Tvrtko Šakota – le Chef

Dynamic, playful and adventurous – a perfect choice of words to describe Tvrtko Šakota, the restaurant Chef since 2000. His biggest challenge has been to create the whole spectrum of fantastic scents and flavours with organic and wholesome vegan ingredients. Although he simply adores the original Italian cuisine, Tvrtko’s culinary path has been marked with the education in Makronova and frequent educational trips. During his last trip to the U.S.A., he visited leading vegan restaurants in New York, and has discovered that the Nova restaurant would be a popular restaurant even in the Big Apple. His Chef’s recommendations have already become a legend, and they never fail to surprise and at the same time amaze our guests. Tvrtko is also an author of two cookbooks (Seitan and Soups published by Planetopija). He is a dedicated sports person, and a father of two playful sons who are certainly enjoying their Dad’s specialties.

Tihana Zidanić Šakota

When she was a girl she kept saying that her husband will be a chef and he is. And she is restaurant manager. She loves commuting by tram since that's an opportunity for her to read. She likes to travel, loves Italian, and would really like to learn Spanish and Portuguese one day. She does not like to cook, but loves food tasting, and the two people that really adore her "specialties" are her sons - Tadej and Matej (although they prefer their Dad's kitchen just a little bit more).

Vladimir Mindek

He is the one. Many consider him to be a legend in the Nova restaurant. For 14 years he has been waiting tables of the Nova restaurant, talked about our dishes and desserts, also in English… He is like a rock-star that has travelled the world, and today enjoys his life with his wife and twin daughters.

Luka Kičinbači

Waiter, and teacher of German. Does not work at school since he loves working at the restaurant, and is always trying to please his guests. However, one day he would not mind teaching... He loves rock'n'roll, and is a singer in a heavy metal band.

Toni Malnar

Waiter and father of three residing in Karlovac. Commuting to work by train, and using that time to learn Italian, and on the way back to read books. (Really!)

Maja Zuban

You have probably already met Maja somewhere in the restaurant. Her duty is to make sure that your gastronomic experience at Nova is a pleasurable adventure coloured with scents and tastes, but also with the ambience and service. Natural and wholesome nutrition is Maja's passion and she prepares delicious meals also at home. She is studying tourism and hospitality, she is a member of a knight's club, and adores herbs and spices.

Zlatan Petković

He is Tvrtko’s both left and right hand. He enjoys serving his delicious vegetarian meals to his family and friends. His joy and creativity give that special something to the restaurant, especially where the Macroplate is concerned.

Ivan Jović

Outside the restaurant he is the man on the bike. If you met him, he would start talking about music… However, he creates music and harmony in the meals he prepares in the restaurant, and also enjoys them as a vegetarian.

Ivana Cerovečki

She cooks, bakes, cuts… she does it all. She will prepare every meal skilfully and with love, and in the meantime exchange a new and interesting recipe.

Osanhemen Imarhiagbe

Osasi (that is how we like to call her) was born in Nigeria, travelled around Europe, and found her happiness in Zagreb where she started a family. She has been working in the restaurant for 4 years. She enjoys vegetarian meals, as well as her son Stanko, and in the meantime, she has been teaching Nigerian to her colleagues… Okjaija! Bon appétit!

Branka Đermek

Hardworking hands of our Branka will do everything possible to keep the kitchenware clean and to finish all preparatory activities on time. After her work hours, she goes back to her family, her farm and the stillness of the green surroundings of her home.

Nada Mužjak

Our auntie Nada - our kitchen assistant, always cheerful and optimistic. She spends her spare time in her garden hidden somewhere in Trokut - a part of Zagreb.