Chef Nikola Lesar
MasterChef
winner
Nikola Lesar is a Croatian-born chef and the winner of MasterChef Croatia 2012. After the show, he continued his development under his mentor and MasterChef head judge, Chef Dino Galvagno, at 5/4 in Zagreb – one of Croatia’s most progressive, locavore fine-dining restaurants, known for its philosophy of purity, instinct, and discipline in flavor.
Seeking something deeper, Nikola left Croatia and spent 300 days traveling across Asia in search of food, culture, and identity. He crossed China by train, rode a motorbike through Vietnam, hitchhiked through Cambodia in the back of a truck, moved through Thailand by boats and slow rails, traveled across India on motorcycles and sleeper trains, and trekked through the Himalayas in Nepal.
These journeys shaped his palette and his soul – teaching him simplicity, generosity, patience, and respect for ingredients and people.
Thailand became the place that felt like home.
Nikola returned to Bangkok to refine his craft, enrolling in Le Cordon Bleu. He graduated with a Diplôme de Cuisine, finishing in the top three of his class. He then continued his career in Bangkok, working at Banyan Tree’s Vertigo restaurant on the 64th floor, and later as Sous Chef at The Never Ending Summer – one of the city’s pioneering modern Thai kitchens, created by a legendary Thai architect.
Phuket called next. Nikola opened Rustic Eatery in Patong, which he led for four years until the pandemic. During this time, he consulted for multiple restaurants across the island, many of which still carry his influence today in flavor, structure, and spirit.
After the storm of Covid, a new chapter began.
In 2022, Nikola opened Issara in Kata Beach with his brother Filip – a place that reflects freedom, creativity, brotherhood, and passion towards food & drinks.
His goal is not just to serve a meal, but to create a moment – something guests will remember when they think back on Phuket. A feeling of warmth, belonging, and surprise that lingers long after the night is over.
Nikola’s Story Captured in Motion
Iron Chef 2020
Iron Chef 2022
Issara
Passion In Every Plate
Chef Nikola Lesar: The Vision Behind Issara
After years of experience across Asia and Europe, Chef Nikola brings everything he has learned into the kitchen at Issara. His cooking is guided by intuition and by the belief that flavor should feel honest, personal and full of character.
At Issara, Nikola leads with a philosophy of freedom. He encourages creativity, respect for ingredients and a genuine connection between cultures. For him, a dish should carry emotion as much as technique and should leave guests with a lasting feeling.
Nikola continues to shape the identity of Issara through innovation, mentorship and a deep commitment to creating meaningful dining experiences that stay with guests long after their visit.
Booking