Split
The vibe might be more like that of an upmarket wine bar, but the food here is top notch, too. The menu includes delicious risotto, homemade pasta with…
Must-see restaurants in Croatia
Central Dalmatia
Grilled meat takes centre stage at this friendly family-run restaurant, tucked away on a residential street set back from the water in Stobreč. Local…
Cavtat
Few local cafes sell food and even fewer bakeries have seats attached, making Peco a pleasant aberration. Peruse the cabinet then take a seat in the…
Hvar Town
Calling itself a 'steak and fish house', this place is always popular – due, in part, to the handsome waiters and the free-flowing rakija (grappa)…
Zagreb
This chic bistro is in the lobby of one of Zagreb's coolest art spaces. If you're after a small bite, it serves delicious miniloaves of bread as its…
Zagorje
This cavernous restaurant, with lots of wood accents, serves great weekly lunches (till 1.30pm), and features a meat-heavy menu (particularly pork). The…
Korčula Island
It's all about the barbecue (which dad is firmly in control of) at this friendly, family-run place in the old part of Žrnovo, 2.5km west of Korčula Town…
Lošinj Island
This excellent family-run restaurant serves up splendid seafood, from a fine fish soup or octopus salad for starters to sea bass or grilled squid for main…
Omiš
Operating out of an old stone house right on the traffic-choked main street, Bastion serves a tasty selection of grilled meat as well as pizza and lots of…
Split
A locals favourite, just outside the walls of Diocletian's Palace, this low-key joint offers daily-changing, great-quality Dalmatian mainstays – calamari,…
Central & Eastern Istria
One of the town’s stone buildings houses this worthwhile regional restaurant, which has outdoor tables and a fireplace indoors. It's a great place to…
Cres Island
This excellent local tavern plates up Cres seafood, lamb dishes, grilled meat and salads. The roadside terrace isn't in the prettiest location, so try…
Slavonia
In the small village of Suza, the Hungarian-run Kovač Čarda is a no-frills roadside eatery known for Baranja's best fiš paprikaš (fish stewed in a paprika…
Krk Island
High in the old town, this excellent place has a lovely terrace on the small square for when the weather's fine. As well as pasta, it does local lamb…
Slavonia
Baranjska Kuća is an excellent restaurant that serves many traditional dishes, such as meat and fish stews. There’s a chestnut-tree-shaded backyard with a…
Opatija
This atmospheric little family-run eatery specialises in Istrian cuisine such as maneštra (vegetable and bean soup), and, of course, you’ll find plenty of…
Rovinj
The last place you might expect to find one of Rovinj's best restaurants is on a campsite 3.5km from the centre. Only a handful of choices are offered on…
Rovinj
With little flower-adorned tables spilling onto the square, this sweet little cafe is a favourite Rovinj breakfast spot. Options include eggs, toast,…
Lošinj Island
The best place to eat during a stopover in Nerezine is this cosy, rustically themed tavern on the town's main square. If you don't fancy the net-fresh…
Istria's West Coast
One of Istria’s best restaurants, this 28-seat tavern – located down an unlikely lane near the harbour in Novigrad – is famous for its twitchingly fresh,…
Zagreb
Right by the Stone Gate, in a location that has seen many a restaurant open and close, Trilogija seems to be here to stay. The secret lies in its friendly…
Zadar
Beneath the Art Hotel Kalelarga, this chic little beige cafe is your best option for a cooked breakfast or a decadent cake. As the day progresses, the…
Mali Lošinj
The cosy and elegant Baracuda is highly rated for the freshness of its fish, the skill of its chefs and the cheeky charm of its waitstaff. There’s a large…
Pag Island
Travellers rate this place highly for its fine setting, tasty grilled lamb and enticing range of flavours that include local Pag cheese. It also does…
Zadar
Sitting pretty in a prime harbour-front spot, this elegant place has always been one of Zadar’s best restaurants. The cooking marries fresh Croatian…
Istria's West Coast
Located 5km out of Umag on the road towards the Slovenian border, this much-lauded tavern serves the best thin-crust pizza, pastas and dry-aged steaks in…
Pag Island
This dependable, casual and highly popular place has a little front terrace facing the salt flats and another more intimate space with plenty of shade…
Rijeka
Aged Dalmatian beef, brilliant tuna steaks, terrific octopus starters – the excellent cooking at Placa 51 spans a good range of northern Croatian cuisine…
Central & Eastern Istria
This low-key locals' favourite is worth the drive for its unassuming vibe and honest, simple fare featuring Istrian dishes, many with truffles. From…
Northern Dalmatia
With its sea-facing terrace and fresh seafood, Konoba Bepo has picked up on an enduringly successful Croatian theme. Service is fast and friendly, and the…
Around Zagreb
Don't miss this amazing ice-cream shop, which is one of Croatia's best. The ice cream is made in a traditional way, with no artificial aromas, colourings…
Pula
The upstairs dining room of this popular cafe-bar serves tacos, pork ribs, stir fries and spring rolls – but it's included here on the strength of its…
East Kvarner Coast
With a dining area more stylish than at your average Croatian tavern (which goes some way towards compensating for the lack of sea views), and with nicely…
Split
Chops, steak, chicken breast, duck breast, tuna, sea bass, lobster, scampi – you name it, they'll grill it. Don't skimp on the sides; the truffle mash is…
Cres Island
The stone dining room bedecked with the agricultural implements of yesteryear creates a suitably rustic setting in which to enjoy locally flavoured…
Stari Grad
'George's Cellar' has bucketloads of atmosphere, courtesy of old stone walls, woven wicker lamps and a couple of tables outside in the lane. The menu…
Rijeka
A stylish, contemporary restaurant with art, exposed brickwork and hip seating that offers delicious and filling portions of pasta, pizza, salads and meat…
Slavonia
This is a great choice for authentic Slavonian food, with lots of pečena riba (baked fish), including delicious catfish. Prices are moderate and portions…
Central & Eastern Istria
Dominating Labin's Tito Square, this popular, vine-shaded, multitasking spot serves everything from brunch to beefsteaks. Grab a seat on the street for…
Hvar Town
Hit this buzzing hole-in-the-wall place for top-notch cocktails and a globetrotting range of tasty snacks: everything from empanadas and burgers to pulled…
