TOP 8 Traditional Croatian Restaurants in Zagreb

Croatia is celebrated for many things, and among them, its cuisine surely stands out. Zagreb, in particular, offers an ideal introduction to this gastronomic wealth.

Whether you prefer street food or elegant dining, wide-ranging menus or speciality-focused eateries, authentic recipes or their modern interpretations, the capital city is rich in options, perfectly expressing the country's culinary heritage.

So, what are the top authentic Croatian cuisine restaurants in Zagreb? Follow the recommendations in Tablein guide for the most memorable traditional dining, and book a table at the one that interests you the most!

The best Croatian restaurants in Zagreb

Apetitlih
Ulica Jakova Gotovca 2, Zagreb

Situated close to Kvaternik Square, or simply Kvatrić as the locals call it, Apetitlih is a long-living family-style bistro, sharing Croatia‘s culinary traditions for those who intend to eat well. Tiny yet cosy, this restaurant welcomes guests with a pleasant ambience and friendly service, which adds an extra touch for the gourmet experience.

Apetitlih menu reflects the kind of food that grandmothers and mothers would lovingly prepare. Its selection changes daily as well as with the seasons, influenced by both nature's bounty and the chef's creativity. However, the menu maintains a clear focus on the meats-and-stews array from central Croatia, with a touch of Mediterranean seafood.

So, what can you expect more specifically? Think of dishes like stuffed punjena paprika peppers, veal liver with polenta, beef tail in gravy, Zagreb steak served with rizi bizi rice and peas, meatballs on a bed of mashed potatoes, beef stroganoff, and veal shank—all prepared with love to fulfill your Croatian culinary dreams. Curious about today's menu? Come and discover for yourself!

Okrugljak
Ulica Mlinovi 28, Zagreb

Okrugljak, possibly one of the oldest traditional restaurants in northern Croatia, recently marked its first century of existence. It is also among the few dining establishments in this region with a multi-generational legacy.

Upon entering, this restaurant greets guests with authentic, yet elegant and stylish spaces, setting the tone for what unfolds on the menu. Almost everything that characterizes the finest of Croatian gastronomy finds its way to Okrugljak‘s à la carte!

The gastronomic journey here begins with locally sourced produce and high-quality homemade ingredients, which further evolve into a wide selection of masterfully prepared traditional dishes. Baked or boiled cottage cheese-filled štrukli, Zagreb-style veal scallop, stuffed pork fillet speciality, Dalmatian slow-cooked beef Pašticada, grilled homemade Ćevapčići sausages, Croatian meat platter and wide selection of prime-cut steaks – these options offer just a glimpse of the gastronomic excellence this restaurant presents. Moreover, the main menu is also regularly updated with seasonal options inspired by nature's bounty.

Regardless of the choice, each dish impresses not only with flavours but also with perfect aesthetics on plates!

TAČ
Ulica Vrhovec 140, Zagreb

Restaurant TAČ, situated at the highest point of Zagrebačka Gora, is a gourmet haven that encourages gastronomic explorations beyond the typical routes. It's no surprise that such constant creativity has even earned it a feature in the Michelin Guide.

Operated by the food-passionate Miletić family, TAČ is all about perfection. The culinary story here starts with quality ingredients sourced only from the best Croatian food producers. Then comes the exploration of traditions that perfectly radiate on the daily menu!

A fusion of Istrian and Continental Croatian culinary styles, incorporating influences from the rich gastronomic traditions of Zagreb's area, intrigues and homemade dishes leave guests speechless — in the best way, of course. Rather than offering a fixed menu, the restaurant proposes daily specialities, ensuring a dynamic dining experience each time.

What sets TAČ apart is its winter cuisine, featuring a menu with various preserves like marmalades, sauerkraut, red-pepper chutney, sour cherry, and wild-berry liqueurs. Additionally, the owners emphasize their pastry assortment, which includes homemade cakes and home-baked cookies.

Heritage
Ulica Petrinjska 14, Zagreb

Heritage is a small snack bar nestled snugly beside Zrinjevac Park. Casual, homey, and always bustling, it is one of the most favourite places in the city for locals. Moreover, Heritage has a mission: to combine the essence of national gastronomic heritage with the globally beloved concept of street food, thereby contributing to the preservation of authentic cuisine for future generations.

A unique concept comes next: this snack bar doesn’t offer cooked meals but rather specializes in snacks crafted from traditional Croatian ingredients. Whether it's cheese, prosciutto, anchovy, olives, or an array of flatbreads, each choice radiates distinct flavours. What sets Heritage apart is that all its products and ingredients come exclusively from Croatia, predominantly sourced from small village producers. To complement these snacks, guests can also choose from a selection of local wines or craft beers, enhancing the overall experience.

Due to its limited seating capacity, Heritage highly recommends making an advanced table reservation.

La Štruk
Ulica Skalinska 5, Zagreb

Zagreb is home to an array of unique restaurants, and among them, La Štruk truly stands out. What makes it so special is simplicity: this cosy spot is entirely devoted to štrukli, a traditional Croatian dish made of a special dough filled with fresh cottage cheese, and served in many homes across country. 

Despite the restaurant's singular focus on one dish, the menu here is far from limited. It presents two varieties of štrukli: the boiled kuhani štrukli and the baked zapečeni štrukli. Beyond the preparation methods, the diversity also lies in additional ingredients. Guests can select from an extensive repertoire featuring štrukli with cheese, both savoury and sweet, with blueberries, apples-cinnamon, walnuts-honey, roasted paprika, truffle paste, or pumpkin seeds. There's a local speciality featuring cuttlefish, prawns, and wild salmon roe too. Moreover, daily and seasonal specials expand the choices even further.

To enhance the experience, diners can pair their chosen štrukli with beverages such as milk with rum or honey, homemade juice, or local wines and beers.

Stari Kotač
Ulica Petrovaradinska 20, Zagreb

Stari Kotač is not simply a restaurant; it’s a passage back in time to the era of Zagreb’s old diners. Moreover, dedicated meat enthusiasts find their haven here! And no surprise why, as Stari Kotač has been constantly improving its charcoal magic for over 40 years!

Its menu remains solely devoted to grilled meat dishes, evoking a nostalgic essence through tradition, quality, and a distinctive taste. Among the offerings, guests discover minced meat ćevapčići, classic or cheese-filled pljeskavica patties, cutlets, steaks, skewers, or a gourmet mixed meat platter. Each dish can be complemented with preferred garnishes, including variously prepared potatoes or a selection of traditional salads.

The secret of Stari Kotač lies in its unwavering dedication to the Croatian grill tradition, the expertise of its chefs, and the high-quality meat sourced from trusted farmers over many years. This commitment does not go unnoticed: for years this restaurant stands as a favourite among locals seeking hearty dining experiences.

Stari Fijaker
Ulica Mesnička 6, Zagreb

Stari Fijaker represents a gateway to Croatia's Zagreb-Zagorje region and its authentic culinary heritage. An additional charm? The restaurant is situated not only 5 minutes away from the main Jelačić square but also on a street that reflects the city's history and was once home to the country's intellectual members. 

The restaurant's menu treats guests with a rich selection of traditional dishes, featuring both authentic recipes and house specialties. From diverse appetisers, soups, meat, and fish mains to vegetarian options, there's a true feast awaiting diners. If you seek recommendations from the chef, be sure not to overlook the must-try dishes, including the stuffed punjeka paprika peppers, the savoury sarma cabbage rolls, or the traditional Croatian Christmas classics, purica s mlincima, a turkey roast paired with a pasta-like side dish. And, of course, the cheese-filled štrukli, a comforting staple of the country's cuisine, is a must-try.

Furthermore, Stari Fijaker is known for its homemade pastries and bread selection. So, choose from cornbread, pivnički klipići, pogačice od čvaraka and many others to complement your meal!

Purger
Ulica Petrinjska 33, Zagreb

Purger is a traditional restaurant, narrating a truly impressive history: this place proudly shares the authentic culinary heritage of Zagreb since its opening in 1932. Yet, here's even more to it! The name itself holds significance too, as "purger" is the common term for natives of Zagreb, reflecting a deep connection to the city's identity and traditions. 

Nestled close to Ban Josip Jelačić Square, this restaurant welcomes diners with its traditional interior spaces and a charming outdoor terrace, where the finest offerings of the country's gastronomy get unveiled.

Thus, the menu offers a palette of authentic flavours, expressed by a diverse selection of appetizers, hearty stews, delicious soups, succulent grilled dishes, refreshing salads, and unique desserts. Among these, iconic dishes such as punjena paprika, stuffed cabbage rolls, calf medallions, čevapčići meatballs, and grilled calamari take centre stage.

The wine selection at Purger is also noteworthy, both for pairing with food or enjoying alone.

Menu items at restaurants may change, so check here for the latest offerings.