What To Eat In Zagreb – 14 Dishes To Help You Eat Like A Local

If you’re planning to visit Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, and are asking yourself “What to eat in Zagreb?” then look no further! This guide covers all of Zagreb’s culinary delights brought to you by a local.

Zagreb’s culinary culture has been rooted in the Croatian passion for large, elaborate lunches that are heavily based around grilled and roast-meat dishes. The city and its surroundings are renowned for their centuries-old cuisine, many of which has been influenced by neighboring countries and former ruling empires. You can expect to see rustic stews, succulent meats, homemade pasta, and sweet dumplings on menus all over the city.

No matter what you’re in the mood for, there is something to eat in Zagreb that’ll please everyone. Explore Croatia’s capital and see why it has become a favorite spot for foodies the world over! After spending some time in in this beautiful city we don’t think you’ll ever ask “What to eat in Zagreb?” ever again.

*Please note that this article contains some affiliate links. This means that we may receive a small commission for some of our recommendations at absolutely no additional costs to you.

What kind of food to expect from Zagreb

Zagreb’s unique cuisine has been influenced by its neighboring countries such as Austria, Hungary, Italy, and even Turkey. These influences have come together to form a diverse selection of dishes that reflect the culture and traditions of the country.

From hearty stews like grah (bean stew with sausages) to Zagreb’s own version of the traditional Cordon Bleu, Croatia’s capital offers a variety of soulful dishes.

Typical Croatian meat dish

For meat lovers, Zagreb is an exciting destination. Pork and beef are common features of the city’s entrees, but what truly sets them apart from the typical fare in other countries with similar cuisine is the accompaniment of locally grown produce like cucumbers, tomatoes, and shredded cabbage that’s simply  seasoned with oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.

The simplicity of peasant cuisine is showcased in dishes such as krpice (homemade pasta) and žganci (polenta) prepared with onions and bacon. Wild mushrooms also have an important role to play in Zagreb’s cuisine, and can be found in the dense forests that surround the capital. The much sought-after porcini mushroom, known for its brown cap and thick stem, takes center stage among all varieties here.



Other common dishes you’ll certainly come across while visiting Zagreb are hearty soup dishes based on beans and vegetables. While the ingredients of these savory stews change based on the season, they remain a comfort food that is enjoyed by locals all year round.

Here’s a look at some of the top, must-eat foods you have to try when visiting Zagreb!

What to Eat in Zagreb

When you visit Zagreb for the first time, there are two areas in particular that house a number of excellent local restaurants: the Lower Town and Upper Town. This is something to keep that in mind when deciding where to stay in Zagreb because if you’re a food lover, you’ll want to be footsteps away from the best places to eat in Zagreb!

The great thing about experiencing the food scene is that you can venture out on your own, or sign up for a popular food tour. These small intimate tours will fill your bellies and allow you to see some of Zagreb’s highlights and learn about its history.

Now that you know where to find the best food in Zagreb, let’s look at what you should order!

Cured meats

Think of this delicious appetizer as a Croatian charcuterie board. Cured meats, especially homemade ones, are quite common to serve at gatherings across the country and in eateries before lunch or dinner. These platters typically feature an assortment of homemade cheese and cured meat such as prosciutto or salami.

Pickles, olives, sun dried tomatoes and tiny stuffed peppers filled with cheese are often served alongside the meats and cheeses. Of course, no Croatian starter plate is complete without some freshly baked bread!

Cured meat platter

Štrukli

The renowned specialty of Zagreb, štrukli is a delight for the senses. This doughy pastry dish (similar to lasagne) is filled with a mixture of farm-fresh cow’s cheese, cream, and eggs – a delicacy native to the Zagorje region that has since spread all over the capital! Štrukli can be enjoyed in any way you please: boiled or baked for an indulgent savory snack with a sprinkle of salt. Alternatively, they can be served sweet with a sprinkling of sugar, or even topped with fruit such as plums, apples, or blueberries.

Strukli

Purica s mlincima

Savory roast turkey with homemade mlinci pasta is a Zagreb delicacy that remains popular throughout the year. While the dish is traditionally made with turkey, it is not uncommon to substitute it with other types of poultry, such as duck or chicken. The meat is marinated in a melody of Mediterranean seasonings like garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper and then slow-roasted in the oven for hours. The mlinci are prepared by immersing the dried flatbread-like sheets into boiling salted water until softened. They are then added to the same pan as the bird where they soak up all of the delicious cooking juices.

Zagrebački odrezak

Zagrebački odrezak has been a staple dish in Zagreb for years. It is similar to the Cordon Bleu and the Wiener Schnitzel, but named after the Croatian capital. This delectable entree is prepared by taking a thin slice of veal and stuffing it with ham and cheese. It is then rolled up into a bundle before being coated in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs, then fried until it reaches golden perfection. Zagrebački odrezak is most commonly served with a heaping side of braised potatoes and a lemon wedge. For the perfect combination of flavors be sure to order one of Zagreb’s seasonal salads too!

Zagrebacki Odrezak

Grah

One of Zagreb’s widely recognized dishes is grah, or bean soup. Although typically a winter dish, this hearty stew is enjoyed all year round! The star of the soup is kidney beans, accompanied by smoked bacon, ham hock, sausages, and carrots, making it a filling and flavorful meal.

Čušpajz

A nutritious lunchtime option, ćušpajz is popular amongst locals and can be enjoyed in a range of flavors. This simple soup-like dish combines wholesome ingredients like kale, potatoes, beans, and carrots – sometimes with the addition of sausage or beef. It makes a great lunch alternative to a typical sandwich and provides a light and tasty midday fare.

Sir i vrhnje

A beloved snack among locals, sir i vrhnje is a humble dish that consists of mixing together fresh, locally made cheese and sour cream. Zagrebians like to mix in garlic and sprinkle paprika on top before dipping fresh bread in it. Pair this with a plate of Croatian cold cuts and you have yourself a fantastic afternoon snack!

Krpice

Generations of Croatians have grown up eating krpice. It’s a simple and tasty homemade pasta dish stemming from the rustic German recipe for krautfleckerl. This comforting combination of fried cabbage, bacon and noodles can be found in many traditional restaurants across Zagreb – bringing back childhood memories for local residents throughout the city.

Sausages

Zagreb’s cuisine would not be complete without sausages; they can be boiled or baked, and usually come accompanied by braised potatoes sprinkled in paprika and a large spoonful of pickled cabbage on the side.

Sausages and cabbage

Sarma

Stuffed cabbage is a comforting, old-fashioned recipe that has many variations. Croatians like to mix pork and beef with rice and stuff the mixture into pickled cabbage leaves. The rolls are then added to a pot and boiled until fully cooked through. Many cultures like to add tomato sauce to the pot, but in Croatia, a roux is often made by cooking flour and fat to create a thick sauce. Once complete, sarma is served with creamy mashed potatoes.

Stuffed peppers

This is the summer version of stuffed cabbage! The recipes are very similar, but stuffed peppers are an all-time favorite among locals in the summertime when sweet peppers are abundant.

Stuffed pepper

Kremšnita

The kremšnita is a delightful layered cream cake made with a base of puff pastry and vanilla custard filling. While the dessert originally came about during Zagreb’s Austro-Hungarian times, it remains a popular sweet treat among locals today.

Kremsnita

Apple strudel

Apple strudel, originally from Austria, has found a loving home in Croatia. You can enjoy this sweet treat in many homes and bakeries throughout the country! Think flaky, buttery crust stuffed with a sweet apple filling and topped with powdered sugar.

Knedle sa šljivama

Knedle sa šljivama, or plum dumplings, are a sweet treat found on many menus throughout Croatia’s capital city. This traditional dessert consists of soft dumplings filled with plums, cinnamon and sugar. The dumplings are boiled and topped with sugar and breadcrumbs just before serving.

What to Drink in Zagreb

Locals are huge coffee drinkers. Every single day the city’s sidewalk cafes are packed with loyal coffee drinkers sipping on freshly brewed espressos. For a long time, Turkish coffee was widely consumed (and still is in family homes). Throughout the city, though, you’re more likely to find Italian-style coffees that are made with espresso like the classic macchiato.

Don’t be surprised if you ask for water in Croatia and the server brings you a glass bottle of water. Serving tap water in Croatia is not as common practice as it is in some western countries. So if you do order water with your meal, be prepared to see it on your bill.

In addition to coffee, wine is a staple beverage in Croatian culture. Wine is always on the table, and when it runs out, there are plenty of bottles waiting to be opened. Zagreb is one of the few capitals of the world that’s lucky enough to be surrounded by winemaking regions that produce some of Croatia’s finest premium wines.

Other Popular Things To Do In Zagreb

While this article is all about the food in Zagreb, there’s a lot more to do in Croatia’s largest city.

Walking Tour Of Zagreb

The best thing for a full belly is a nap, and the second best thing is a nice walk. Walking tours are a great way to see a city and learn about their hidden gems. A lot of these tours are run by locals and are personalized to fit the usually small groups. This allows for a lot of time for questions and you’ll get to see most of the highlights of the city.

Day Trip To Ljubljana and Bled

A day trip to Ljubljana and Bled will take guests to two of Slovenia’s most popular places. Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia and Bled is situated up in the Julian Alps. While in Ljubljana make sure you take the time to fully appreciate the Baroque, Art Nouveau and architectural masterpieces that can be found throughout the city. In Bled take a tour of Bled Castle which will allow you to take in the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Hop On Hop Off Buses

Another option for seeing a city is the Hop On, Hop Off bus tour that are popular the world over. Most of these tours offer unlimited rides for a day or two, tour guides fluent in many languages, and have a set route so you can explore the landmarks around the city then hop on to go to the next one.

Truffle Hunting

One of the most expensive food items the world over is the elusive truffle. They’re expensive because they grow underground, are scarce, have short shelf life, and need trained dogs to sniff them out. With a guided truffle hunt guests are taken to the Istrian forests with a trained dog. Lunch, snacks and wine are usually included in these tours.

Conclusion

When visiting Zagreb, Croatia, you will find a wide variety of delicious traditional dishes and drinks. From hearty stews and pastas to smoked meats to sweet desserts, there is something for everyone in Zagreb.

These are just some of the wonderful tastes that await you in Zagreb. So come explore for yourself and enjoy the flavors of this vibrant capital city! As they say in Croatian: Dobar tek!

Huge thanks to Olivia from Inspired By Crotia for this guest post. Olivia moved to Zagreb from America in 2014 for a study abroad program and never looked back. She has lived in Croatia ever since and now helps  people plan epic vacations to the country she calls home. She created her website to share itineraries, local tips and exclusive insights for discovering Croatia off the beaten path.