Chef Marko Đurašević, Croatia

Olive Tree Restaurant, Split

A Montenegrin from Cetinje by origin and a gastronomic cosmopolite who has developed his skills in top restaurants around the world, mostly in Spain, chef Đurašević is the head chef of Split restaurants Olive Tree and Roof68.

His cooking is a combination of Japanese techniques and spices with the flavours of the Mediterranean, and the journey to that level has been long and intense. Even though he graduated chemical technology in Podgorica, he started working in hospitality – from Hotel Avala in Budva, where he washed the dishes, to various restaurants in Paris, Spanish tourist cities such as Alicante, Barcelona and Madrid, as well as Miami, Florida. After 23 years of international career he came to Split – first to Portofino restaurant, and then to Kinoteka, where he brought a high level of fine dining based on the Mediterranean cuisine with Asian influence.

His culinary creations earned this restaurant located in the historic Diocletian’s Palace 3 toques (15.5/20 points) from Gault&Millau Croatia guide. At the beginning of 2022 he moved to Olive Tree, where he also set an exciting and sophisticated menu.