8 Best Restaurants in Northern Dalmatia, Croatia

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.

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.

Even if you are not staying at Zaton Holiday Resort, you might find yourself at Bepo in search of a good meal because Nin has few worthy alternatives. Bepo's charming atmosphere is lively, and the menu is a good representation of local Mediterranean fare. As a nice touch, they use olive oil produced by a favorite local producer, Ivica Vlatković. Try some of their traditional desserts.

This eatery has mastered the art of cooking with flame, producing delectably grilled entrées from a real wood fire nestled within a brick oven. Select a whole fish from the day’s fresh catch, sold by the kilogram, or share a grill platter of mixed cuts of beef piled high atop potatoes and salads. Lamb and octopus are equally top choices.

If you want a hearty meal well above the tourist fray in Sali, you'll have to do some climbing (more than 100 steps!) to reach this rustic restaurant with tables on barrels, fishnets hanging from the ceiling's wooden beams, an enticing open hearth, and an outdoor terrace shaded by grapevines. Set in a village-like atmosphere that feels very off the beaten path, Konoba Kod Sipe serves everything from grilled calamari and pork chops to cuttlefish spaghetti.

Located in the cool shade of a stone alleyway behind Sali’s harbor, Konoba Trapula has the charm of a place you can find only by word of mouth, as well as delicious fresh seafood, such as brudet (seafood stew) and perfectly prepared tuna steak. The polished dark-wood tables and the nautical decor remind you of the restaurant’s proximity to the sea.

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.