Private Chef Iva Novosel

As a 2024 Croatia MasterChef candidate, self-taught culinary artist, and seasoned storyteller, I bring a unique experience to your table. My passion lies in reinventing traditional Croatian dishes, infusing them with creative twists that surprise and delight every palate. With restaurant experience and a WSET diploma, I ensure impeccable flavors and perfectly paired wines for an elevated dining journey.

Beyond the plate, my skills as a tourist guide and author of children's books—some of which explore food—enrich every meal with stories that connect cuisine, culture, and heritage. My approach combines the artistry of cooking with the joy of entertaining, crafting unforgettable moments in the comfort of your home.

Let me take you on a gastronomic adventure where local tradition meets global inspiration. Your taste buds deserve more than just a meal—they deserve an experience.

For me, cooking is...

Cooking has been my love and passion since my childhood, and it has become my lifestyle and a profession.

I learned to cook at...

I am a self-taught cook, Top 8 of MasterChef 2024 in Croatia, working in a restaurant in Zagreb at the moment.

A cooking secret...

It’s not just about creating dishes—it’s about crafting an experience that connects flavors, traditions, and emotions.

My menus

La vie en rouge

STARTER

All inclusive

Chicken liver pate with onion marmalade and red fruit coulis

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Mushroom cappuccino - soup with selection of mushrooms

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Beef bourguignon with smoked mashed potates

DESSERT

All inclusive

Tarte Tatin with Tonka cream

Zagreb's culinary charm

STARTER

All inclusive

Štrukli bites with truffle honey - A crispy mini version of the famous baked cheese-filled pastry, drizzled with aromatic truffle honey for a touch of luxury

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Liver or mushroom pâté with homemade cornbread and wild berries - Inspired by the rich Austro-Hungarian influence in Zagreb’s cuisine, this smooth liver or mushroom pâté is served with warm cornbread and a tart berry compote

Velvety pumpkin soup with smoked paprika oil - A nod to the autumn markets of Zagreb, combining sweet roasted pumpkin with crunchy bites and a hint of smokiness

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Modern "Zagrebački" veal schnitzel with truffle mashed potatoes - A refined take on the classic stuffed veal schnitzel, filled with aged cheese and ham, served with creamy truffle mashed potatoes and a side of sautéed greens

DESSERT

All inclusive

Deconstructed "Medimurska Gibanica" - The beloved layered pastry transformed into an elegant dessert—crispy phyllo layers with separate fillings of apples, poppy seeds, walnuts, and cheese, finished with a rakija-infused vanilla cream

Dalmatian Heritage Reinvented

STARTER

All inclusive

Pag Island Cheese Foam with Prosciutto Crisp A light mousse of aged Pag cheese, paired with a delicate, crispy slice of prosciutto, finished with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh thyme

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Adriatic Scampi Crudo with Citrus and Olive Dust Fresh - scampi marinated in orange and lime juice, served with microgreens and olive "dust" for a hint of saltiness

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Tender octopus baked with potatoes, served with a vibrant chard purée, roasted cherry tomatoes, and black garlic emulsion

DESSERT

All inclusive

Fig and Rosemary Pavlova - Crispy meringue topped with roasted figs, rosemary-infused cream, and a drizzle of rakija-spiked honey