Roko Nikolić (born around 1995 in Imotski) is one of the most promising young stars of the Croatian gastro scene. At the age of 28, he became the holder of the title the great chef of tomorrow According to the Gault & Millau guide for 2024, he built his career in top restaurants Blu (Rovinj) and Tri Sunce (Imotski) and from the end of 2023 he took over the kitchen of the ZOI restaurant in Split. In March 2025, he was appointed executive chef of the five-star Bellevue Hotel on Lošinj. He is also known to the general public for his appearances in the culinary TV show Masterchef Croatia, in which he was a guest chef in 2023 and 2025.
Early life and education
- He graduated from high school in mathematics and then graduated Hospitality and tourism management at RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) in Dubrovnik (2018).
- After college, he continued his culinary education Croatian Culinary Institute Kul In (Sisak) and the prestigious Italian Culinary Academy Alma La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana.
- During the program, he did an internship in a restaurant Arnolfo in Tuscany (two Michelin stars), where he worked as Chef de Partie.
Professional career
- During his studies, he gained practical experience in the hospitality industry as a waiter and bartender, and as an intern he worked in Hotel Hilton in Dubrovnik.
- After returning to Croatia, he took over the management of the kitchen of Istria Bistro Blu in Rovinj.
- He ran the restaurant’s kitchen three suns in his native Imotski.
- At the end of 2023, he took over the kitchen of the restaurant zoi in Split, establishing it as an important gastronomic destination with dishes based on seasonal foods.
- In March 2025, he was appointed Bellevue Hotel Executive Chef on the island of Lošinj, taking over the kitchen of a luxurious five-star resort.
Prizes and awards
- Gault & Millau Croatia 2024 -he won an award The great chef of tomorrow for the most promising young chef.
- Young Chef of the Year 2022 – Nominated by Portal blue oyster for the best young chef in the region.
Guests in Masterchef Croatia
Roko Nikolić as a guest chef in a culinary show Masterchef Croatia. He had his first away game in November 2023, when he set a challenging task for the competitors Capelletti Pasta filled with mole fish. In an interview after that episode, he pointed out that, although the female part of the audience noticed him, he had already married And the father of the little daughter, which puts family life first. In December 2025, he returned to the MasterChef kitchen with a new creation in the center – a zucchini dish – which further confirmed the status of the show’s favorite guest chef.
Personal life and family tradition
- Roko grew up in a family with a long tradition of love for cooking: his mother is a macrobiotic diet instructor, and his father is a professor and passionate chef of traditional Dalmatian dishes. Chefs, restaurateurs and sommeliers interested in family recipes often gathered in their house.
- Today, he is married and the father of a few years old, and in his career he often refers to his wife’s support and the importance of the family.
Conclusion
Roko Nikolić is an example of how a combination of education, dedicated work and passion for cooking can achieve great success. He says how it is Love for work and continuous learning The key to every chef’s success. His career is just beginning, but he is already showing the trends of the future of Croatian gastronomy. For readers and enthusiasts – if you are interested in modern Dalmatian cuisine, follow Roko Nikolić on social networks and visit the restaurants where he works. We are convinced that his approach will inspire you to try new culinary challenges yourself.
