Zagreb
Brunch fans come here for their eggs Benedict while at lunchtime local office workers crowd in for sandwiches, salads and daily specials such as risotto…
Must-see restaurants in Croatia
Poreč
Loud rock music fills this bright little joint, where a dozen different meaty burgers are served, and one vegetarian one, with local craft beer to wash it…
Mali Lošinj
Up over the hill on the eastern side of town, this fine, family-run seafood buffet enjoys a pretty bay location next to a church. Fish fillet with sea…
Šibenik
This well-regarded old-town restaurant has a lovely elevated terrace on a little square and dining rooms spread over two floors. You’ll find lots of…
Zadar
The Zadar outpost of this nationwide chain is the best bakery in town. It's great for a snack or breakfast on the run, with wholemeal bread, croissants,…
Rijeka
This unassuming restaurant is popular with locals during the day as a cafe, but its meals are particularly good – try the grilled vegetables or the smoked…
Cres Island
Of Valun's handful of restaurants, this one stands out for its seafood and its attractive terrace emblazoned with Glagolitic writing. It’s inside a…
Northern Dalmatia
Just across the bridge from the old town, Gostionica Burela is a fairly standard Croatian seaside restaurant – plenty of steak, seafood and pasta – but…
Zagreb
Delve into the traditional cuisine of the Neretva River delta in Dalmatia's hinterland at this rustic Upper Town tavern. Grilled eel, snails on polenta…
Rovinj
Right by the green market, this tiny place is a great spot for coffee, sandwiches and people-watching. Or come back after the beach for a glass of wine…
Zadar
This wildly popular hotel restaurant is great for grilled fish and other seafood, though the menu has red meat and vegetarian dishes, too. It's your best…
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Traditional meat grills are the speciality here, especially spit-roast lamb and suckling pig. If you've got your own transport, it's well worth the 14km…
Vis Island
Set on a pretty sandy beach, this relaxed eatery serves excellent grilled squid and fish under the shade of palms, pines and a wooden pergola. Order a…
Northern Dalmatia
Sali's best place to eat is this harbourside tavern specialising in local seafood fresh off the boat. The service is excellent and the owners produce…
Zagreb
Italian is the name of the game in this cellar restaurant owned by Croatian football star Zvonimir Boban. Tuck into hearty portions of homemade pasta and…
Zagreb
You ain't been to Zagreb if you haven't had a Pingvin sandwich. This fast-food joint has been churning out chicken fillets and burgers, stuffed in pita…
Brač Island
This fabulously located restaurant has a beach terrace overlooking the sea. As well as Dalmatian favourites (fish, squid and the like), there's also…
Rijeka
Fresh fish and seafood are the stars of the show at this bright and breezy restaurant in a somewhat grimy location by the port. It's a good place to try…
Pula
Best for a quick and wholesome bite, this tiny sandwich-and-salad bar serves sandwiches, toasted panini, tortillas and extremely fresh-looking salads. If…
Zagreb
This hole-in-the-wall locals’ lunch favourite serves fresh seafood straight from the market next door, paired with off-the-stalls vegies. There's a few…
Cres Island
Tuck into home cooking – such as dependable risottos, grilled meat and fish, and traditional pork with sage – in a particularly lovely garden setting…
Zagreb
Many locals regard this cafe as one of Zagreb's best cake-and-coffee stops. Seasonal specialities such as plum cake in summer are particularly good. On…
Central & Eastern Istria
This delightful stone tavern in the hamlet of Klarići, 10km south of Svetvinčenat, serves superb homemade Istrian pastas and its own exquisite wines. In…
Jelsa
For the rest of the year they're busy with their bistro, Beštija, in Zagreb, but come summer this hip young crew heads to Jelsa to celebrate the simple…
Stari Grad
Housed in a waterfront hermitage, built in 1487 for the hermit monk serving neighbouring St Jerome's Church, this restaurant offers Dalmatian staples in…
Slavonia
Slap-up Slavonian feasting just behind the cathedral. This place dishes up hearty, rustic plates of grilled meat goodness. For folk who prefer meals big…
Zagreb
The best bakery in town churns out an impressive variety of baked goodies. Try the bučnica (filo pie with pumpkin). Another branch is at Preradovićeva 1.
Northern Dalmatia
Quite a find out here in the back blocks, Bistro Travel does excellent pizzas, as well as tasty inland fare (the steaks are especially good) and some…
Rab Island
Steak, pizza, grilled meats and fish – there's nothing too surprising on the menu here, but the cooking is assured and the service excellent, and the…
Split
Little Luka is as sweet as they come, serving muffins, cakes and coffee to locals on one of the inner city's least touristy squares. In summer there are…
Split
Split's diehard pizza fans swear by this joint – it's cheap and very local, serving delicious pizza with Neapolitan-style chewy bases. The stone and brick…
Around Zagreb
This classic local restaurant, a short walk from the town centre, has been run by the same family since the 1920s. It’s known for its 40 types of sweet…
Orebić
There's a funky garden bar downstairs, but head up to the terrace of this grand old house for sea views and tasty Neapolitan-style pizza. It also serves…
Dubrovnik
There are a few token pasta dishes on the menu, but this attractive little restaurant is really all about pizza. And the pizza is worthy of the attention…
Zagreb
Meaty grills prepared the Zagorje and Slavonian way and steak dishes are the name of the game at this upmarket old-timer. The summer terrace is a great…
Lošinj Island
With harbour-side tables so close to the water you'll need to be careful you don't fall in, the Marina is an excellent choice for the freshest seafood, at…
Dubrovnik
Owned and operated by a friendly young crew, this little burger bar serves a tasty selection of burgers, sandwiches, pizza slices and hot dogs. For a…
Zadar
Set in a quiet garden yet close to the medieval heart of the city, Konoba Dalmacija does fish especially well – try the mixed seafood platter, the grilled…
East Kvarner Coast
Grilled fish or meat, preceded by a damned-fine fish soup, will ensure you leave happy. Friendly service, pleasing decor and a good central location round…
Slavonia
Vegie and vegan burgers, good salads and delicious felafel wraps (they call them tortillas) are all served up at this tiny place with just a few counters…
