9 Best Restaurants in Zadar, Northern Dalmatia

For Zadar dining at its most convivial—and fish so fresh it practically dances off the plate—make a stop at Bistro Pjat. The menu changes daily depending on the catch, and the service here is tremendous.

Boasting an appealing outdoor terrace overlooking a quiet little harbor, Foša combines age-old Dalmatian style with modern architectural design and gastronomy trends. Its old-world tastes give the kitchen foundation to create modern dishes with magnificent results.

For a break from the tourist bustle, head for Pet Bunara, a slow-food restaurant in a quiet little nook just off Trg pet bunara. The fare is creative and changes weekly, if not daily, according to the local produce available. Every dish is centered around local food, from seafood to signature lamb. Homemade fig jam and roasted almonds are palate-pleasers, while the wine-savvy staff will elevate your dinner into an authentic culinary experience. The prices are surprisingly fair for an establishment of this caliber.

With outdoor tables on a lovely terrace overlooking the sea in the Old Town, Bruschetta serves reasonably priced and well-presented Mediterranean cuisine. Popular with locals and visitors alike, it's primarily known for its pizzas and pasta dishes, but it also does excellent steaks, fresh fish, and an irresistible tiramisu.

Fantastic views and fashionable food are the main events at one of Zadar’s finest business restaurants. The sunsets are almost as delicious as the food.

A popular place for locals and tourists, Mamma Mia serves delicious portions at fair prices and pizzas big enough to share (not that you'll want to). Pizza is the star here, with an impressive spread of toppings to choose from; if you're not a pizza fan, the daily specials always satisfy. It tends to get crowded, especially when the games are on, but the staff is attentive and the atmosphere is friendly.

Just across from a public beach and near the Borik resort complex, this distinguished restaurant has been serving up a delicious array of seafood, beef, veal, pork, and pasta dishes since 1963. You can choose between such lower-end fare as spaghetti with scampi or more expensive delights like scampi on the skewer. Dessert options include mouthwatering banana splits. Upstairs are 12 spacious, elegant, peach-toned, pricey rooms, at €150 for a double with breakfast.

Charming and cozy (with limited but coveted seating), this tucked-away spot offers a consistently pleasant experience, especially on a clear night when you can sit in the courtyard, enjoying a tasty house wine that complements both the lighter fare and pasta plates. Knowledgeable servers will help you pair the fresh pasta and sauces; don't miss the pillowy gnocchi. Complimentary aperitifs are typical, as are welcoming words from the managers as they ensure their customers are happy.

Just outside the city walls on the tip of the peninsula, and on the ground floor of a four-story concrete-box building, Kornat serves authentic first-rate cuisine with an emphasis on seafood—try the monkfish fillet with truffle sauce—plus a limited choice of hearty meat dishes. There's also an extensive wine list, from the best Croatian elixirs to the smoothest Shiraz.