Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia, a relaxed Central European city of about 770,000 people where Habsburg-era streets, a medieval hilltop Upper Town, and a lively cafe culture sit side by side. It is known for the Museum of Broken Relationships, the Dolac market, the Tkalčićeva street terraces, Mirogoj cemetery, and one of Europe's best-loved Advent festivals.
Zagreb cooking is continental Croatian: central European and Austro-Hungarian influences meet the Zagorje countryside. Strukli, the soft cheese pastry that is baked or boiled, is the signature, alongside turkey with mlinci, stuffed veal cutlet, sausages and creamy desserts. Dolac market supplies much of the produce. Dalmatian seafood konobas and a fast-growing Michelin-recognised scene (Noel and Dubravkin Put hold one star each in the 2026 guide) add range.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Zagreb.
Strukli
Zagorje cheese pastry, baked or boiled, savoury or sweet
Where to try: La Struk / Le Bistro Esplanade / Okrugljak
Price: EUR 6-16 (approx USD 7-18)
Purica s mlincima
Roast turkey with baked pasta tatters (mlinci)
Where to try: Vinodol / Stari Fijaker 900
Price: EUR 12-22 (approx USD 14-25)
Zagrebacki odrezak
Veal cutlet stuffed with ham and cheese, breaded
Where to try: Traditional restaurants in Gornji Grad
Price: EUR 12-22 (approx USD 14-25)
Cobanac
Spicy meat stew in paprika
Where to try: Kaptolska Klet / Kerempuh
Price: EUR 8-15 (approx USD 9-17)
Kremsnita
Custard and cream cake
Where to try: Cafes in Lower Town
Price: EUR 3-6 (approx USD 3-7)
Sir i vrhnje
Fresh cow's cheese and cream sold by Dolac farmers
Where to try: Dolac market (upper-level stalls)
Price: EUR 3-8 (approx USD 3-9)
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Croatian
Traditional Croatian
Zagorje
Bistro
Burgers
Steakhouse
Food tours & tastings in Zagreb
Eat your way through Zagreb with a guide.
Browse food experiences in ZagrebWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Burek
Flaky pastry with cheese or meat from bakeries across the centre
Find it at: Bakeries around Ban Jelacic Square
Fritule and krafne
Fried doughnuts sold at markets and stalls
Find it at: Dolac market and Advent stalls
Kobasice sausages
Grilled sausages at Dolac and festivals
Find it at: Dolac market
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Dolac Market
Zagreb's largest open-air market for produce, cheese, flowers and dried goods, with the covered fish and meat halls below
Hours: Mon-Sat 6AM-3PM, Sun 6AM-1PM (approximate)
Britanac Market
Neighbourhood market west of the centre with local produce
Hours: Mon-Sat mornings
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch is the main meal, roughly 12PM-3PM; the gablec set lunch is the best value
Book ahead for Noel and Dubravkin Put, weeks ahead in season
Tipping of around 10% is appreciated; a cover charge is not usual
Many restaurants close on Sunday, check before heading out
Cash and cards are both accepted; Croatia uses the euro
- Vegetarian
- Good choice in Zagreb with dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants and strukli with cheese
- Halal
- Limited; some Balkan grills and kebab places
- Gluten free
- Available in modern restaurants; ask for 'bez glutena'
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | EUR 8-15 per meal (approx USD 9-17) | Burek, pizza by the slice, strukli and set lunches |
| Mid-range | EUR 20-40 per meal (approx USD 23-46) | Traditional restaurants and bistros with local wine |
| Upscale | EUR 90+ per meal (approx USD 104+) | Michelin-starred tasting menus |