10 Best Restaurants in Zagreb and Environs, Croatia

Climb the stone stairs onto the spacious terrace or dine inside the softly lit 13th-century manor, one of the most impressive examples of feudal architecture in Croatia. Kastel's offerings reflect its geographic location, representing both the Adriatic Sea and the continental plains with delicious detail.

Nestled in a verdant dale in Tuškanac Park, a 15-minute walk from the center, in a low-rise building that might be mistaken for a ranch-style house, this prestigious fish restaurant specializes in creative Mediterranean fare. The dining room is light and airy, with candlelit tables, a wooden floor, potted plants, and colorful abstract art. There's also an adjoining wine bar. In warm weather outdoor seating is available on a spacious leafy terrace, and a playground just outside invites children to scamper about while parents rest on benches. Reservations are recommended.

Located in a 13th-century palace that is a protected cultural landmark, this café will make you feel as if you were sitting in an art gallery or perhaps the living room of a wealthy art-collecting uncle. Just up the hill (first right) from the Stone Gate, it is a perfect place to take a load off after the steep climb into Gornji Grad before heading on to seeing the parliament, Museum of Broken Relationships, and St. Mark's Church. If you're lucky, the weather will be fine and you'll find a seat on the charming outside terrace, perched atop the passage leading down to the Stone Gate.

White walls and light wooden furniture set off cool decor like big glass jars of flour in this small airy space on the north end of Dolac Market. With a name meaning "fat" (pork lard, specifically), this café-bakery serves up delicious freshly baked pastries such as salenjaci (a type of Croatian sweet croissant) using traditional Croatian baking ingredients with a modern twist, as well as some sweet and salty light brunch options and acclaimed Cogito-brand coffee. Single portions are small and made to mix and match, so come early for the best choices: the no-reservations policy means first come, first served and goods can sell out quickly. The café is the creation of pastry master Petra Jelenić, chef Tvrtko Šakota, and Cogito Coffee founder Matija Powlison Belković.

Founded in 1977 by the Vincek family, this sweets shop regularly draws crowds lining up out the door and down Ilica Street. Dozens of ice cream flavors and sundaes are available, along with delicious cakes and desserts to be savored at the limited indoor tables in the slightly dark interior or, more often (tables fill up), taken out. Including Vis à Vis by Vincek, a spin-off offering the same quality but fully gluten-free, Vincek has eight locations in and around Zagreb. Those outside the city are less crowded and offer better sit-down experiences.

For a cake and coffee experience that the French namesake of this cute little café would be proud of, pop into Amélie just down the hill from the Zagreb Cathedral. The wooden tables and cozy white interior give the place a charming, even slightly rustic feel, and the surprisingly varied selection of delectable cakes and pies will release all your caloric inhibitions. This gem among Zagreb watering holes offers sweets you won't find anywhere else, including an abundance of ice cream options.

Carnivores, pescatarians, and vegetarians seeking tasty modern fare that draws from a range of cuisines will all find something to delight at this stylishly decorated restaurant in a peaceful courtyard tucked away from the buzzing city center. Enjoy eating outside during the summer, and remember to leave room for something from the small-but-very-sweet dessert menu. The wine list includes vintages from a number of regions in Croatia. 

Though it's conveniently nestled behind the Zagreb Cathedral, you'll still be able to smell the aromas of fresh-baked bread and warm pastries at this bakery from down the street. Pop in to see what's on the menu for the day, and then grab a seat on the outdoor terrace—there are heaters during the winter—and people-watch.

With an extensive selection of cookies, cupcakes, brownies, and cakes, this bakery and café with indoor and outdoor seating offers desserts both European-style and of the North American variety. Full-size cakes are available for sale and custom creations can be ordered as well, in case you're in town celebrating.

If you need a dose of sugar to perk you up, try some authentic Samobor kremšnita, which can be tasted at its best at this otherwise small and smoky café with a large outdoor patio. It's one of the original spots in town to make the traditional dessert.