A Culinary Journey Through Central Croatia

Date November 11, 2025

Reading time 4 min

Guided by the belief that fine dining can be provocative, contemporary and deeply rooted in local tradition, our Fall issue brings you a selection of restaurants from central Croatia, where the past and the future meet at the same table

Dubravkin put
Surrounded by Tuškanac park's greenery, Dubravkin put has stood out as one of Zagreb’s most famous food destinations for years. Chef Tibor Valinčić’s philosophy has translated into a sophisticated and creative combination of Mediterranean and continental influences. Tasting menus feature the best that the market and nature have to offer − from fresh fish and shellfish to inventive reinterpretations of local classics. Desserts stand out in particular, combining the unexpected in an aesthetically pleasing way. As one of the most impressive collections in Croatia featuring over 600 wines, the wine list makes the experience complete. The Michelin star and high Gault&Millau ratings cement Dubravkin put’s status as a symbol of premium cuisine, elegance and attention to detail in the heart of Zagreb.

Noel
The first Zagreb restaurant with a Michelin star has been a place where premium cuisine and art meet for years now. On entry, guests are captivated by a meticulously designed interior where every detail − from carefully selected furniture and lighting to designer plates and glasses, along with the blend of modern and classic elements − creates a refined and welcoming atmosphere. Heading the kitchen for the past two years, Chef Mario Mandarić is known for his playful and clear umami flavors and zero-waste philosophy. Here, local produce takes on a new meaning with modern techniques. The tasting menus take you on a journey through the seasons, local traditions, and meticulous craftsmanship. With a well-coordinated service and wine pairing by Kristijan Harjač, each dish becomes a harmonious composition.

Korak
Every detail of the Korak restaurant reflects a commitment to authenticity, seasonal ingredients and the natural harmony between land and table. With one Michelin star for gastronomy and a Michelin Green Star for sustainability, the restaurant is headed by Chef Bernard. His philosophy is based on respecting the ingredients, minimal intervention and a deep connection with the local terroir. Guests can choose between two tasting menus comprising five or eight courses inspired by the Plešivica region, with two wine pairings to choose from − either the current vintage or selected archival bottles from the family winery. If you don't drink alcohol, Korak offers pairing with non-alcoholic drinks, a combination crafted with the same depth, structure and sophistication to ensure the perfect harmony of every element of the meal.

San Rocco
The San Rocco restaurant is tucked away on a hill above Brtonigla, among centuries-old olive groves and vineyards. Part of the heritage hotel bearing the same name, the restaurant has been run by the Fernetich family for two decades, creating a combination of tradition, nature and premium cuisine. The restaurant is recommended by the most famous world guides − Michelin, Gault&Millau, Falstaff and others. Its kitchen dances to the seasonal rhythms of Istria − the menu showcases seasonal ingredients like fish, mushrooms, truffles, game and olive oil. Each dish brings a creative blend of traditional recipes and modern techniques, offering guests more than a meal − a journey through the terroir and region’s history. Tasting menus follow the changes of the seasons, while the wine list completes the culinary experience focusing on Istrian wines.

Fakin
In business only a couple of years, Fakin combines the charm of tradition and a contemporary spirit, helping to put Legrad, a village in northern Croatia, on the culinary map. Situated in a cultural heritage site building, the restaurant delights with its modern take on traditional regional and Austro-Hungarian dishes. Each dish is prepared fresh, with an emphasis on handmade pasta, desserts and carefully selected seasonal ingredients from nearby farms. Some of the best wines of the region are included in the wine list, with homemade brandies and liqueurs to complete the experience. The Michelin Bib Gourmand and the Gault&Millau awards only confirm what guests experience when they step inside − authentic flavors, a welcoming atmosphere, and memories to cherish.

Waldinger
In the very heart of Osijek, a 1904 Art Nouveau building houses the Waldinger Restaurant, a place where the past and the present come together in exquisite harmony. Inspired by Slavonian tradition, Waldinger is not just a place to dine, but an experience combining an eye-pleasing table setting, a sophisticated ambience and warm hospitality. Every dish prepared by Chef Mateo Meković and his team is a combination of authentic flavors and modern techniques, reflecting their passion for quality and creativity. Using local and seasonal ingredients from the market and nearby farms, the restaurant’s offerings change with the seasons, inspired by what's fresh at the market. Waldinger prides itself with being Michelin Recommended for seven years in a row, and guests remember it not only for its extraordinary dishes, but also for the feeling of having tasted a part of Slavonia with a modern twist.