Mario Mandaric
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Mario Mandaric | |
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| Born | September 21, 1991 Split, Croatia |
| Nationality | Croatian |
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Mario Mandarić (born 21 September 1991 in Split, Croatia) is a Croatian Michelin-starred chef, entrepreneur, and humanitarian. He is the owner and head chef of Noel, a fine dining restaurant in Zagreb awarded a Michelin star. He is also recognized for his humanitarian projects and advocacy of sustainable, zero-waste gastronomy.
Early life and education
Mandarić was raised in Omiš by a single mother, alongside two younger sisters. With limited access to formal education, he developed an early interest in cooking and later pursued a professional career in gastronomy through hands-on experience. His culinary path included international experience, notably in Thailand, which helped shape his approach to sustainability and innovation.
Career
Mandarić began his culinary career working in top kitchens across Europe. He took over Noel in Zagreb, which under his leadership became one of Croatia’s most renowned restaurants. In 2023, Noel was named Best Restaurant in Croatia and entered the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025.
He also founded Bistro96, with locations in Zagreb and Rovinj. In 2024, he hosted a series of Four Hands Dinners with international chefs, promoting culinary collaboration. Mandarić was named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe in 2021 for his efforts in raising awareness about food waste.
Humanitarian work
In 2022, Mandarić and his wife Matea launched a project to build water wells in Uganda. They optimized construction costs and successfully built over 190 wells, providing access to clean water for more than 79,000 people.
Personal life
Mandarić is married to Matea. He is currently training to become a private pilot and is a collector of mechanical watches. His hobbies include aviation, vintage cars, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Awards and recognition
- Michelin star for Noel (multiple years)
- Best Chef in Croatia (2022)
- Best Restaurant in Croatia – Noel (2023)
- World’s 50 Best Restaurants – Noel (2025)
- Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe – Art & Culture (2021)
References
External links
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