Enjoy Dalmatia's most authentic food at the best restaurants in Zadar. Eat like a local by sampling some of the region's best local, mediterranean dishes in unique locations and experiencing true Zadar culture.
Are you looking for the best restaurants in Zadar? We can help!
Are you one of those tourists who wants to eat like the locals and is always looking for authentic food and cultural experiences? The Zadar region is blessed with numerous local delicacies that represent a unique blend of sea and continental cuisine with other Mediterranean influences.
Pag cheese, lamb, anchovies, tuna, olive oil, local wines and Pršut, the traditional Dalmatian ham, are just some of the best products that you must taste during your vacation in Zadar. Enjoy the most authentic dishes of Dalmatia in the best restaurants in Zadar. Some of our selected restaurants can also be found in the list of the French restaurant guide Gault Millau.
Foša – Restaurant nearby the City Walls
Set in the most authentic venue in the close vicinity of the XVI century town walls, Foša restaurant is undoubtedly the first Gault Millau Zadar restaurant to visit. Selected in the famous French restaurant guide in 2019., the restaurant prides itself on the perfect match of tradition and modern, both in architecture and gastronomy.
The chef's philosophy to creatively combine traditional Dalmatian recipes and contemporary cuisine results in food made from fresh seasonal ingredients. Besides traditional seafood dishes with Adriatic squid, tuna, or octopus, you will find local prosciutto and cheese on the menu.
Kaštel - Restaurant in the Bastion Hotel
Not only selected by Gault & Millau Croatia guide but also awarded with one Michelin star in 2019, Kaštel restaurant in Zadar is inevitable on Gault Millau Zadar restaurants list. Kaštel restaurant is part of the Bastion Hotel set in the preserved remains of the 13th-century fortress.
The restaurants card showcases the true identity of Dalmatian culture and life, resulting in exceptional food and wine pairings, both continental and seafood. Kaštel's philosophy is best described with a word from its chef Ivan Turković: “Understanding the environment and identity of Dalmatian way of life is hidden behind every dish. My gourmet philosophy is inspired by traditional Mediterranean cuisine."
Niko - A legend in Town
Almost a legend in the city, Niko Gault Millau Zadar restaurant was selected in the famous French restaurant guide in 2019. Run by the Pavin family for more than 50 years, it certainly stands for tradition - an essential cultural value in Dalmatia. Expect only fresh and best from the Adriatic Sea: scampi, squid, seabass, and other white fish. The owners pride themselves on giving their guests home-like food and atmosphere. The restaurant owner will even treat you with traditional acapella songs performed by his male vocal choir Klapa Niko.
Tinel - "The Dining Room"
It is best to describe Tinel restaurant in the city as your home away from home. The word describing the central place for gathering and enjoying food in one’s home is not only a colloquialism in Croatia’s coastal regions but also a reflection of the family-centred life values of the locals. It’s all about good food and good company in Croatia.
A home-like experience, Tinel restaurant is both for continental and seafood lovers set in the heart of Zadar’s old town core. The rich menu is completed with a selection of regional wines and olive oil from local producers.
Mamma Mia - Italian Cuisine in Zadar
Mamma Mia restaurant deserves its place on our list of the best restaurants in Zadar. It is a warm and cozy place and offers its guests mainly the delicious Italian cuisine. In the summertime you can also enjoy your lunch or dinner here on the large terrace.
The food of this restaurant is prepared exclusively with fresh ingredients, which are free of additives and preservatives. Here the pasta is a very good decision. In addition to the pasta, there are also many different pizzas and some meat specialties on the menu. Of course there is also a good selection for vegetarians. The restaurant is open every day and very popular to the locals too.
Pet Bunara - The Restaurant by the Five Wells
The Pet Bunara restaurant has a great location in the old town of Zadar. It is right across from the Five Wells Square. So you have a great view of one of the most famous sights in Zadar during your meal. The dishes on the menu are prepared exclusively from natural organic products.
The ambience also indicates a connection to nature. The furniture is made of warm woods and stone. Here you can eat great dishes from seafood, juicy meat and lots of vegetables. It is also worth emphasizing that the restaurant's menu offers a wide selection, not only of Croatian wines. You can also sweeten the end of your meal here with a good dessert.
Bruschetta - The Flavors of Dalmatia
Restaurant Bruschetta has to be on our list of best restaurants in Zadar. It's a must visit thanks to the great menu and great location. It is located in the old town near the Riviera. The interior is very inviting, elegant and very warm thanks to the light wood.
In the warm summer months, the cozy terrace is also open, where you can relax and enjoy your meal while watching the passers-by. Here you can taste a variety of bruschetta as a starter. There is also a very good selection of salads, pasta dishes and risottos with seafood and meat. The restaurant is open every day except Mondays.
Groppo – The Restaurant in the Heart of Zadar
Just opposite the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia you will find the delightful Groppo restaurant. Since you can also taste the flavors of Dalmatia and the region here, the restaurant must be included in our list of the best restaurants in Zadar.
Succulent meats, delicious seafood and fish appetizers, you can try them all. Here, too, there are some juicy meat dishes, pasta, but also very delicious gnocchi. A special and frequently used ingredient in this restaurant is Pag cottage cheese. A large selection of regional wines is also available. Also you can sweeten your meal with a dessert.
Restaurant Kornat - Restaurant overlooking the Sea, Sunsets and huge Ships
Restaurant Kornat definitely needs to be included in our list of the best restaurants in Zadar. This restaurant deserves its place on this list simply because of its location. Here you can enjoy your dinner with a unique view of the Adriatic Sea and breathtaking ships, as well as the wonderful sunset.
Also here you will find the typical Dalmatian dishes of the region on the menu. There is something for everyone: seafood dishes, pasta, risotto and more. Great care is taken to serve everything beautifully here.
Butler Gourmet & Cocktails Garden
The Butler Gourmet & Cocktails Garden restaurant is located directly on the marina. The large terrace overlooking the sea invites you to spend relaxing evenings. On this menu you will find traditional Croatian dishes in a modern form. You will also find many meat specialties, seafood dishes and various burgers here. The freshly prepared cocktails are also highly recommended. People often gather here for some cool cocktails before hitting the Zadar night scene.
4 Kantuna – The four Corners of Zadar
Right in the old town, just before the legendary Kalelarga street, there is a charming restaurant 4 Kantuna "the four corners of Zadar". The restaurant was recently renovated and enchants with its cozy atmosphere. Here you can taste unique Dalmatian dishes of the region. The menu offers meat specialities, lots of fish and also pasta dishes. It definitely deserves its place on our list and is worth visiting.
Harbor Cook House & Club
The Harbor Cook House & Club has been offering great dining experiences to its guests for a number of years. It is located directly in the marina of Zadar and therefore offers a beautiful view at the same time. The card shines with great seafood plates and fresh salads. Although the emphasis is on fresh salads and seafood dishes, you can also try good meat plates here. There is also live music from time to time. Then the evenings are particularly atmospheric.
With this we end our blog of the best restaurants in Zadar. We hope you will manage to visit as many of these restaurants as possible and enjoy unique evenings full of Dalmatian, local Mediterranean cuisine. You will definitely not regret it!
We always strive to offer you the absolute best options during your vacation in Dalmatia and Zadar region. That is why we also offer the best accommodation options. So be sure to check out our assortment of the most beautiful villas in Zadar. If you have any other questions, Adriatic Luxury Villas is always at your disposal!
