international culinary influences,” added Nikolić.

Saša Krajinović, Chief Operating Officer of Lošinj Hotels & Villas, emphasized the significance of this appointment: "With Roko's arrival, we reaffirm our dedication to crafting a world-class gastronomic experience driven by passion and precision. We continue to combine the best of local and international influences to create cherished moments for food lovers. Roko Nikolić brings enthusiasm, innovation, and a wealth of expertise that will further elevate our culinary offerings, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and authenticity. His leadership marks an important milestone in our vision to position Lošinj as a premier culinary destination, where we have consistently invested in top-tier gastronomy and remarkable guest experiences."