Must-see restaurants in Inland Croatia

  • Josić

    Slavonia

    In the village of Zmajevac, Josić is on a historic surduk (wine road) that leads up a steep hill. It's an upmarket restaurant with tables set in vaulted…

  • Klet Kozjak

    Zagorje

    Klet Kozjak in Sveti Križ Začretje, 11km southeast of Krapina, is an adorable little cottage that serves traditional food from the region – such as…

  • Mala Hiža

    Inland Croatia

    Foodies from Zagreb travel to Mala Hiža in the village of Mačkovec, 4km north of Čakovec, for its lauded and awarded seasonal cuisine done up with flair…

  • Kod Ruže

    Slavonia

    We never turn down a chance to sit at a table under stuffed eagles, goblet in hand, while being served by waiters wearing old-school braces. This is an…

  • Didin Konak

    Slavonia

    The quiet village of Kopačevo, on the edge of Kopački Rit, is home to this outstanding regional restaurant. The vibe is rustic and real, and the food…

  • Piroš Čizma

    Slavonia

    Located on the roadside when you enter Suza, this restaurant serves up Slavonian dishes prepared with a twist – think marinated catfish on an endive base…

  • Majsecov Mlin

    Zagorje

    Housed in two traditional cottages near the village of Donja Stubica, Majsecov Mlin serves local mainstays, seasonally inspired and cooked up by one of…

  • Tri Mudraca

    Slavonia

    Set on a traditional Slavonian salaš (farm), this lovely spot does elaborate dishes, if you call ahead, such as duck glazed with honey, and pork neck in a…

  • Zlatne Gorice

    Zagorje

    If you have your own wheels, stop for lunch at this sparkling restored mansion, set 3km from Toplice along the old road to Varaždin. Surrounded by…

  • Lumiere

    Slavonia

    Beloved by Osijek's fashionable set, this restaurant offers up classic seafood and meaty mains such as octopus cooked under a peka (domed baking lid) and…

  • Bedem

    Zagorje

    This venture by two local chefs experiments with regional cuisine using local ingredients – think foie-gras-filled puff pastry and pork belly rolled in…

  • Krcma Darócz

    Slavonia

    This roadside restaurant in the village of Vardarac is packed with rustic knick-knacks, old furniture and ceiling lamps made of carriage wheels. It serves…

  • Palatin

    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…

  • Bolfan Vinski Vrh

    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…

  • Restoran Raj

    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…

  • Kovač Čarda

    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…

  • Baranjska Kuća

    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…

  • Slatka Tvornica Medenko

    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…

  • Slavonska Kuća

    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…

  • Bistro Mon Ami

    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…

  • Gabreku 1929

    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…

  • Vege Lege

    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…

  • Kormoran

    Slavonia

    Lots of local flavours are served up here with a menu big on carp, catfish and venison dishes. It's located on the northern side of Kopački Rit Nature…

  • Puntijarka

    Around Zagreb

    This mountain hut is very popular on weekends for its home-cooked traditional Croatian dishes served in a rustic setting.

  • Grafičar

    Around Zagreb

    On the western side of Medvednica, this beloved mountain hut at 864m has great basic lodgings and serves hearty food.

  • U Prolazu

    Around Zagreb

    Right on the main square, this place is renowned for having the best kremšnite (custard pie; 9KN) in town.

  • Grešna Gorica

    Zagorje

    This rustic eatery, often overtaken by day-tripping families from Zagreb on weekends, is a tad gimmicky but great for kids, with farm animals roaming…

  • El Paso

    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…

  • Verglec

    Zagorje

    An old-fashioned dining room with great-value gableci (cheap, filling lunches) served on weekdays. In the evening, pick one of the traditional…

  • Stari Toranj

    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…

  • Dunavska Golubica

    Slavonia

    Vukovar's fanciest choice for a meal is this pleasant restaurant by the riverside. It has an excellent reputation for Slavonian specialities and does a…

  • Angelus

    Zagorje

    Housed in a vaulted basement, this cosy pizzeria-trattoria churns out excellent pizza, pasta (from gnocchi to tagliatelle), risottos and meat mainstays…

  • Pod Starim Krovovima

    Zagorje

    On weekdays, this is central Krapina's top pick for a cheap and tasty gablec (lunch) or a dinner of solid traditional fare. Upstairs there are eight plain…

  • Potrti Kotač

    Inland Croatia

    Potrti Kotač, 1km uphill from the thermal baths, serves typical central European and Croatian dishes and has an outdoor terrace for balmy summer evening…

  • Kompa

    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…

  • Rustika

    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.

  • Runolist

    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.

  • Neandertal Pub

    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.

  • Vrške

    Slavonia

    The food is nothing to write home about here but the pretty riverside setting at this long-standing restaurant steals the show.

  • Kavana Waldinger

    Slavonia

    A dignified cafe that attracts local notables for its proper service and a range of cakes that are worth every calorie.