Zagorje
A notch above everywhere else in town for the quality of its menu, with dishes like Istrian steak with truffles and perch in horseradish sauce among the…
Must-see restaurants in Croatia
Zagreb
Experience a slice of old-school Zagreb. Tip Top has been serving heavy, hearty central European dishes since the 1940s and refuses to bow to the dining…
Split
There's no better way to start a Split day than coffee and an omelette on the garden terrace of this upmarket restaurant, overlooking Firule beach…
Central & Eastern Istria
At this beautifully converted 600-year-old olive mill in the mountains south of Buzet, eccentric owner Nevio Sirotić serves delectable, homemade slow food…
Zagreb
Pining for some spice? Head here for Sri Lankan sunshiny flavours. Order the kotthu (spicy mix of roti bread, vegetables and egg), add in a serving of…
Vis Island
Set amid fields 8km south of Vis Town, this winery restaurant is one of the very best places to try food cooked under a traditional peka (metal dome)…
Rovinj
For an added burst of romance, book ahead at this family-run restaurant and request a table on one of the rocky terraces clinging to the cliffs circling…
Lošinj Island
Just past the church, this old stone structure has a nice port-side terrace at the entrance to the harbour and serves up flavoursome meat dishes (try the…
Pag Island
For a bit of sober Croatian authenticity in clubbing Novalja, head to this characterful tavern (the name translates as The Old Man and the Sea) set just…
Mali Lošinj
With a large terrace overlooking the sea at Čikat, this laid-back eatery serves the usual selection of grilled meat, seafood, pasta and salads with…
Zagreb
Little-sister cafe to Vincek, Zagreb's famed purveyor of all things sweet and sticky, Vis à Vis dishes up scrummy treats, but with no white sugar used and…
Zagreb
Once the height of dining out in Zagreb, this grand dame is a great place to sample Croatian and central European staples while soaking up the atmosphere…
Zagreb
The front terrace is perfect for a lazy long lunch while soaking up the sun and gazing down onto the pedestrian promenade below. The menu cherry-picks…
Hvar Town
Mizarola has a loyal local following, partly because it's one of the only places to open in the low season, but mainly because of its crowd-pleasing…
Mljet Island
Maestral is an altogether charming family affair, with the owner's young children helping out front of house and the oldest son sweating away shovelling…
Zagorje
The restaurant at Bolfan Vinski Vrh has specialities such as veal baked under peka (domed baking lid) which much be ordered a day ahead. There are also…
Northern Dalmatia
A cut above most Gospić eateries, the ever-so-slightly formal Stara Lika, at the eponymous hotel, serves excellent local specialties, as well as pasta…
Dubrovnik
You'll need to catch a bus or taxi to get to this family-style eatery on the inlet north of the harbour. Being this far from the tourist fray means you'll…
Plitvice Lakes National Park
The menu of this upmarket hotel restaurant covers a lot of bases (pasta, pizza, fish), but meat is the star player. Traditional treats include turkey on…
Komiža
Specialising in seafood (although the grilled lamb is very good, too), Bako has a terrace with water views and a cool stone interior decorated with a…
Dubrovnik
Set on restaurant-lined Prijeko street, Moby Dick has seen a fair share of neighbours come and go since its inception in 1985. Sticking to verified local…
Rab Island
For real country cooking – albeit in a multilevel, faux-rural setting – this place excels. Find one of the many nooks and crannies containing tables and…
Central & Eastern Istria
For a solid meal featuring the best lamb and potatoes under peka (a domed baking lid), head to this tavern in the hamlet of Čabarnica, near Zrenj. Food is…
Krk Island
At the heart of the beach promenade, this is Baška’s top cat, with stylish seating, a maritime theme and a massive and tempting menu of seafood and meat…
Rijeka
Savour superbly prepared seafood, Italian pasta and risottos, and choice Croatian wines at this formal though oddly decorated restaurant (the interior…
Zagreb
The menu here traipses across the globe but is big on American classics – think NYC meatball sandwiches, burgers and barbecue-sauce-glazed ribs – while…
Southern Dalmatia
Positioned at the centre of the lovely horseshoe cove of Zaklopatica, this excellent family-run seafood restaurant serves delicious fresh fish and lobster…
Vis Island
Marked by an old-time bicycle on its wall, Lola is tucked away into a beautiful garden courtyard with old stone walls and a Meštrović fountain. The…
Northern Dalmatia
At the end of the causeway linking the town with a former island, this superb restaurant plates up a range of Croatian, Adriatic and Med favourites,…
Rijeka
For the best pizza in the city centre head to this small Italian place with wobbly art nouveau decor and tiled tables. The wheels of pizza here are…
Pag Island
This rustic restaurant occupies a covered terrace surrounded by olive trees just below the lower road running through Kolan. Share a Pag cheese platter…
Zagreb
Giving central European fare a modern tweak, Vinodol is much loved by locals. On warm days, eat on the covered patio (entered through an ivy-clad…
Poreč
Be warned – the wheels of pizza here are supersized and one is enough for two, especially if you order a salad to go with it. Some of the creations are…
Rab Island
In the newer part of town, just around the corner from the bus station, this apricot-hued restaurant has a quiet internal terrace overlooking a garden…
Dubrovnik
Positioned by the pool on the terrace of the Hotel More, this 'pastry and cocktail bar' offers a seductive selection of sweet treats including the…
Hvar Town
Run by an Aussie-Croat and an American, this great little place serves up delicious stuffed flatbreads (fig and ricotta, pear and gorgonzola, brie and…
Korčula Island
As well as being a brilliant place to watch the sunset, Aterina serves an excellent selection of Italian-influenced seafood dishes. The daily specials are…
Omiš
Omiš' hippest eatery serves the likes of burgers and steaks alongside such traditional dishes as pašticada (a rich meaty stew), pasta and grilled fish,…
Northern Dalmatia
Consistently recommended by travellers for its helpful service and terrific food, Atrium does the simple things well, including grilled calamari, grilled…
Brela
If you're after a treat, take a 20-minute walk to this elegant restaurant and wine bar on the terrace of the flashy Grand Hotel Slavia in Baška Voda, the…
