There's nothing more satisfying than savouring a perfectly cooked prime cut, especially when you realize that you can enjoy it right here in Zagreb. From the finest breeds, locally grown in Croatia or sourced from the best farms around the globe, to the premium cuts; from in-house aging chambers to the mastery of chefs; from the most stylish interiors to the professionalism of servers, this city is incredible in its steakhouse scene.
So, if you're a dedicated meat enthusiast, be sure to follow Tablein guide's recommendations for the must-visit meateries in Zagreb.
Balon
Ulica Prisavlje 2, Zagreb
Balon, a gastronomic space with nearly nearly two decades of history, has consistently set the standard for dining culture in Zagreb. Recognised by the Michelin guide, this cosy bistro-style restaurant not only serves culinary masterpieces but also offers a charming atmosphere defined by surrounding greenery and live music events.
Balon's kitchen is under the skilled guidance of Chef Stipan Iličić, known for his creativity and international experience. This gastronomy professional crafts Mediterranean-inspired fare using only the finest seasonal ingredients and innovative culinary techniques, while his vision of gastronomy is celebrated even by the most dedicated food enthusiasts.
Also, this restaurant is a paradise for meat enthusiasts. The à la carte menu is rich in options, ranging from dry-aged Ribeye, Tomahawk steak or Striploin to Lamb chops, Vienna-style cutlet, veal ossobuco, and the signature Beefsteak á la Balon. All dishes are prepared to perfection! For a more intense experience with even more flavours at once, tasting dinners are also available here.
MM Kantina
Ulica Florijana Andrašeca 14, Zagreb
MM Kantina is a modern multifunctional restaurant that greets its guests with a stylish interior, fine cuisine, exceptional selection of wines, and an inviting ambience. Each gourmet dish here is crafted only by using ingredients sourced from the top producers, which allows the chefs to consistently deliver exceptional dining experiences.
With over two decades of experience in haute gastronomy, Marijo Mendek, the founder of MM Kantina, personally selects each producer and product, ensuring unwavering quality. Working alongside him is Martina Grahovac, the director of operations and owner of Back To My Roots farm, where she cultivates original Croatian sheep breeds, prime meat of which is also featured on the restaurant's menu.
The restaurant welcomes diners not only for quick business lunches, à la carte options and 5-course dinners but also for the menu that changes weekly or even daily. Yet, among all the dynamic offerings you will always find prime meats sourced from the world's finest farms. Whether it's lamb from their very own Back To My Roots farm, Rubia Gallega beef cuts, rump, ribeye or striploin across the ocean, chefs masterfully transform them into a gastronomic journey like no other.
Cortes Club Steakhouse
Ulica Cebini 33, Zagreb
Cortes Club Steakhouse restaurant, situated within Hotel Aristos, is a haven for meat enthusiasts. Upon entry, it greets guests with a delightful ambience and a stylish interior, setting the perfect stage for awaiting a culinary journey.
The menu here is centred around carefully selected dishes crafted from top-quality cuts and locally sourced ingredients. Furthermore, the meat is dry-aged for 45 days and expertly prepared in Kopa peći, a charcoal oven.
Whether it's the Rib-eye with Bone, Flat iron, Hanger, Striploin, Tomahawk, or Fiorentina Steak, along with options like Veal or Lamb Knuckle and Marinated Baby Beef Spare Ribs, the vocabulary of flavours here is what one can't resist to. Pairing these gourmet meat dishes with a curated selection of Croatian wines transports you to another dimension altogether.
Cortes Club isn't just a premium steakhouse; it also houses an Aperitif bar, perfect for a pre-dining visit, and a Cigar bar to cap off your evening.
OXBO
Ulica Grada Vukovara 269a, Zagreb
OXBO is a restaurant & bar firmly committed to the philosophy that "only the best is good enough", so at its core lies a strong emphasis on quality and culinary expertise.
Consequently, it comes as no surprise that OXBO treats its guests to masterly prepared Black Angus steaks sourced from the esteemed Creekstone farm – a distinction shared by only a handful of European restaurants. Moreover, Executive Chef Marinko Topalović and his skilled team have thoughtfully included the highest quality A5 Wagyu Japanese beef on the menu. Celebrated for their distinctly "meaty" taste, pinky looks and velvety texture, these steaks are one of the best in the world.
For devoted meat enthusiasts, the Pop-up BBQ show cooking on OXBO's terrace every Wednesday is an unmissable event. Here, a variety of meat dishes are prepared on the grill right before the guests, following the shared secrets to crafting top-quality barbecue. This experience is complemented by drinks and a DJ spinning tunes.
With its combination of quality dishes, attentive service, and a modern interior, OXBO suits to various occasions. Also, their secret garden terrace makes it a perfect place for Zagreb summer evenings.
Maredo
Ulica Florijana Andrašeca 14, Zagreb
Maredo is not just a stylish dining place; it's also a celebrated gastronomic haven frequently named as one of Zagreb's finest restaurants, leading the way in the contemporary grill scene.
The signature menu here, crafted by Chef Mario Mihelj, reflects an avant-garde approach to grilling: it's a blend of personal flair, imaginative recipes, and modern interpretations of global flavours. At the heart of this culinary extravaganza are the prime cuts of aged meat, thoughtfully paired with matching ingredients. Such fusion leads to innovative and high-end culinary combinations, redefining the modern urban grill cuisine.
The presence of smoke in this restaurant is no less significant. Whether achieved through lava grill or special smoking techniques, it elevates the gastronomy to unprecedented heights. Moreover, this smoky sprinkle even finds a way into the Maredo's mixology.
Assortment of aged steaks here offers a choice for every meat enthusiast, ranging from Veal French Rack, Black Angus Tomahawk, Ribeye, T-bone, and Porterhouse to Wagyu steak. So, enjoy making your choice!
Chevo’s
Ulica Adamičeva 1, Zagreb
Chevo's is a true gastronomic paradise, offering an impressive selection of the finest meats coming from across the globe. Furthermore, the team's commitment to perfection, along with the dedicated processes and techniques carried out on-site, elevates the art of charcoal grill gastronomy to new heights.
The menu here invites guests to indulge in a variety of aged meats sourced from premium world farms, including Simmental, Charolais, Black Angus, Rubia Gallega, Hereford, Belgian Blue-Limousine, Black Angus Vintage Premium, and the king Wagyu A5 breeds. Chevo's signature choices span from New York strip, Ribeye, T-bone and Tomahawk to cowboy cuts, aged anywhere from a week to over 100 days.
Yet, it's not just the impressive meat selection that stands out here; the emphasis on ageing is equally noteworthy, with all processes taking place in-house thanks to modern ageing chambers. And, when it comes to flavour, smoking is not overlooked either, as the restaurant owns a smoker too. Thus, everything is controlled on-site, so guests can be certain of every step's quality and excellence.
Menu items at restaurants may change, so check here for the latest offerings.