Osijek Restaurants and Dining

(Osijek, Slavonia, Croatia)

Osijek really comes into its own in the food stakes and you can have some fantastic local Slavonian cuisine here. Dining out at restaurants in Osijek is way cheaper than you would expect to pay in the likes of Zagreb (the capital), or Split (on the coast).

Traditional Croatian cuisine can be enjoyed in eateries in both the Upper Town and the Lower Town, and many of these restaurants are family style with culinary dining influences from all over the eastern Croat and Hungary region. There are also numerous cafés (kavanas) in the city, particularly so in the main square of Trg Svetog Trojstva, along the Osijek Riverwalk and around the Stjepana Radica. However, it should be noted than many local eateries choose to close on Sundays.

What to Eat, and Where

This region of Croatia is big into game owing to the agriculture prowess of Slavonia. Although the local food errs on the side of spicy, there are many specialities to try out. Sausages, ham and bacon are all locally produced and the paprika-flavoured sausage, known as 'kulen', is a must if you can stomach it.

Venison and fish are especially sought after, such as fish stew with paprika (riblji paprikas). You will find these dishes at restaurants virtually everywhere in central Osijek, although the family dining establishments in the Tvrda fortress area are the best bet. Portions are typically large at these types of places and prices low.

There are lots of cafés and bakeries in the city, where fresh bread (burek) and cakes can be purchased. Osijek is also loaded up with pizzeria restaurants - look to Winter Port at the marina (on the Drava River) and to the upper coast. The fortress is also good for market food in the summer, at the open-air market on the way to the railway station.

For dining and drinking, the Tvrda can't be beaten, since there are a large number of cafés and restaurants based here, along with bars and nightclubs. For Osijek beer, Esseker and Osjecko are the de facto Croatian brands, while local Baranja is worth looking out for.