Places you’ll love if you’re a foodie in Zadar

Wine and dine yourselves silly in Croatia’s Zadar. A foodie’s paradise, the city on the Dalmatian coast delivers you history on a plate in its many eateries scattered throughout the winding streets. Taste the ocean in top notch restaurants and enjoy all that the Croatian culinary scene has to offer with seven of the best restaurants in Zadar. 

A stone’s throw from the Five Wells Square, Pet Bunara specialises in slow food, bringing the garden to the kitchen. You can be guaranteed that whatever you order in this place has been plucked straight from the ground as they only use organically sourced products to create the ultimate seasonal menu. The natural ethos is reflected in the interiors with warm woods, stone and wrought iron accents. Wash down a stellar meal with an eclectic selection of wines from all over the world. Fine dining at its best, it’s easy to see why this place is one of the most popular restaurants in Zadar. 

Famed for its terrace, this next place takes dinner with a view to a new level. Watch the sun set over Maestral Bay in this cosy café and spend the evening tucking into quality fresh fish and meat dishes. Just a 15 minute walk from the city centre, Lungo Mare is fitted in modern interiors that contrast with the traditional uniforms of the friendly wait staff. Try something different and opt for a pork fillet stuffed with scampi or the house fish plate. Whatever you choose, you’re guaranteed a night of good food and great atmosphere. 

Taste the flavours of the region, in the heart of the city at Restaurant Groppo. Open daily for lunch and dinner, the space is decked out in neutral light brown tones and sleek furnishings creating a modern, relaxed atmosphere. Family-friendly, indulge in homemade gnocchi, Maraska cherries and regional wine while the little ones tuck into the great selection of children’s meals on offer. Perfect for all occasions, the food at this place is so good you’ll be coming back for more in no time!

Potentially the best restaurant in town, Kornat understands that balance is key. Located next to the ferry port, the restaurant strikes the perfect medium between fine dining and a casual eatery with its cloakroom and sophisticated Croatian wine list set in a comfortable relaxed dining atmosphere. A cosy space with 20 tables, the restaurant is bright and breezy with helpful, welcoming staff. Priding itself on using specialty ingredients some of the standout dishes here include black risotto, angler fish and their signature chocolate cake. 

Open morning, noon and night, the bistro is nestled inside the four star Art Hotel Kalelarga and is always an option no matter the time of day. Sip on cappuccinos and devour pastries from the onsite bakery in the morning and come back for seasonal seafood and mighty meat dishes in the evening. Settle into the contemporary, comfy interior and relax in the lap of luxury as you hatch plans for the rest of your trip. 

Dalmatia’s only vegan and raw food restaurant is located in the iconic The Garden Zadar and operates as a chain throughout the country. Featuring a bar and standard menu split into savoury and sweet dishes, the options at this place are endless. Snack on kale chips and banana crepes or tuck into a more filling meal of spring rolls and stuffed champignons. With everything prepared from organic, locally sourced ingredients you’ll leave feeling satisfied and fresh as the edible daisy that came tops your salad! 

Tucked away among the streets of the old city, this welcoming restaurant is on a mission to showcase the best of the Dalmatia and Mediterranean culinary scene. Decorated in neutral, warm tones and sleek interiors, Restaurant Bruschetta creates a relaxed atmosphere urging you to settle in for the night. On warmer evenings sit on the terrace and watch the world go by as you bite into bacon and truffle bruschetta and sip on local wines. With an expansive menu, you’ll be spoilt for choice, but according to regulars, the black risotto made from squid ink is a must-try.

Planning to eat your way through Zadar soon? Make sure you tag us in your photos of the best restaurants in Zadar, using the hashtag #ryanairstories, for the chance to be featured on our Instagram feed.

Flights to Zadar

- Lucy Norris