Goran Kočiš Biography – top Croatian Chef a native of Slavonia, mostly known for bringing 2019 to the first Michelin star continental Croatia and what has been a member of the jury of the popular culinary show since 2024 Masterchef Croatia. His career includes working in renowned restaurants such as Zagreb’s Noel, where he won a star, then the leadership of kitchens in the Waldinger hotels in Osijek and Višnjica near Slatina, and the latest cooking in Zagreb’s Bistro Nico’s (2025). In his work, Kočiš often combines the Slavonian gastronomic tradition with modern techniques, and he is also known for his statement that ‘cooking is not a job, but a lifestyle’. With his numerous successes and professionalism, he built a reputation as one of the leading Croatian chefs, thanks to his membership in prestigious guides such as Gault&Millau and Falstaff.
Early life and education
Goran Kočiš is a native of Donji Meljan in the vicinity of Slatina. He finished elementary school in Slatina, and attended secondary vocational school for chefs in Virovitica. Growing up in Slavonia, he showed a passion for cooking since elementary school. Already at the age of 17, he went to improve his skills abroad – he spent almost ten years in Austrian and German mountain hotels, where he further honed his cooking skills.
cooking career
After returning to his homeland, Kočiš continued to improve his skills in Zagreb restaurants. He worked as a restaurant (sub)boss in a restaurant clear appetiteand then in the elite Dubravka road. He later returned to Appetite as a chef. In 2014, he opened a restaurant in Zagreb with his partner Ivan Jug (sommelier-champion) Noel, in which Kočiš won the Michelin star in 2019 – the first in continental Croatia. This success significantly shaped his career and reputation.
- Main career steps:
- Work in Zagreb restaurants Appetite and Dubravka road.
- co-founder of the restaurant Noel (Zagreb); There, in 2019, he won the first Michelin star of continental Croatia.
- restaurant chef Višnjica near Slatina and hotel Waldinger in Osijek (return to Slavonia).
- Masterchef Croatia member of the jury (Nova TV, from season 7/2024).
- Since 2025, the head chef of the Zagreb Bistro Nico’s.
On the set of Masterchef, the contestants gave him the nickname ‘Gargamel’, and Kočiš reveals that as a member of the jury he will be Strict, but fair. For the auditions, he said that he expects dishes that combine the past and the present: ‘I expect traditional dishes told in a modern way’.
Personal life and recognition
In his private life, Kočiš is married to his wife Dijana (also originally from Slatina) and is the father of two children. He often points out that his family is his biggest support in a demanding chefsf job. During his career, he also had health challenges – he struggled with type 1 diabetes for a long time, but with proper therapy, he did not allow his illness to slow down his work in the kitchen.
For his successes so far, Kočiš has gained a high reputation: Michelin’s star in 2019 and inclusion in prestigious gastronomic guides testify to how much his work is valued in the profession. He is a member of the Association of European Young Restaurants (JRE Croatia), where he participated in numerous educational projects and workshops.
future plans
Goran Kočiš continues to build his career on innovative foundations. He announced the opening of his own restaurant in his native Osijek during 2026, which will further affirm Slavonian gastronomy. Considering the enthusiasm and discipline it shows – he often emphasizes that cooking is more than a job, it is his lifestyle – it is not surprising that experts consider his work one of the key to the development of modern Croatian cuisine.
Today, Goran Kočiš is a recognizable name for the Croatian culinary scene: his story – from the first Michelin restaurant in continental Croatia to the television jury – is the path of passion for food, innovation and constant improvement.
