Matija Bogdan

Matija Bogdan is the Head Chef of ManO in Zagreb and one of Croatia’s most prominent young culinary talents. Born in Čakovec, he discovered his passion for cooking during his studies in Zagreb and soon shifted fully into the world of gastronomy. He began his professional journey at Dubravkin put, building the foundations that would take him abroad.

Matija refined his craft through an internship at the Michelin-starred COI in San Francisco, followed by more than four years at London’s two-Michelin-star restaurant The Ledbury, where he rose to the roles of Sous Chef and Chef de Development. These experiences shaped his approach, precision and understanding of modern fine-dining techniques.

On returning to Croatia, he took over the kitchen at ManO, bringing a fresh energy and contemporary direction to the restaurant. His cooking blends local, seasonal ingredients with global techniques, often centering a single ingredient prepared in several thoughtful ways. His philosophy is simple: “You cook for the guest, not for yourself.” For Matija, the true measure of success is not awards or recognition, but the satisfaction of every guest who sits at his table.