43 Popular Foods To Eat in Croatia in 2026

WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR FOODS TO TRY IN CROATIA?

I love to eat and since living in Croatia I have eaten a lot! In this guide, I have listed the most popular foods to try in Croatia. 

You will want to taste the best traditional food in Croatia, the tastiest Croatian street food, and of course, you can’t miss Croatian desserts and sweets! By the time I finish writing this article, I’ll be sooooo hungry!! 😋

Towards the end of the guide, I share my tips for eating out in Croatia and some great recommendations for Food Tours in Croatia. 

Are you hungry to find out about Croatia food….

What kind of food do people eat in Croatia?

People enjoy a variety of traditional dishes in Croatia that reflect the country’s diverse culinary heritage. Each region has its specialities. The cuisine is based on local and seasonal ingredients. 

Some popular foods include seafood dishes such as grilled fish and black risotto, hearty stews like pasticada and rich soups including jota, as well as grilled meats like cevapi (sausage) and pljeskavica (burger). 

Croatians also take pride in their wine and olive oil production, so make sure you sample local varieties during your visit.

Is the food in Croatia good?

The food in Croatia is delicious and diverse. Croatian cuisine is bursting with flavour. Locally sourced ingredients, traditional recipes, and a genuine passion for cooking and sharing food with others result in heavenly culinary experiences.  

Whether you are dining at a family-run konoba (tavern), or a fine dining restaurant, you can expect high-quality ingredients and warm hospitality. 

Whenever you have the opportunity, try fresh tomatoes and figs. Trust me, they will be the best you’ve ever eaten!

So yes, the food in Croatia is definitely good, and you’re in for a treat!

Popular Foods in Croatia: Savoury Dishes

Here is a list of some of the most popular savoury foods to eat in Croatia (in no particular order). Some of these Croatian dishes are available throughout the country, others are more regional.

1. Crni rizot (black risotto)

Don’t let the striking colour fool you; Black Risotto is a seafood lover’s dream! 

Known as crni rizot in Croatian, this dish boasts a rich flavour profile thanks to squid ink-infused rice (which turns it black), complemented by onions, garlic, wine, and a blend of herbs and seasonings. 

Packed with cuttlefish and squid, it’s a must-try for those craving a taste of the sea. 

2. Pašticada

Pašticada is a cherished celebration dish in Croatian households, with each family having their special recipe. 

Typically prepared with marinated beef roasted with vegetables and bacon, it’s then simmered in a rich sauce from roasted vegetables, garlic, red wine, and prunes. 

A delicious Dalmatian speciality, pašticada is traditionally served with homemade gnocchi. 

3. Salata od hobotnice (octopus salad) 

A beloved starter along the coast, octopus salad is a refreshing and popular food in Coastal Croatia. Made with chopped octopus, tomatoes, onions, and capers, then drizzled with olive oil and red wine vinegar.

It can be as rustic or sophisticated as the restaurant you choose. It is a popular dish in Croatia so you will find it on many menus, especially in Dalmatia. 

4. Gregada

A simple and delicious fish stew from Hvar island. You’ll find it on all the restaurant menus there. You may also find Gregada in other Dalmatian locations.

Traditionally white rockfish such as grouper is used to make Gregada. However, any firm fresh white fish will work.

Added to the pot are sliced potatoes, onions, garlic, celery, parsley and a good glug of white wine. More modern recipes also include capers.

5. Peka

A culinary masterpiece, and a forerunner for Croatia’s national dish, Peka involves slow-cooking meat or seafood with potatoes and vegetables under a metal dome “bell” over a fire.

Typically featuring lamb or veal for meat lovers and octopus for seafood enthusiasts, the result is tender, flavourful meat and soft, aromatic potatoes.

As this dish requires several hours of preparation, it’s essential to arrange in advance when dining out. Restaurants often charge by the kilo, so bring your appetite or ask to take it away if you don’t manage to eat it all!

What is Croatian Peka?
Peka is both the name of the food and the metal dome or ‘bell’ shaped lid that sits on top of the pot containing all the ingredients. Peka is made from cuts of meat suited for simmering and can include veal, lamb or chicken. You can also use octopus. The meat or octopus is combined with vegetables, typically carrots onions, and potatoes. The dish is seasoned with local herbs and wine may be added.

Separately embers are prepared in a stone BBQ/grill – a feature of every Croatian household. The dish is then placed in the grill and the embers are piled around the pot and lid. The dish will cook slowly for 2-3 hours, as the steam rises and then falls back softening the meat and potatoes, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth eating experience.

One of the best things you can eat in Croatia is Peka. We don’t prepare it at home, so it’s one of the dishes we frequently go out to eat and I highly recommend you try it too!

6. Truffles

Croatia is one of the select countries in the world that produces its own truffles. 

Both black and white truffles can be found particularly around the Motovun forest along the Mirna river in Istria. 

Truffles feature as a common ingredient in Istrian menus. It is especially delicious when grated over freshly cooked pasta, the local type being Istrian fuži. 

If you are a fan of truffles, I recommend joining a local forager on a tour and hunting some out!

7. Sarma

Another forerunner to be crowned Croatia’s national dish, Sarma is one of those heartwarming dishes that’s even tastier the day after it is cooked! 

What is Croatian Sarma? 

Sarma is stuffed pickled cabbage rolls filled with a mixture of rice and minced meat. It is mixed with egg and flavoured with paprika.

The flavour can be enriched by cooking the sarma with smoked cured bacon.  

Sarma is lovely and filling. Every Croatian Grandma has their own delicious version.

8. Brudet

Brudet is a popular food in Croatia. It is a type of fish stew typically found in the coastal regions of Dalmatia, Istria and Kvarner. 

Its authenticity is in its simplicity. It is usually prepared in a single pot combining a variety of fish and other types of seafood, accompanied by a lot of garlic, tomatoes, onion, vinegar and parsley. 

It is most typically served with polenta and toasted bread to wipe up the last drips of sauce! 

9. Istrian Jota (Yota) 

A stew made of beans, potatoes, bacon, spare ribs, sauerkraut and turnips and flavoured with garlic and olive oil.  

It is popular in the region of Istria and has a rich, hearty flavour. It’s one of those comforting dishes that requires honest and inexpensive ingredients.

Some people consider Jota to be Croatia’s national dish. 

10. Janjetina na ražnju (Lamb on a spit) 

This does not need much description but is an exceptional treat for lamb lovers. 

Lamb on a spit is a traditional dish in Croatia, particularly in the rural areas. The whole lamb is cooked for several hours in a purpose-built stone oven, filled with burning embers. 

The result is a real treat for the pallet; the tastiest, the softest, the juiciest lamb (of course washed down with a full-bodied local red). You will not be disappointed!

It is usually served with potatoes and salad.

11. Kulen Sausage

A flavoured sausage made by hand, kulen is a popular food item in Croatia, particularly in the Slavonia region. It is usually served as an appetiser, although I also use it as a replacement for chorizo when cooking at home. 

It is made from minced pork, seasoned with paprika (which also gives its colour) and garlic, and smoked for several weeks before being air dried. The process for high quality kulen can take a year.

Unlike a lot of Croatian food, kulen is a little spicy. It’s very tasty! 

12. Punjene paprike (Stuffed Peppers)

This is a popular food in Croatia, that you will regularly see on marenda menus at restaurants. 

Peppers (capsicums) are well stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, rice, and herbs, and then baked in the oven. The peppers used are called the Bianca or Barbura variety. They are a light green – ivory colour and not as thick skinned as the bell peppers I was familiar with growing up in the UK. 

The stuffed peppers are cooked in a light tomato sauce and usually served with mashed potato. 

What is marenda in Croatia? 

Loosely described, marenda is ‘brunch’ in Croatia. It became a cultural mealtime to feed the workers who would be up and out working from early morning. 

You can find marenda at traditional restaurants in Croatia, those that serve a local crowd. Marenda can start as early as 09:30, and would traditionally be finished by 11:30. However, marenda is now offered into the afternoon. 

Typically there is just one marenda dish on offer, something that’s hearty, low cost, can easily be produced in scale and be eaten with minimal effort. Popular marenda dishes include stuffed peppers, breaded meats, boiled meats, tripe and bean stew. 

Keep your eye out for restaurants offering marenda and then give it a try. 

13. Fiš paprikaš (Fisherman’s soup): 

A spicy fish stew made with a minimum of 2 different types of fish (usually freshwater fish), onions and garlic. The key ingredients which give the dish its colour and spicy flavour are sweet paprika and chillies. 

Fisherman’s soup is a popular dish in the regions of Slavonia and Baranja.

14. Zagorski štrukli: 

A type of strukli from the Zagorje and Zagreb regions in the north of the country, Zagorski štrukl is filled with cottage cheese and sour cream, then baked in the oven or boiled.

The dough is first rolled out very thin before the filling is added. The pastry is then rolled up and cut into pieces before being baked or boiled. 

15. Pogača and pogačice

Pogača is a type of bread. The best way I can think to explain it is as airy or fluffy bread! It can either be filled or have ingredients such as cheese and herbs sprinkled on the top – almost like a pizza.  

Pogačice are smaller versions of the bread. Usually served as an appetiser they can be eaten on their own, or with a spread such as a tuna paste. 

16. Maneštra

Maneštra is a thick soup from Istria, which showcases fresh and seasonal ingredients from the region.

At its base are boiled potatoes and beans, and then in season vegetables are added, young corn being one of the favourites. 

A flavoursome paste of bacon, garlic and parsley is added to enrich the taste.  Finally, optional meat is added, most traditionally dried pork pieces. 

If it’s lighter on the ingredients, maneštra makes a wonderful starter. If the ingredients are more dense it transforms into a filling main dish.

17. Čobanac

A hearty meat stew made with beef, pork, lamb, or wild game meat. To the pot onions, garlic, tomatoes, and sweet and hot paprika are added. It is slowly cooked allowing the meat to tenderise and the flavours to develop. 

It is a popular dish in Slavonia and Baranja and can be found in many restaurants in these regions. 

The perfect accompaniment to Čobanac is thick slices of fresh bread to soak up that delicious sauce! This is the ultimate comfort food to eat in Croatia! 

18. Kotlovina

This is a traditional and popular Croatian dish from Zagreb and the northwest area of Croatia. 

Kotlovina is made with different types of meat (usually pork or beef), sausages and vegetables, and is historically cooked in a large pot over an open fire.

The meat is first fried and then slowly stewed with vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes and peppers. 

The word kotao, is the name for the cooking pot and so the dish is named after that. 

I highly recommend you read this article about the cultural history of kotlovina and some wonderful photos of the kotao. 

19. Sinjski Arambašići

Similar to, but also very different to sarma, arambašići is usually prepared during festivities around the Cetinje region. 

Pickled cabbage leaves are stuffed with finely chopped meat flavoured with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Dried pork meat can also be added to the recipe. 

20. Grah

A thick bean soup that is a popular food across Croatia. It’s given different local names depending on where you are in the country. 

At the heart of the dish is of course beans. Specifically, dried beans are soaked overnight and usually have three types including white beans and a style of Borlotti beans. 

Some dried meat such as pancetta is added to the grah dish to give depth of flavour and smokiness. 

Onions, garlic, carrots and herbs are added. And more typically today, sausages are added to the bean soup.

This is a very hearty dish, with deep roots in Croatian cuisine culture. 

In the Istrian region they have a variation of grah called Pasta fažol, where small pasta shapes are added. 

21. Mlinci

It’s not quite a bread, it’s not quite pasta, I guess mlinci falls somewhere in between! 

Ok, so it’s a type of pasta-bread made with flour, water, and salt, then baked in the oven. At this point, you can store your mlinci.

The true magic happens when you hydrate it with a liquid such as adding it to soup, a stew or with the juices of slow cooking meat. 

Turkey with Mlinci is a particularly popular food to eat in the Slavonia and Zagorje area. 

22. Paški sir (Pag Cheese)

Croatia’s most famous and flavoursome cheese is Paski Sir, the cheese from the island of Pag. 

It is made from sheep’s cheese and has a unique saltiness. As the winds blow around Pag Island salty sea spray falls onto the grass that the sheep then graze on.

If you find yourself on Pag Island be sure to visit a cheese maker to learn more and taste more!  

Croatians enjoy Pag cheese as an appetiser as part of a charcuterie board. With another delicious Croatian product…

23. Pršut

Prsut is to Croatia, what Palma and Serrano ham are to Italy and Spain and equally delicious. 

You will find Istrian prsut,  Dalmatian prsut and prsut from Drniš. Of course, there is always discussion about which is the best! 

Made from pork legs, the meat is salted and flavoured and then air dried, owing much to the cool Bura winds that blow through Croatia during the winter, which aids the process. 

Prsut is often smoked, with careful consideration about which wood to use and observing the wind directions. It’s serious business making a delicious prsut ham! 

Prsut is often served as an appetiser with other cured meats and cheese. If you ever have the opportunity to have a piece sliced off the meat joint, absolutely go for it, it’s the best! 

24. Skampi na buzara

Skampi is one of the most popular foods that are prepared ‘na buzara’ in Croatia, but any seafood can be prepared this way.

Buzara is a style of cooking seafood with garlic, olive oil, wine, breadcrumbs and herbs. This elevates the taste of the seafood without drowning it in strong flavours.

Red buzara uses the addition of tomatoes and tomato paste, and sometimes red wine.

This style of cooking is popular in the coastal regions of Croatia, in Istria and Dalmatia. 

Best served with some crunchy bread, which is the perfect accompaniment to the delicious buzara sauce. 

25. Zrnovski Makaruni

Originating from the village of Zrnovo on Korcula Island, this home-rolled pasta dish is a true Croatian gem. 

Made with a simple mix of flour, egg, and water, what sets it apart is the unique method of moulding bite-size pieces of dough around a skewer. Traditionally served with a rich beef sauce featuring a hint of cinnamon, it’s equally delightful with other sauces like fresh tomato. 

26. Fish

If you’re visiting coastal Croatia, you will want to sample delicious fresh fish. 

You may see ‘white fish’ or ‘blue fish’ listed on a restaurant menu. White fish is of higher quality and would be fish such as sea bream or bass, red scorpion or John Dory. Blue fish, which is still utterly tasty, includes mackerel or sardines. 

Fish can be served whole (on the bone) and will be priced by uncooked weight, or filleted. Whole fish is usually cooked simply on the grill with olive oil and seasoning. 

My tips for choosing fresh fish in Croatia

• If you plan to order a whole fish, ask to see it in advice and get it weighed, so you know how much it will cost and can then decide if you want to order it. 
• When you look at the fish the scales should be shiny and metallic and the eyes should be plump, black and bright. If the skin or eyes look dull or discoloured, it’s unlikely to be within 24 hours fresh. 
• The fish should not have a strong smell, at most a light odour. 

27. Zagrebacki Odrezak

Zagrebacki Odrezak is a cross between Weiner Schnitzel and Cordon Bleu. It is named after the capital of Zagreb, where you’ll find this popular Croatian dish at many restaurants. But you will find Zagrebacki Odrezak on many menus across Croatia. 

A veal cutlet is flattened, filled with cheese and ham and rolled. It is dipped in flour and eggs before being breadcrumbed and then fried. 

28. Skradinski Rizot

A delicious risotto that originates from the town of Skradin. 

The main ingredients are veal and of course rice, and nutmeg, which gives it a special flavour. The stock is made from root vegetables and veal meat. It cooks over many hours – it’s a real labour of love! 

POPULAR FOODS IN CROATIA

Popular Foods in Croatia: Street Food in Croatia

29. Burek

Burek is a popular street food in Croatia. You will find variations in every bakery in Croatia. It’s a great snack and can be enjoyed any time of the day.

Burek is made from layers of filo pastry, filled with savoury or sweet ingredients and either shaped into individual pieces or cooked as one big pie and cut into slices. 

Some common burek fillings include cheese (a style similar to cottage and feta), spinach, or meat. The most popular sweet options are apple or cherry.

30. Soparnik

This is a traditional savoury Dalmatian pie. It looks a little similar to pizza and you’ll find bakeries and street stands selling it, particularly in Split. 

Soparnik is made from two layers of simple pastry filled with a mixture of Swiss chard, onions, garlic, and parsley, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper. It is baked and then sliced or chopped into handheld pieces. 

31. Cevapi / cevapcici

Who needs McDonald’s when you have cevapi! 

Cevapcici are small grilled sausages made from a mixture of ground meats, typically beef, pork, or lamb, mixed with spices like garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper. 

Cevapcici are served with flat bread (called somun), raw onions and ajvar. It can also be served with kajmak, which is my favourite.

Ajvar is a relish made from pepper and aubergines (eggplant). Kajmak is like a salted cottage cheese and is very delicious! 

32. Pizza

I know what you’re thinking. Pizza? From Croatia? Croatian cuisine has been influenced by Italian cuisine, so yes you will find a lot of pizza and pizzerias in Croatia. 

All pizza in Croatia is thin. The most typical toppings are cheese, ham, salami and vegetarian. Thankfully some pizzerias are getting more adventurous with their toppings! 

Croatia pizza is delicious and a perfect budget or quick food option. 

POPULAR FOODS IN CROATIA

Popular Foods in Croatia: Croatian Desserts & Sweets

33. Fritule

The Croatian version of doughnuts, fritule are small, deep-fried cakes made with citrus rind, eggs, dried fruit, and rakija rum. After the fritule are cooked, they are dusted with powdered sugar. 

I always get mine with a drizzle of chocolate sauce!

Fritule are seriously moreish. With a crispy exterior and soft fluffy interior, you can’t help but pop another dough ball in your mouth, again and again!

You won’t necessarily find them on a restaurant menu, but look out for them on a street stand, especially during festive periods such as Christmas and Carnival. 

34. Rožata

A fragrant dessert similar to crème brûlée or flan, rožata is made with eggs, sugar, milk, lemon or orange zest. Its unique flavour comes from adding a splash of rose liqueur, called rozulin. Rožata is named after the rose liqueur. 

The dessert is baked in ramekins until set and chilled before serving, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture and a delicate floral aroma. It forms a sweet caramel top.

It is a popular dessert and you will find it on many restaurant menus, especially in Dubrovnik. 

35. Orahnjača

Orahnjača, also known as walnut roll, is a classic Croatian pastry filled with a sweet walnut filling. 

The dough, made from flour, yeast, eggs, sugar, and butter, is rolled out and spread with a mixture of ground walnuts, sugar, and spices. The dough is then rolled into a log shape, baked until golden brown, and sliced into individual servings. 

Orahnjača is a beloved holiday treat in Croatia, enjoyed as a symbol of good fortune and happiness. Although anything sweet makes me happy! 

36. Kroštule (also called hroštule)

Kroštule are traditional Croatian pastries known for their delicate, crispy texture and intricate shapes. 

Made from a simple dough of flour, eggs, sugar, and white wine. The kroštule are then shaped into twisted ribbons or tied into bows before being deep-fried until golden brown and then dusted with powdered sugar. 

There are a few regional differences, such as adding wine or brandy into the dough. In English Kroštule are sometimes called Angel Wines. 

37. Makovnjača

Makovnjača is a traditional Croatian pastry made from a sweet dough rolled out and filled with a mixture of ground poppy seeds, sugar, and sometimes chopped nuts or raisins. 

Similarly to orahnjača the dough is then rolled into a log shape, baked and sliced. 

38. Palacinke (pancakes)

A type of crepe or thin pancake filled with jam, Nutella, or other sweet fillings. The batter, made from flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt, is poured onto a hot skillet and cooked until golden brown. 

Every Croatian household can meticulously whip up a plateful of palancinke in a heartbeat! It is a beloved sweet comfort food and a staple of Croatian cuisine.

Due to its popularity in Croatia, palacinke will often be available at restaurants serving traditional Croatian cuisine. 

39. Kremšnite / Krempita

Kremšnite, also known as krempita, are popular Croatian pastries consisting of layers of puff pastry filled with custard cream. 

The pastry is typically topped with powdered sugar or whipped cream before serving. 

This is one of my husband’s favourite pastries in Croatia!

40. Trogirska Rafiola (Trogir Ravioli)

Trogirska Rafiola is a traditional Croatian pastry originating from the historic town of Trogir. 

It consists of a fine thin pastry filled with a mixture of ground almonds, sugar, and spices, then shaped into a crescent or spiral shape.

Every village and Croatian Baba (grandmother) has their special recipe of Trogirska Rafiola and will whip up a batch during holidays and special occasions.

41. Stonska Torta

Stonska Torta is a traditional Croatian cake originating from the town of Ston.

Its most unique ingredient is pasta! At a time when making a cake was considered a luxury, using pasta was an economical way to fill the sweet treat. 

The pasta is mixed with nuts, lemon zest, sugar and eggs. The filling is then poured into a tin lined with a thin pastry and baked. 

The cake is chilled until set and served cold, making it a refreshing and delightful dessert during warm summer months. 

42. Cukarin

Cukarin are famous cookies from Korcula Island. They are a dry biscuit flavoured with orange and lemon and traditionally dipped in the Croatian dessert wine, Prosek. 

I liked to dip my cukarin into a cup of coffee!

Also look out for klasun, similar to cukarin but in the middle is a walnut filling flavoured with rose brandy. 

43. Arancini 

Not to be confused with the Italian deep-fried rice balls, Arancini in Croatia are something quite different. 

Arancini is the peel, usually of oranges but lemon peel can also be used, which is first rinsed to remove any bitterness, and then coated in sugar. They are popped into the freezer or fridge to firm up. 

These are delicious bursts of flavour. I always tell myself that as they are fruit, it’s a healthy sweet! The perfect ones for me are when they are fruity and not too hard. A friend dips her Arancini in chocolate, which is just heavenly! 

POPULAR FOODS IN CROATIA

Vegetarian Food in Croatia

Croatia’s cuisine is rich in meat and seafood but you can find vegetarian and vegan-based options. There is a growing number of restaurants offering a range of plant-based dishes in Croatia. 

There is an abundance of fresh vegetables, salads and fruit available in Croatia. Pasta, polenta, rice and other grains are popular ingredients. 

Here is a list of highly recommended vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Croatia:

1. Nishta in Dubrovnik is a popular vegetarian and vegan restaurant located in the heart of Dubrovnik’s old town. Nishta offers a diverse menu featuring options such as falafel wraps, vegetable curries, tofu stir-fries, and raw desserts.
2. Kat’s Kitchen in Split utilises the best seasonal ingredients to create dishes packed full of flavour and is open for breakfast, brunch and lunch. 
3. Vegehop in Zagreb is a vegetarian and vegan cafe situated in Zagreb’s city centre. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Vegehop serves up a variety of tasty dishes including soups, salads, sandwiches, and main courses like vegan burgers and pasta dishes.

POPULAR FOODS IN CROATIA

Regional Cuisines in Croatia

Croatia has been under the rule of many different countries and Empires and this has heavily influenced its cuisine. Croatia is also regionally diverse, with each region having a unique cuisine. 

When we look at popular foods to eat in Croatia, it’s helpful to know which region it comes from. Below I will explain the culinary regions in Croatia, the types of dishes you will likely find on the menu and some popular dishes to try. 

Popular Foods to Eat in Istria

• Istrian cuisine is known for its fresh seafood, truffles, and olive oil.
• Truffle dishes such as truffle pasta and truffle-infused cheeses are popular.
• Istrian prosciutto (pršut) is a must-try, as well as dishes like Istrian stew (manestra) and grilled meats.

Popular Foods to Eat in Kvaner

• Kvarner Bay is known for its seafood specialities, including fresh fish and shellfish.
• Scampi, a type of large prawn, is a regional delicacy often served grilled or in a buzara sauce.
• Lamb dishes, such as lamb on the spit (janjetina na ražnju), are also popular in the region.

Popular Foods to Eat in Slavonia

• Slavonian cuisine is hearty and meat-centric, with influences from Hungarian and Austrian cuisines.
• Kulen, a spicy cured sausage, is a signature dish of Slavonia.
• Slavonian kulen, along with other cured meats like ćvarci (pork cracklings), is often served as an appetizer.
• Peka na žar (grilled meat) and sarma (cabbage rolls) are also typical Slavonian dishes.

Popular Foods to Eat in Zagorje and Međimurje: What to Eat in Zagreb

• These regions are known for their hearty, rustic cuisine, featuring dishes like turkey with mlinci (thin, dried flatbread) and bučnica (pumpkin pie).
• Zagorski štrukli, a type of cheese-filled pastry, is a popular speciality.
• Game meats, such as venison and wild boar, are also commonly enjoyed in this area.

Popular Foods to Eat in Dalmatia: What to Eat in Dubrovnik and Split

• Dalmatian cuisine is characterised by its Mediterranean influence and emphasis on seafood.
• Grilled fish and seafood, such as octopus and squid, are staples.
• Dalmatian peka, a dish cooked under a bell-like lid, is a traditional favourite, often prepared with lamb or octopus.
• Traditional sweets like rožata (a custard pudding) and arancini (candied orange peels) are also enjoyed in this region.

How much does a meal in Croatia cost?

The cost of a meal in Croatia greatly varies depending on where you dine and what you order. 

On average, a simple meal at a local cafe or fast food joint can range from 5 to 10 euros. If you opt for a mid-range restaurant or konoba (a traditional restaurant, similar to a tavern), expect to pay around 13 to 26 euros for a main course. Fine dining establishments may charge upwards of 30 euros for a meal. 

Keep in mind that prices can be higher in touristy areas such as Dubrovnik or the Dalmatian Islands, or during peak season. It’s always a good idea to check the menu or ask for local recommendations to find the best value for your money. 

My top tip: If a restaurant does not have a menu to show you, but verbally tells you what dishes they have, don’t eat there or be prepared for a hefty bill. 

POPULAR FOODS IN CROATIA

Tips for eating out in Croatia

1. Eat at a Konoba: In some areas, it’s not typical for Croatians to eat out and many restaurants close outside of the tourist season. So it’s sometimes hard to recommend where the locals eat! 
   
   But for more authentic and traditional Croatian dishes, eat at a konoba. They are family-run tavern style establishments.  
    
2. Try Seafood by the Coast: When dining along the Adriatic coast, don’t miss the chance to indulge in fresh seafood dishes. Look for restaurants with waterfront views and sample grilled fish, octopus salad, or black risotto for a taste of the sea.

3. Check the Daily Menu: Many restaurants in Croatia offer daily specials or set menus, known as “dnevni meni”, “dnevna ponuda” or “marenda” (this is served at brunch/lunch time). These can be great value for money and allow you to try seasonal dishes or chef’s recommendations.

4. Eat with a glass of Croatian Wine: Pair your meal with a glass of local Croatian wine. Ask your server for recommendations based on your taste preferences and the dishes you’ve ordered, as sometimes it’s difficult to understand the Croatian varieties! 

5. Tipping in Croatia: It’s true there isn’t an established tipping culture among Croatians, however, as the country plays host to many different visitors I think it’s considerate to tip. 
   
   As a rough guide, round up the bill at a cafe or bar if having drinks, and 10-12% at a restaurant. Of course, it’s your discretion – you can tip up or down.
   
   NOTE: You will need cash for a tip even if you are paying by card as most systems cannot include the gratuity. 

POPULAR FOODS IN CROATIA

Food Tours in Croatia

A fantastic way to learn about Croatian cuisine and taste popular foods in Croatia is by joining a food tour. 

Below you can find some of my recommendations for food tours in Croatia.

Recommended Food Tour in Zagreb:

Recommended Food Tour in Dubrovnik:

Recommended Food Tour in Split:

FURTHER RESEARCH >> XX Best Food Tours in Croatia for a Taste Extravaganza

POPULAR FOODS IN CROATIA

Croatia Cookbooks

The Best of Croatian Cooking by Liliana Pavicic & Gordana Pirker-Mosher: This cookbook offers a comprehensive exploration of Croatian cuisine, featuring over 60 traditional recipes accompanied by beautiful photography and detailed instructions. From hearty stews and seafood dishes to festive desserts and homemade liqueurs, the book provides insights into the culinary traditions, regional specialities, and seasonal ingredients of Croatia.

Dalmatia: Recipes from Croatia’s Mediterranean Coast by Ino Kuvačić: In this cookbook, chef Ino Kuvačić celebrates the flavours of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast with a collection of over 80 recipes inspired by the region’s rich culinary heritage. From fresh seafood and grilled meats to vibrant salads and vegetable dishes, the book showcases the simplicity and freshness of Mediterranean cuisine, accompanied by stunning photography and personal anecdotes.

Croatian Classics: 100 Savoury Dishes To Delight Your Family And Friends by Andrea Pisac: This cookbook offers a delightful journey through the diverse culinary landscape of Croatia, featuring 100 recipes influenced by Italian, Hungarian, and Ottoman culinary traditions. From traditional family recipes passed down through generations to modern interpretations of classic dishes, the book celebrates the cultural diversity and culinary creativity of Croatia.

POPULAR FOODS IN CROATIA

FAQ: 43 Popular Foods in Croatia: WHAT TO EAT IN CROATIA

What are the most traditional Croatian dishes that I should try?

Popular Croatia street foods include grilled meats like cevapi (sausage) and pljeskavica (burger). The best seafood dishes on the coast are black risotto, octopus salad and skampi na buzara. For meat lovers, you must try peka, pasticada or Čobanac. 

What food is Croatia known for?

Food in Croatia is regional, so depending on where you go, a region will be known for certain dishes. Popular food throughout Croatia includes local specialities like prsut (Croatian prosciutto) and sir (cheese) and various bean or meat stews. Seafood and fresh fish are abundant on the coastline. 

Is Croatian food similar to Italian?

Croatian cuisine has been heavily influenced by the various ruling powers that have ruled here. For a long time that included Italian rule so certain regions in Croatia, such as Dalmatia and Istria, are influenced by Italian cuisine. However, there are many styles of cooking and food in Croatia that are very different from Italian.

Are there any vegetarian or vegan-friendly options in Croatian cuisine?

For a long time it was difficult to find vegetarian and vegan options in restaurants, although you will always find fresh seasonal vegetables and fruit at markets and supermarkets. That is changing and you will usually find meat, fish and dairy free options on menus. There are also excellent vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Croatia such as Nishta in Dubrovnik. However, be prepared that Croatian cuisine is still heavy on meat and seafood. 

What is Croatia’s national dish?

This is a difficult question to answer as I don’t think Croatia has one clear national dish. As the food in Croatia is so regionally diverse, there are different opinions. A few contenders for Croatia’s national dish include peka, yota, sarma and pasticada. However, in coastal Croatia it’s all about seafood and fish.