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10 Best Restaurants in Zagreb, Croatia

Want to scope out the best spots for a quick-bite, romantic evening or sweet dessert on your next trip to Croatia’s capital? Look no further. 

10. Lari & Penati

Kuhane Strukle – By By Roberta F., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9425837

Located on Petrinsjka Ulica, this centrally-based restaurant is a popular and traditional spot that made the top 10 list. One of the trendiest venues since opening over 10 years ago in 2011, this restaurant produces high-quality Croatian food in a relaxed setting – perfect for an after-shopping stop or a pre-cinema outing.

With a modern and bright interior, this restaurant is known for its simple – but delicious – Croatian food. Although there is a limited menu, the food offering changes nearly every day so you will always enjoy fresh and authentic meals without worrying about if it comes from a freezer. 

Location: Petrinjska ul. 42A

9. Trilogija

Kamenita Vrata Gate – By By Yamen – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57969164

Located next to the Kamenita vrata grate – and thousands of tourists – Trilogija is a bustling spot. Even though it serves hundreds of patrons per day, the quality doesn’t suffer. 

This spot makes different dishes each day depending on what is fresh and what they are in store, writing their current menu on the board outside of hte restaurant so passers-by can check out the offerings. 

For those who want a healthy and filling lunch, you will usually be able to find risotto, tasty soups, and wines that go down WAY too easy for each meal.

Location: Kaptol ul. 10

8. Dubravkin Put

Lobster From Dalmatia – By By Jerzy Strzelecki – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3132327

One of the oldest establishments in Zagreb focusing solely on seafood, Dubravkin Put is an upscale restaurant with upscale food. It is located just 15 minutes from the center of town, this is a great spot for a date night, fancy family dinner, or budget traveler splurge for the last night in Zagreb.

On a warm summer’s night, you can sit outside on the leafy terrace and order one of the house favorites, like the ‘buzara’ stew with shellfish, monkfish with pasta, or a 12-course tasting menu. We recommend trying the tasting menu if you want to get a fully authentic experience. The price is approximately $50USD for 7 courses and $70USD for 12 courses – but the cost is well worth the hole in your pocket. 

Don’t just take our word for it. This restaurant was voted second best in the entire country by Zabor Dobrih Restorana and is consistently rated as one of the best eateries in Zagreb by tourists and locals alike.  

Location: Dubravkin put 2

7. Noel

Tuna Ceviche – By By Picanteria karol – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34894146

Noel has managed to strike a balance between elegance and comfort for diners who love an extravagant ambiance but don’t want to feel uncomfortable at the opulence. 

We recommend trying the Black Slavonia Pig Crepinette for adventurous tasters. Better yet, try the tasting menu here with either four, six, or nine courses to really get the full dining experience, trying small dishes like tuna ceviche with colorful chili flakes. 

If you want to go all out on your next trip to Zagreb, find a few friends and try the chef’s table. Not only will you meet a Michelin-starred chef, but you will enjoy some of the best dishes in the entire country for around USD 170.

Location: Ul. popa Dukljanina 1

6. Elixir

Raw Foods – By By 663highland – Own work, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11571230

Vegans, rejoice! Elixir is a member’s only club; meaning reservations are a must and walk-ins are a no-go. Located in a non-descript quiet corner of the bustling city center, Elixir has some of the city’s best views, gazing out at Zagreb’s marvelous cathedral.

If you are health-conscious or just want to see how eating completely raw can be both tasty and good for your body, Elixir shows you all the tricks. Offering meals with no preservatives and no food heated over 45C, the menu includes interesting combinations of flowers, nuts, legumes, and sushi. 

Location: Selska cesta 92

5. Bistro Apetit

Flan – By By Comedora – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69357793

Want to get away from the crowds in the city center? Us too. Let’s go to Bistro Apetit, a beautiful restaurant perched on a hill above the medieval Gradec quarter. On your walk, you’ll surely work up an appetite – and you’ve arrived at the right place.

Chef Marin Rendic has created dishes like homemade tortellini with Adriatic shrimp, octopus ragout, and succulent desserts like berry-topped flan. If you like to imbibe on a few drinks while eating lunch/dinner/dessert, Bistro Apetit is no stranger to cocktails. 

Mixologist Matej Derezic is known for his signature cocktails, such as the Black cocktail – a strong drink with a mixture of gin, creme de violet, citrus, and squid ink. For unique and creative drinks with a view, Bistro Apetit does it best.

Location: Jurjevska ul. 65

4. Restaurant Agava

Tkalciceva Zagreb – By By Modzzak – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5061266

With a flight of steps that whisks you away from the crowded Tkalciceva Street, Agava manages to get a secretive feel while being just meters away from the madness of Zagreb. 

Once here, try one of the flavorful soups, meat dishes, or seafood creations that have been inspired by the local Mediterranean and Adriatic coast flavors. We recommend asking for a table with the view of the street down below – what better place is there for people watching? 

Location: Ul. Ivana Tkalcica 39

3. Gyoza and Sake Bar

Gyoza With Chili – By By nakashi – https://www.flickr.com/photos/81497476@N00/48506783096/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=83011556

For a laid-back feel with budget prices, Gyoza & Sake Bar gives you some different food than you would find at a traditional Croatian eatery. Although Zagreb doesn’t have the best track record of Asian food, Gyoza completely turns this around. Complete with freshly prepared Japanese specialties like dumplings, katsu, curry, and gyoza, Gyoza offers both a traditional Japanese dining experience with modern flavors. 

Location: Boskoviceva ul. 6

2. Mali Bar

Sardines With lemon – By By Kossy@FINEDAYS from Tokyo – Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3194229

This small bar is where locals from Zagreb often tell friendly tourists to go for an authentic Croatian experience. Led by celebrity chef Ana Ugarkovic, this unpretentious eatery serves a dozen small plates in one of Zagreb’s numerous outdoor courtyards. 

When here, we recommend trying one of the Mediterranean specialties, like Bresaola, Sardines, and sweet corn crema for dessert. 

Location: Vlaska ul. 63

1. Ivica & Marica

Baklava – By By Sakaman – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44696415

With what started as just a pastry shop, Ivica & Marica has now transformed into a regional eatery with dishes like baklava, kremnitsa, organic beef, homemade soups, and traditional Croatian food that has been inspired from the various regions of the country. This is the perfect place to stop for a quick dessert bite or a healthy organic meal with a colorful roof and warm ambiance.

Location: Tkalchiceva ul. 70