The 9 Hottest New Dining Spots in Zagreb

With a name as playful as its menu, Fidel Gastro is a fusion hotspot that brings a vibrant mix of international (mostly Latin-inspired) flavors and live jazz. Nestled in the relatively quiet Trešnjevka neighborhood, this spot combines industrial and natural decor to complement its hearty menu. Enjoy dishes like Nikkei beef steak with yuzu-soy chimichurri, adobo, and ponzu sauce, or pork medallions marinated in mojo. The menu also features homemade pastas, risottos, and seafood options.

Wine has a rich history in Croatia, and its reputation is on the rise. To explore some of the country's finest offerings, visit Pupitres Bar, curated by sommelier Jelena Šimić Valentić. The bar features an extensive selection of Croatian and international wines, paired with prosciutto, cheese, and other delectable small plates. Valentić, who founded Pupitres with a wine school three years ago, provides expert guidance to enhance your tasting experience.

For those who crave a touch of nature with their drinks, Botaničar, meaning ‘botanist,’ offers a relaxed atmosphere. Located next to Zagreb’s botanical gardens, the bar's rustic decor and upcycled materials create a natural ambiance. Enjoy the Black Elixir cocktail made with activated charcoal, local craft beers like Plavuša, lesser-known Croatian wines, and honey liqueurs. Botaničar also serves coffee and tea during the day and hosts live music and literary events regularly.

Duck Fast Bistro is a notable addition to Zagreb’s dining scene, offering inventive and high-quality cuisine with a relaxed ambiance. The restaurant sources its fresh ingredients daily from Dolac market. The frequently updated menu has featured dishes like mussels ragout, salad with taleggio cheese and cherry tomatoes, and tuna steak with roasted vegetables. The wine list showcases Croatian selections from renowned producers such as Bibich, Petrač, and Krauthaker. The cozy space includes high-top tables and bar stools by the window, perfect for casual dining at lunch or dinner.

Time Pastry Shop has become a standout in Zagreb’s thriving pastry scene. This joint effort between Time Restaurant & Bar and pastry chef Robert Hromalić, trained in Paris, brings refined, seasonal desserts to the city. The dessert offerings rotate every few weeks, featuring items like a Madagascar vanilla tart, lemon confit cheesecake, and a Kirsch cherry delight. It's a must-visit for those who crave sophisticated desserts with a touch of French elegance in Zagreb’s local culture.

Launched as a sister venue to the renowned Baltazar, B35 represents 35 years of culinary expertise. After its 2017 opening, the restaurant relaunched with Chef Dario Bionda, showcasing Mediterranean-inspired cuisine made with fresh produce from their own garden. Signature dishes include Adriatic scampi paired with foie gras and burrata. Sommelier Mario Meštrović carefully selects wines to complement the meals, while the elegant dining room features black walls, white linens, and vibrant seating.

This compact restaurant brings street food to the fine dining scene, attracting fans of both burgers and bubbly. The menu ranges from the classic cheeseburger to the Hvar, named after the Croatian island, featuring fig-onion spread, caramelized onions, and gorgonzola. Collaborations with Time Restaurant & Bar add options like ramen and sweet fritule. Drinks aren’t just Champagne—cocktails and craft beers are also available. A fully enclosed terrace will open in spring, with an outdoor patio ready for warmer weather.

In Zagreb, it’s often difficult for vegans, vegetarians, and meat-lovers to dine together, but Veganšpek bridges that gap. Founded by Karolina Blažeković, known from the cooking show Three, Two, One - Cook!, it offers both à la carte options and a fixed daily menu. Dishes include brown rice, seitan, octopus goulash, and even steak. The desserts, mostly gluten-free, prioritize healthier ingredients. Drinks include well-crafted cocktails and a range of milk alternatives for coffee.

Noel is one of Zagreb’s top fine dining spots, led by chef Goran Kočiš, offering a modern twist on Croatian cuisine. The menu changes often, featuring creative dishes like smoked trout with orange, cold pear soup with bleu cheese, and black Slavonian pig. Sommelier Ivan Jug, winner of the 2012 Continental Croatia Sommelier Championship, expertly selects Croatian and international wines. The sleek, gray-toned dining room with plush seating adds to the elegant ambiance. Special dinners, including a recent event with a perfume expert, are a regular highlight.