Zagreb Food Guide: What to Eat & Best Dishes for 2026

Your Complete Guide to Food in Zagreb (2026)

Zagreb's culinary identity is a delicious tapestry woven from the threads of Central European and Mediterranean traditions. It’s a city of hearty meat dishes, savory pastries, bustling food markets, and world-class wines. Forget the coastal seafood for a moment; here in the capital, the cuisine is comforting, rich, and deeply rooted in the continental Croatian landscape. This guide provides everything you need to eat like a local in Zagreb.

What Are the Must-Try Dishes in Zagreb?

To truly understand Zagreb's food culture, you need to sample its signature dishes. These meals tell the story of the region's history, agriculture, and traditions.

Štrukli: The Iconic Zagreb Dish

Štrukli is arguably Zagreb's most famous culinary export. This versatile dish consists of dough filled with cottage cheese, which can be prepared in two main ways:

• Kuhani Štrukli (Boiled): The dough parcels are boiled in salted water and often served in a simple soup or topped with breadcrumbs fried in butter.
• Pečeni Štrukli (Baked): The parcels are baked in a dish, usually covered in cream, resulting in a golden, crispy top and a soft, cheesy interior.

You can find both savory (with salt) and sweet (with sugar) versions. A dedicated restaurant, La Štruk (Skalinska ul. 5), serves nothing but štrukli, with a savory portion costing around €10. It's an absolute must-visit.

Purica s Mlincima: A Festive Feast

This is the quintessential festive meal in Zagreb and the surrounding Zagorje region. Purica s mlincima is slow-roasted turkey served with mlinci, a unique type of thin, dry flatbread. The mlinci are broken into pieces, soaked in hot water or stock, and then tossed in the savory pan drippings from the roasted turkey. The result is a dish that is both rustic and incredibly flavorful. You'll find it on the menu at traditional restaurants like Stari Fijaker 900 (Mesnička ul. 6), especially on weekends. Expect to pay around €22-€28 for a generous portion.

Kulen: The Spicy Pride of Slavonia

While originating from the eastern region of Slavonia, kulen is a staple on any quality charcuterie board in Zagreb. This is a spicy cured sausage made from premium cuts of minced pork, seasoned heavily with paprika (both sweet and hot) and garlic. It's aged for several months, developing a deep, complex flavor. You can buy it by weight at Dolac Market or order it as an appetizer in most traditional restaurants for approximately €12-€15 per platter.

Krvavice: For the Adventurous Eater

Krvavice, or blood sausages, are a traditional winter delicacy. Made with pork blood, fillers like rice or buckwheat, and various spices, they are not for the faint of heart but are beloved by locals. They are typically served with sauerkraut and restani krumpir (mashed and pan-fried potatoes with onion). They appear on menus from late autumn to early spring.

Kremšnita: The Ultimate Custard Slice

The nearby town of Samobor is the official home of the kremšnita, but Zagreb has wholeheartedly adopted this dessert. It features a wobbly, delicate layer of custard and a lighter layer of whipped cream sandwiched between two flaky puff pastry sheets. The best versions are light, airy, and not overly sweet. You can find them in nearly every slastičarnica (pastry shop) in the city. A slice typically costs between €3.50 and €5.00.

Where to Eat: Best Traditional Zagreb Restaurants

Navigating the restaurant scene can be overwhelming. Here are some of the best places to sample authentic Croatian food, from rustic taverns to refined city-center establishments.

Stari Fijaker 900

• Location: Mesnička ul. 6, 10000 Zagreb
• Specialty: Classic Zagreb dishes like purica s mlincima and veal.
• Price Range: Main courses €18 - €30.
• Opening Hours: 11:00 - 23:00 Daily.
• Insider Tip: The interior feels like a step back in time. It's a popular spot for business lunches, so book ahead for dinner.

Vinodol Restaurant

• Location: Ul. Nikole Tesle 10, 10000 Zagreb
• Specialty: A mix of continental and coastal Croatian dishes in a slightly more upscale setting.
• Price Range: Main courses €20 - €35.
• Opening Hours: 12:00 - 00:00 Daily.
• Insider Tip: Their beautiful courtyard terrace is one of the best spots for an al fresco dinner in the summer. It’s located just 200 meters from the main square.

Pri Zvoncu

• Location: Vrbik 12, 10000 Zagreb
• Specialty: Famous for its exceptional grilled meat platters (plate).
• Price Range: Grill platters for two start at €40.
• Opening Hours: 11:00 - 23:00 (Closed Sundays).
• Insider Tip: This restaurant is located about 3 km from the city center in the Vrbik neighborhood. It's worth the 10-minute taxi ride for arguably the best grilled meat in the city. The atmosphere is rustic and authentic.

Zagreb's Food Markets: A Local Experience

To eat like a local, you must visit where the locals shop. Zagreb's markets are the vibrant heart of its food scene.

Dolac Market: The 'Belly of Zagreb'

Located just a few steps from the main Ban Jelačić Square, Dolac Market is an unmissable experience. It's a two-level market:

• Outdoor Section: A sea of red umbrellas where local producers, known as kumice, sell fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, honey, and flowers. The produce quality is excellent.
• Indoor Section: Downstairs, you'll find butchers, fishmongers, and vendors selling fresh pasta, eggs, and dairy products. This is the best place to find fresh cottage cheese for making your own štrukli!
• Opening Hours: Roughly 07:00 - 14:00 daily (closes around 13:00 on Sundays).
• Insider Tip: Visit between 09:00 and 11:00 on a Saturday for the most vibrant atmosphere. Don't be afraid to try free samples of cheese and cured meats from the vendors.

What to Drink in Zagreb

Your culinary tour isn't complete without sampling some local beverages.

Rakija: Croatia's National Spirit

Rakija is a strong fruit brandy that you'll be offered as an aperitif or digestif. It comes in many varieties:

• Šljivovica: Plum rakija (the most common).
• Travarica: Herbal rakija.
• Medica: Honey rakija (sweeter and very popular).
• Insider Tip: Locals sip it, they don't shoot it. A good quality rakija is smooth. A shot will cost between €2.50 and €4.00.

Croatian Wine and Craft Beer

Croatia has a fantastic and underrated wine scene. In Zagreb, you'll find wines from all over the country. Ask your waiter for a recommendation of a local white like Graševina or a robust coastal red like Plavac Mali. The city also has a thriving craft beer scene. Look for local breweries like The Garden Brewery or Zmajska Pivovara in dedicated beer bars. A glass of house wine costs around €4-€6, while a local craft beer is about €5-€7.

Insider Tips for Foodies in Zagreb

• Look for 'Gablec' Menus: Between 11:00 and 14:00 on weekdays, many restaurants offer a gablec. This is a cheap, hearty, and delicious lunch special, often featuring a traditional stew or roasted meat for just €8-€12.
• Cash is Still Useful: While most restaurants accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to have some cash (Euros) for smaller bakeries, market stalls, and tipping.
• Tipping Culture: Tipping is customary but not obligatory. A tip of 10% for good service is standard practice. For smaller bills (like a coffee), rounding up to the nearest Euro is common.
• Don't Skip the Bakery: A visit to a pekara (bakery) is essential. Try a burek (a phyllo pastry filled with cheese or meat) for a cheap and filling breakfast on the go. Prices range from €2 to €3.