Dubrovnik
Kopun is Croatian for capon (castrated rooster) and this restaurant revives a historical delicacy, serving 'Dubrovnik capon' cooked in honey and sour…
Must-see restaurants in Croatia
Dubrovnik
Seriously fashionable locals rub shoulders with tourists at this chic restaurant, just outside of the old town. The most sought-after tables are out on…
Split
This tiny joint within the walls of Diocletian's Palace is like a granny’s living room, with old-school sewing-machine tables. There’s no sign above the…
Brela
For a scenic meal, head above the coastal highway and follow the signs to Konoba Galinac, located in a semi-abandoned hamlet of stone houses. The…
Korčula Island
Grk and plavac mali wines, liqueurs, olive oil, vegetables, cheese and dried ham are produced at this family-run farm, and the owners also catch fish on…
Bol
In a lovely spot away from the tourist buzz, above the parking lot for Zlatni Rat, this alfresco tavern has a leafy garden in which to enjoy delicious…
Komiža
Built in 1883 as a holding facility for live lobsters waiting to be exported all over Europe, Jastožera has a covered wooden dining terrace jutting out…
Split
After spending years building a reputation as a neighbourhood tavern in a non-touristy part of town, Zora Bila has moved to a prime spot above Bačvice…
Zagreb
Otto & Frank keeps the punters happy with a small menu of posh pub-grub that's big on burgers and all-day breakfasts as well as a smattering of meaty…
Split
An offshoot of an olive-oil retailer, this restaurant and deli offers breakfasts, a small but ever-changing selection of mains, several tapas-style dishes…
Slavonia
The best of Osijek's clutch of floating restaurants is this double-decker pontoon which – despite name and sombreros by the door – does not serve Mexican…
Central & Eastern Istria
For a fine gastronomic experience, head to this rural restaurant, 2km northeast of Brtonigla off the road to Buje. It has a lovely terrace on a hill, with…
Orebić
This very basic family-run place sits high on the slopes past the monastery, providing staggeringly good views of Korčula Town. If you're thinking of…
Istria's West Coast
Enjoy the whimsical decor of this artsy oasis while tucking into dishes brimming with seasonal and local ingredients, named after jazz greats. If you're…
Zagreb
This contemporary ‘bio-bistro’ (as it dubs itself) is tucked away in a courtyard a 10-minute walk from the main square. Ingredients from its own farm are…
Vis Island
Set in an old stone house with a palm-shaded terrace overlooking the sea, Val offers a seasonal menu with an Italian twist. Try the offerings of wild…
Split
A sweet little restaurant decked out with rustic details and exposed stone walls, Šperun is a favourite among foreigners – possibly because the waiters,…
Hvar Town
The fabulous location and one of the island's best wine lists are reason enough to splurge at this swanky restaurant. Add innovative food and dazzling…
Vis Island
In the exotic gardens of the 16th-century Gariboldi mansion, Villa Kaliopa is an upmarket restaurant frequented by yachting enthusiasts. Tall palm trees,…
Rovinj
Grab an alfresco table at this tavern on the water's edge for simple food and great views of the old town; it's a wonderful place to watch the sunset. If…
Dubrovnik
This locals’ local is perfect for a meat feast. Call first and order lamb, veal, fish or octopus slow-cooked under a peka (metal dome) on the hot coals,…
Vis Island
In the hilltop hamlet of Podselje, 5km south of Vis Town, this tavern serves specialities such as lamb and octopus under peka (a domed baking lid) and all…
Split
This iconic joint has sustained itself for nearly 25 years on an unpretentious and authentically local menu of fried whitebait, calamari and shrimp. The…
Ston & Mali Ston
When a restaurant has various pescatarian platters on offer catering to different degrees of gluttony, you know they're serious about seafood. In summer…
Dubrovnik
You can get away with a lot when the views are this good, and while the prices are nearly as high as the location, the food at this most touristy of…
Vis Island
For a special slow-food meal bordering on a performance, see if you can catch Senko Karuza, the local star poet, philosopher, bon vivant and chef, on a…
Zagreb
Chow down on tiramola pizza (Margherita pizza with prosciutto slices pegged on a rope above the plate) or, for something lighter, a slice of quiche at…
Central & Eastern Istria
The fishing village of Trget is best approached from the sea as the drive, past a decaying industrial port, is hardly inspiring. Right on the waterfront,…
Poreč
Comforting Italian concoctions come in all shapes and forms here – penne, tagliatelle, fusilli, gnocchi and so on. There are also pizzas from a wood-fired…
Hvar Town
This rustic old house, accessed from a steeply stepped old-town laneway, aims to be as simple and authentic as possible. The place is decked out in Hvar…
Korčula Island
Upmarket Filippi occupies arguably the best building on the east promenade, with beautiful Renaissance windows, but on a summer's night you're going to…
Bol
The simple things stand out at Ranč, such as the delicious homemade bread and the traditional fish soup. Call ahead to preorder spit-roasted lamb or a…
Northern Dalmatia
Right on the harbour front (you can park your yacht outside), this standard Croatian restaurant has something for all the hungry tourists and sailors who…
Pag Island
Grab a seat in the stone-walled front terrace and tuck into a tasty serve of old-fashioned home cooking, Dalmatian style. Pag cheese and lamb feature…
Zagorje
An old-fashioned dining room with great-value gableci (cheap, filling lunches) served on weekdays. In the evening, pick one of the traditional…
Dubrovnik
This tiny restaurant is like an Aladdin’s cave and oozes a distinct Ottoman vibe. Order the džingis kan (dried beef, sausage, peppers and spring onions…
Slavonia
This local joint ain't going to win any 'pretty dish' awards with massive plates of grilled seafood and meats and thick chips piled so high they're nearly…
Motovun
In a vaulted space within the inner town gates, this wood-beamed place serves simple down-home Istrian cuisine and pricier truffle dishes (for dessert go…
Jelsa
The local couple behind this restaurant offers a creative take on Dalmatian cuisine at the edge of the harbour. The restaurant's decor merges traditional…
Vis Island
Smack in the middle of fields and vineyards east of Vis Town, this family-run affair serves homemade dishes using fresh local ingredients and great house…
