Restaurants in Zagreb
From traditional Croatian kitchens to craft beer bars and modern bistros — the best places to eat in Croatia's capital
Where to Eat in Zagreb
Zagreb's food scene is a delicious blend of Central European heartiness and Mediterranean lightness. The city's continental location means the cuisine leans towards rich, comforting dishes — think roast meats, baked pastries, and stews — while a growing wave of modern bistros and international kitchens keeps things exciting.
Whether you are after a traditional strukli lunch, a creative tasting menu, or simply the best coffee in town, Zagreb delivers. Here is our guide to the best restaurants, local dishes, and dining tips.
Eating out in Zagreb is excellent value compared to Western European capitals. A full lunch with drinks at a traditional restaurant rarely exceeds 15-20 euros per person, and the daily gablec (lunch special) at local spots is even cheaper. The quality-to-price ratio is one of the best reasons to make Zagreb a food-focused stop on your Croatia itinerary.
Best Restaurants by Type
Traditional Croatian
Zagreb's traditional restaurants serve hearty continental Croatian cuisine rooted in Austro-Hungarian and Central European traditions. Expect generous portions, rich flavours, and dishes that have been passed down through generations.
Stari Fijaker
A Zagreb institution since 1969, famous for strukli and classic Croatian dishes
Didov san
Rustic decor and generous portions of traditional Zagorje cuisine
Vinodol
Elegant courtyard dining with excellent peka and grilled meats
Modern & Bistro
Zagreb's modern dining scene has exploded in recent years, with creative chefs putting a contemporary spin on Croatian ingredients. These bistros and restaurants offer inventive menus in relaxed, stylish settings.
Mundoaka
Creative street food-inspired dishes in a buzzy atmosphere
Noel
Fine dining with a focus on seasonal Croatian ingredients and modern techniques
Dubravkin Put
Elegant garden terrace with sophisticated Mediterranean-Croatian cuisine
Street Food & Casual
For a quick, delicious bite, Zagreb has a growing street food scene alongside beloved local fast-food joints that have served the city for decades. These are where locals grab lunch on the go.
Submarine Burgers
Cult-favourite gourmet burgers in a no-frills setting
La Struk
Dedicated entirely to strukli — baked or boiled, sweet or savoury
Pingvin
Legendary sandwich shop on Tkalciceva, open since 1987
Craft Beer & Wine Bars
Zagreb is the epicentre of Croatia's craft beer revolution, and wine bars showcasing the country's diverse wine regions are flourishing. A great way to sample Croatian drinks in a relaxed setting.
Craft Room
Pioneering craft beer bar with a huge rotating selection of Croatian and international brews
Mali Medo
Brewpub in the centre serving their own beers alongside hearty pub food
Basement
Cosy cellar bar with an excellent Croatian and natural wine list
Cafes & Brunch
Coffee culture is sacred in Zagreb. The Saturday morning spica — a ritual of dressing up and sipping coffee on a terrace — is a city-wide institution. These cafes serve excellent coffee and increasingly creative brunch menus.
Cogito Coffee
Zagreb's specialty coffee pioneer with several locations and single-origin beans
Eliscafe
Charming cafe with homemade cakes and a loyal local following
Johan Franck
Grand cafe on Trg bana Jelacica, perfect for people-watching over coffee
Must-Try Zagreb Dishes
Strukli
Zagreb's signature dish — thin pastry filled with fresh cottage cheese, either baked (zapeceni) or boiled. Comfort food at its finest, served as a starter or main course.
Purica s mlincima
Roast turkey served with mlinci, a unique flatbread that is baked, crumbled, and soaked in the turkey's roasting juices. A classic Zagreb Sunday lunch.
Zagreb Schnitzel
A breaded veal cutlet stuffed with ham and cheese, similar to cordon bleu. This hearty dish is a staple on traditional restaurant menus across the city.
Kremsnita
A creamy custard slice with layers of flaky pastry and vanilla cream. The famous version from nearby Samobor is worth a special trip.
Cevapi
Small grilled minced-meat sausages served in flatbread with raw onions and ajvar (roasted pepper relish). A Balkan classic beloved across Zagreb.
Sarma
Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, slow-cooked in a rich, smoky sauce. A winter comfort food staple, especially popular during the festive season.
Dining Tips for Zagreb
Embrace the spica ritual. On Saturday mornings, locals dress up and head to Tkalciceva or Bogoviceva for coffee on a terrace. Join in — it is the best way to experience Zagreb like a local.
Lunch is the main meal. Many restaurants offer excellent value gablec (daily lunch specials) between 11am and 3pm. Ask for the dnevni meni — you will get a full meal for a fraction of the dinner price.
Venture beyond the centre. Some of Zagreb's best restaurants are in residential neighbourhoods like Maksimir, Tresnjevka, and Novi Zagreb. The further from the main square, the better the value.
Try Croatian wines. Ask for Grasevina (white, from Slavonia) or Plavac Mali (red, from Dalmatia). Zagreb's wine bars are the perfect place to explore the country's underrated wine scene.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eating in Zagreb
Zagreb is known for strukli (baked cheese pastry), purica s mlincima (roast turkey with flatbread), Zagreb schnitzel (breaded veal stuffed with ham and cheese), cevapi (grilled meat sausages), and kremsnita (custard cream cake from nearby Samobor). The cuisine is hearty and Central European in character.
The best dining areas in Zagreb include Tkalciceva Street for cafes and casual dining, the Upper Town for traditional restaurants, and neighbourhoods like Maksimir and Tresnjevka for local favourites with better value. Top picks include Stari Fijaker for traditional cuisine, Mundoaka for modern street food, and La Struk for authentic strukli.
No, Zagreb is very affordable for dining compared to Western European capitals. A full lunch with drinks at a traditional restaurant typically costs 15-20 euros per person. The daily gablec (lunch special) at local spots can be as low as 7-10 euros for a complete meal. Fine dining is also excellent value.
Spica is Zagreb's beloved Saturday morning coffee ritual. Locals dress up and head to Tkalciceva Street or Bogoviceva to sit on cafe terraces, drink coffee, and socialise. It is less about the coffee and more about seeing and being seen — a deeply rooted social tradition that defines Zagreb's cafe culture.
Try Croatian wines — Grasevina (white, from Slavonia) and Plavac Mali (red, from Dalmatia) are excellent. Zagreb has a thriving craft beer scene with bars like Craft Room and Mali Medo. For non-alcoholic options, Zagreb's specialty coffee scene is outstanding, with Cogito Coffee leading the way.
Gablec is the Zagreb tradition of a daily lunch special, typically served between 11am and 3pm. Restaurants display their dnevni meni (daily menu) offering a full meal — often soup, main course, and sometimes dessert — at a fraction of the regular dinner price. It is how most working Zagrebians eat lunch.
Explore the Complete Zagreb Guide
History, transport, nightlife, and everything you need to plan your trip.
Read the Full Guide