Rudolf Štefan

Rudolf Štefan - known as Rudi - he owner and head chef of the Pelegrini restaurant in Šibenik, is an economist by training but a chef at heart. A visionary and trendsetter, chef Štefan is always a step ahead of the latest culinary concepts. Consequently, Pelegrini has long ranked among Croatia’s best restaurants, offering a modern interpretation of traditional Dalmatian flavours executed at the highest professional level. Named Chef of the Year 2025 by the prestigious Gault&Millau guide, he was the first in Dalmatia to earn a Michelin star—an accolade his restaurant holds since 2018. Rudi Štefan entered the world of gastronomy from a completely different background. After graduating from the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Opatija, he worked at the Solaris resort in Šibenik and later as a consultant for Deloitte; he also spent a year managing the purchasing department of a pub in Dublin. In the late 1990s, he opened his own beach bar on the island of Vis, and in 2007, he launched Pelegrini within the restored Pelegrini-Tambača Palace, located opposite Šibenik’s Cathedral of St. James. He honed his skills under the best in the business—working with Chef Gennaro Esposito at Italy’s Torre del Saracino and at the renowned Arzak in the Basque Country. Throughout the years, his greatest strengths have been an authentic, honest, and modern culinary style, exquisite aesthetics, and a warm approach to guests—qualities that have earned Pelegrini numerous prestigious accolades in the world of fine dining. In recent years, the chef introduced the "Pelegrini to Sea" concept: an exclusive, romantic boat cruise through the Šibenik archipelago. Serving as both skipper and chef, and assisted by a sommelier, he offers to the guests an unforgettable gourmet experience. Far removed from summer crowds, bustle, and packed beaches, they can enjoy the sea and the beauty of nature, paired with superb food and wines.