9 Best Restaurants in Kvarner, Croatia

Cres is famous for its lamb, and although the majority of restaurants have it on the menu, Bukaleta is the place for the best on the island. Located in the small village of Loznati, just 10 km (6 miles) south of Cres Town, Bukaleta has been run by the same family for more than 30 years. The cozy interior is rustic with a large open fireplace, a collection of old tools and pots and its namesake bukaleta, a traditional jug made of clay from which wine is normally shared around the table. The large outdoor terrace can accommodate 100 people.

Tucked away in the Old Town, this charming café-museum has a wonderful courtyard that's ideal for chilling out and enjoying a lemonade after exploring Rab Town. Sit inside and watch as they prepare the famed rabska torta, a traditional Croatian cake made of ground almonds, maraschino liqueur, lemon, and orange peel. Take home a freshly made torta or a bag of rosemary and orange cookies.

Tucked in a corner just off the main walking area, this family-friendly spot is a great place to come for a healthier burger. Try the homemade fries with shaved Grana Padano cheese and tartufi (truffle) sauce. Great vegan options include several protein-packed salads and vegetarian burgers. The restaurant is a local chain with locations in Zagreb, Zadar, Split, and Belgrade and makes consistent efforts to be socially responsible by fundraising for local charities and causes. 

The subtitle on the road signs reads nonina kuhinja (granny's cooking), and you were a spoiled child indeed if your grandma turned out dishes of this standard for you. The shady garden in the heart of ancient Osor is a perfect setting in which to enjoy the typical plates of the konoba: meat, seafood, pasta, and salads.

Frequented by locals (especially at lunch), this excellent informal seafood restaurant lies on a side road conveniently close to the City Market. House specialties are crni rižot (cuttlefish-ink risotto), seafood tagliatelle, whole fish, and shellfish. Fish is charged by weight. Adriatic blue fish, like sardines, is delicious and very affordable.  

A nice little terrace right by the bell tower in the heart of the stone hilltop village of Lubenice is the perfect location for a light lunch of pršut (prosciutto), cheese, olives, and a glass of local wine. For a more hearty meal, order lamb-stew gnocchi or lamb liver with polenta, since lamb is a specialty on Cres.

A small family-run tavern in the village of Milohnići, Pod Prevolt is a bit off the beaten path, but it's a place where you can get a real feel for the island's peaceful beauty and delicious traditional food. The traditional homemade Krk dishes include octopus with veggies baked in a wood-burning oven, dried octopus macaroni, homemade prosciutto and cheese, grilled and marinated fish, and the like. Desserts—like sponge cake with whipped cream, yogurt, and cherries—are simple but delicious. Find a seat on one of the large wooden tables under the fig trees and soak up the silence. The name ("under the vaulted porch") is inspired by the entrance to the traditional house. The tiny interior has just six tables and exposed stone walls.

The small town of Fužine is very close to Delnice and is well-known for its pine-bordered lake, where you'll find this eatery. This is typical mountain food that includes lots of wild game like boar, bear, deer stew, and frog legs. Come with a hearty appetite after hiking in the nearby woods or around the lake. Try the pasta with wild mushrooms or hunter's stew; the bold may want to try the house specialty: horse meat made into čevapčići (spiced meat rolled into sausage shapes and grilled).