Rijeka Restaurants and Dining

(Rijeka, Primorje Gorski Kotar, Kvarner, Croatia)



Although Rijeka isn't exactly a gourmet's paradise, Opatija, just along the bay, is known for its culinary excellence and fine dining. Everyday diners will find a good number of eateries and restaurants in Rijeka, mostly centred in the Old Quarter and around the principal sites of interest.

For a look at local life in Rijeka, the working men's 'konobas' (dining spots) around the port and the municipal market are a good stop-off. Also within the city are the usual fast-food restaurants for lunch on the run. Do note that if you are dining on a Sunday, many of the restaurants in Rijeka close for the day, meaning that your choice is generally limited to simply hotels and fast-food offerings.


A selection of popular eateries is found along the Korzo promenade, but for a memorable meal, travelling is the only answer. A well-known upscale restaurant is located in the suburb Trsat, perched on the hillside with a good view of the city, but your best bet is to head for the atmospheric inns in the high country. For a serious splurge in a truly great restaurant, Opatija or the nearby Riviera towns of Lovran and Volosko are best.

What to Eat, and Where

Croatian dining, similar to that of neighbouring Italy, uses basically simple peasant recipes, easy to prepare and delicious to consume. The richness of Austro-Hungarian dishes, like goulash, has a strong influence, providing nourishing and warming meals in the cold winters.

In coastal cities such as Rijeka, seafood is a major dining ingredient at local restaurants and eateries, along with fresh produce from the surrounding countryside. This style of cooking has a Mediterranean slant, with olive oil an important staple, but the cuisine has its own distinct identity as regards the preparation of fish dishes. Grilling and roasting over different woods to conjure up strong flavours is a skill handed down for literally centuries.

'Gradelavanje', a fish specially cooked in olive oil, has a fantastic flavour and the humble sardine comes in many different guises, all delicious. The Austro-Hungarian culinary tradition is strongest here, with rich meat stews and stuffed cabbage appearing on almost every restaurant menu in Rijeka.

A dining speciality here is the local cheese, with various types on offer throughout Rijeka. 'Svjesi sir', a thick white cheese, is especially tasty, and 'paski sir' from Pag Island is one of the most famous. Cheese is also used as an ingredient in many restaurant dishes.