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…
Must-see restaurants in Croatia
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…
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…
Rijeka
Savour superbly prepared seafood, Italian pasta and risottos, and choice Croatian wines at this formal though oddly decorated restaurant (the interior…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Northern Dalmatia
Consistently recommended by travellers for its helpful service and terrific food, Atrium does the simple things well, including grilled calamari, grilled…
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…
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…
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…
Split
A locals favourite, just outside the walls of Diocletian's Palace, this low-key joint offers daily-changing, great-quality Dalmatian mainstays – calamari,…
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…
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…
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
With little flower-adorned tables spilling onto the square, this sweet little cafe is a favourite Rovinj breakfast spot. Options include eggs, toast,…
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…
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…
