Zagreb is a city that rewards curiosity — a place where cobbled lanes hide candlelit taverns, and sleek modern dining rooms hum with creative energy. Whether you’re craving traditional Croatian comfort food, a fine-dining tasting menu, or a simple plate of štrukli, Croatia’s capital serves it all with charm and authenticity.
After exploring the city ourselves (and eating far too well!), here are our seven favourite restaurants in Zagreb — each chosen for its character, quality, and the way it reflects the heart of Croatian cuisine.
1. Lanterna na Dolcu - Traditional with a Modern Touch
📍 Opatovina 31, near Dolac Market
Tucked just above Zagreb’s bustling Dolac Market, Lanterna na Dolcu is where tradition meets refinement. The menu is grounded in Croatian classics — think veal under the bell (peka), black risotto, and homemade pasta — but each dish feels fresh and contemporary.
Set in a vaulted brick cellar lit with soft candlelight, it’s one of those places that perfectly captures Zagreb’s soul: warm, proud, and full of flavour. Pair your meal with a crisp Istrian white wine and you’ll understand why locals call it one of the city’s true gems.
2. Dubravnik Put - Fine Dining Surrounded by Greenery
📍 Dubravkin Put 2, near Tuškanac Forest
Tucked beside a leafy forest path, Dubravkin Put feels miles from the city bustle. Inside, elegant minimalism meets quiet sophistication. The kitchen is known for its delicate seafood and modern Mediterranean plates — dishes that wouldn’t look out of place in a Michelin-starred setting.
Perfect for a celebration dinner or romantic evening, Dubravkin Put delivers exceptional service, seasonal ingredients, and an extensive Croatian wine list.
3. Konoba Didov San (Gornji Grad) - A True Croatian Konoba
📍 Mletačka 11, Upper Town
If you’re looking for something unmistakably Croatian, Didov San (“Grandfather’s Dream”) is it. This rustic konoba, with its wooden beams and vintage family photos, serves hearty dishes from Croatia’s Dalmatian hinterland — slow-cooked meats, baked beans, and homemade bread straight from the oven.
We’ve dined here ourselves, and the warmth is as memorable as the food. It’s honest, authentic cooking served with pride.
4. Noel - Zagreb's Contemporary Fine Dining Star
📍 Popa Dukljanina 1
Noel is Zagreb’s most celebrated modern restaurant — sleek, stylish, and proudly inventive. With Michelin recognition and an ever-evolving tasting menu, it’s the place for culinary adventurers.
Expect beautifully presented plates, subtle local influences, and flawless service. The ambience is refined but relaxed, and the cocktail pairings are a treat in themselves.
5. La Štruk - The Home of Štrukli
📍 Skalinska 5
If you try just one local specialty in Zagreb, make it štrukli — soft pastry filled with fresh cheese, baked until golden. And there’s no better place than La Štruk, a cosy bistro dedicated entirely to this traditional dish.
Choose from savoury or sweet versions: classic cheese, truffle, blueberry, or pumpkin. It’s simple, affordable, and delicious — a true taste of Zagreb comfort food.
6. SOL Croatian Tapas - A Modern Twist on Local Flavour
📍 Nikole Tesle 12
SOL brings a Mediterranean rhythm to Zagreb’s dining scene, reimagining Croatian flavours as tapas. Dishes are designed to share — octopus salad, Istrian prosciutto, mini ćevapi, and creative seafood bites.
It’s fun, friendly, and stylish — a perfect spot for a lighter evening or pre-theatre meal.
7. Gallo - Understated Mediterranean Elegance
📍 Andrije Hebranga 34
Gallo has been quietly serving excellent Mediterranean dishes to Zagreb locals for years. Fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and attentive service make it a consistently delightful choice.
It’s a little away from the main tourist routes, but worth the short walk. Expect subtle elegance and reliably good cooking — the kind of restaurant you end up recommending to friends.
Final Thoughts
From the old-world charm of Didov San to the modern finesse of Noel, Zagreb’s restaurant scene beautifully bridges past and present. Whether you’re after a rustic konoba, a fine-dining experience, or a single plate of perfectly baked štrukli, the city’s dining options promise warmth, authenticity, and a genuine taste of Croatia.
Wherever you eat, take your time — Zagreb’s food is meant to be savoured slowly, ideally with a glass of local wine and good company.
