Zadar Restaurants and Dining

(Zadar, Northern Dalmatia, Croatia)

Zadar is good for eating out and has many cafés and restaurants. They go from cheap, family run places (konobas) that specialise in all sorts of local dishes, including stew and pizza, to establishments serving up continental cuisine and Italian dining. There are also expensive international-standard restaurants in the city should you fancy an evening of fine dining.

The peninsula, the centre of the newer part of Zadar, and the northern suburbs (especially Borik) have the best collections of restaurants and eateries in the city. Here you will find a good selection of eateries, both cheap and expensive, as well as bars and clubs.

What to Eat, and Where

Italian tastes play a huge part in everyday eating along coastal Croatia. Risotto (rice in broth with grated cheese) is very popular in Zadar and comes with white scampi or black calamari for those into seafood. Grilled, minced beef rolls (cevapi) are another favourite.

Visitors should also try out the local Dalmatian ham in Zadar, which is a real treat as it is super-fresh and tender. Vegetarians should look into trying the local cheeses, and there is one tasty one in particular that is produced on nearby Pag Island. You can also sample Croat wine and beer while dining at restaurants in Zadar.

The best of the dining scene in Zadar is based in Borik and the Old Town - specifically along the Riva. This long promenade fronts the Old Town and has parks and pavements, along with cafés, restaurants and bars. Prices are more expensive here than most other parts of the city, but you can't beat the setting.

The local konobas are good for Croatian and Italian foods, and simply for snacking, and can be found all over Zadar, while coffee shops and ice cream parlours are also ubiquitous. The local cherries-in-a-glass tipple is a must-do while on holiday here, featuring maraschino liqueur with marasca cherries.