Split
Located 1km up the busy main street out of town, this is a blue-collar hang-out for marenda, a Dalmatian midday meal, with a rustic vibe – old beams,…
Must-see restaurants in Croatia
Central & Eastern Istria
This rustic tavern, with heavy beams and stone archways, serves local specialities such as truffle gnocchi and pasta with boškarin (Istrian ox) or pulićem…
Korčula Island
Set on a little square just off the main waterfront promenade, Baltoni dishes up decent pizza and pasta dishes. Breakfast options include omelettes, bacon…
Pula
This simple seafood joint in a residential area buzzes with locals at lunchtime, who come for fresh fish dishes. The marinated sardines are to die for…
Split
This sleek restaurant and cafe on grand Trg Republike offers excellent international fare, including refined seafood dishes. Grab a table on the square or…
Istria's West Coast
This waterside restaurant serves superbly fresh shellfish, right from the source. Enjoy oysters, scallops and mussels, or fish (priced by the kilogram) on…
Vis Island
This simple place is tiny and unadorned (there's not even a proper sign), with a few tables outside. There are no frills, but it's great value, with a…
East Kvarner Coast
Terrific pizza, sword-sized kebabs and decent cooking across a range of fish and meat dishes are the highlights of this family-run restaurant. Service can…
Hvar Town
This is the place to mingle with celebrities, coming off their glitzy yachts parked just metres away, over some of Hvar's best-prepared seafood. Prices…
Slavonia
A locals' favourite on the riverfront, across from the zoo. The novella-like menu is big on fish, steaks and stews and is a good place to tuck into hearty…
Bol
This tavern offers simple, local food in a venerable stone building decorated with old photos and knick-knacks. While the food isn't exceptional, the…
Split
The go-to place for pizza in the old town, Galija is the sort of joint where locals take you for a good, simple meal. It also serves pasta and Dalmatian…
Ston & Mali Ston
Grab a seat in the lovely garden courtyard where you can watch and smell the fish and meat sizzling on the barbecue. Fresh mussels, risotto and pizza are…
Northern Dalmatia
The simple Lugarnica forest cottage is two hours up the Velika Paklenica gorge. Dishes range from croissants or cheese with olives to grilled sausages or…
Rab Island
The usual characters of pasta, steaks and grilled seafood, all well prepared, populate this menu. The stone-walled courtyard is attractive and the service…
Central & Eastern Istria
A bit hit-and-miss, the town’s oldest restaurant sits on the verdant main square. The decor is bright and cheerful, and the menu extensive and heavy on…
Krk Island
You couldn't be any closer to the water, and indeed the setting is the main reason to come here. The food is fine, if fairly standard, waterfront seafood…
Makarska
Linger in the quiet leafy courtyard of this classy restaurant just off the main drag and feast on lamb, steak and fresh fish. There's a good wine list,…
Zagreb
This small, stylish bistro is good for a light lunch, with quiche, salads and open sandwiches on the menu along with tapas-style dishes made for sharing.
Slavonia
A popular spot near the cathedral – pizzas and grilled meats are the order of the day, dished out in a rustic interior or on the terrace out the back.
Split
This parkside, family-style tavern is a pleasant place for a bite if you're visiting the nearby ruins of Salona.
Rovinj
Graze on good Istrian standards, either in the eclectic interior crammed with marine knick-knacks or at the clutch of outdoor tables with water views.
Around Zagreb
One of Sljeme's oldest huts, Runolist has beautiful views of Zagreb and traditional food and drink. Simple overnight accommodation is also available.
Trogir
This longstanding restaurant has a terrace and a huge menu, with lobster and lots of meat specialities (such as chicken liver wrapped in bacon).
Zagorje
This Neanderthal-themed cafe-restaurant at the entrance of the museum claims to dish out barbecue from a recipe that’s 130,000 years old.
Central & Eastern Istria
On the main square, this family-run place has tables outside and acceptable, affordable food and cheap beer. It also rents rooms upstairs.
Brela
For well-prepared traditional seafood, head to this attractive tavern on the waterfront; try the squid grilled with garlic and parsley.
Slavonia
The food is nothing to write home about here but the pretty riverside setting at this long-standing restaurant steals the show.
Slavonia
A dignified cafe that attracts local notables for its proper service and a range of cakes that are worth every calorie.
Cres Island
By the entrance to the village, this small buffet is a good spot to stop for a cool beer and a snack.
Pula
Respectable Croatian thin-crust pizzas and decent pasta dishes served on an upstairs terrace.
Rijeka
This local market is one of the best places in town for seasonal fruit and vegetables.
