You can’t beat a grill restaurant, particularly in this part of the world. Nowhere does it better, and you’ll have no shortage of opportunities to devour the good stuff while in Croatia. There’s something delightfully homely about a good grill restaurant, and these places excel at the form.
Kod Dede grill, Zagreb
Carnivores take note, Kod Dede (“Grandad’s place”) is a popular grill for local favourites ćevapčići and pljeskavica (meat patties), steaks and mixed grills. Hop on tram 17 from the main square heading west, skip out at Prečko and prepare for the start of a long love affair with delicious, juicy meat.Stari kotač, Zagreb
It's not possible to go hungry from this place, because they have gigantic portions! Very tasty, great service, we were amazed how crowded it is, every day. Reserve in advance.Pri Zvoncu, Zagreb
Has forged a reputation and a legion of fans for fantastic food and great value. Rustic in style, Pri Zvoncu has a super little shady garden in the peaceful neighbourhood of Vrbik, just round the corner from the British and German embassies. Although they mainly serve inland Croatian cuisine, they do fish specialities on Fridays, and cook beef and lamb ispod peke – a traditional Dalmatian cast iron bell heaped with glowing ash. The excellent wine list includes home-made white wine on tap. Make the trip south of the railway line – you won’t regret it.Taj Mahal, Dubrovnik
Although the name might make you think of India this is actually Dubrovnik’s prime Bosnian restaurant, taking the hearty grilled meats for which the region is famed and turning them into quality sit-down cuisine. Traditional ground-meat fare such as ćevapi and pljeskavice are tangy and succulent; the DžingisKan mixed grill for two provides you with a platter of grill-kebabs and meaty chops that will tell you all you need to know about inland Balkan cooking. For something less carnivorous, try the flaky pastries filled with spinach or cheese. Recent renovations have totally transformed Taj's interior, with Oriental-style tiling, ceiling carving and wall-hangings turning this into a veritable palace of Bosnian delights.
Gricko Grill, Zadar
There is an indigenous fast food which renders the hamburger utterly irrelevant in Croatia. Ćevapi are little sticks of minced meat and spices, grilled or fried, and for the true carnivore are something like heaven. They're usually served in a bun called a lepinja, which the vendor thoughtfully dips into hot fat before serving. Mmmmm! In Voštarnica, a clean and pleasant little place to munch decent ćevapi.Malo misto, Zadar
The “little place” is a pleasant bar and garden roštilj (grill), lively and popular. Locals come to enjoy the food, atmosphere and listen to Croatian music.Bronzin, Šibenik
Everything about Bronzin works to a tee. There is plenty of space, for a start, although don’t be surprised to see this place packed from open to close. The cleavers on the walls give an indication as to what to expect, meaning a whole host of excellent meat-based dishes practically cooked in front of you in the open kitchen. That venison burger, oh baby.
Vicko, Šibenik
This Šibenik institution is on the Split road that leads through Boraja. You can choose succulent lamb peka style, or a crispier version roast on a spit, but don't miss the home made bread or excellent soups.Nono Frane, Rijeka
Located in Viškovo, a fair-sized village just outside Rijeka to the northwest, this family restaurant has a chirpy spirit and wonderful staff to match. The menu here is prepared the old-fashioned original way, from meat dishes to homemade cakes. Mmm…very tasty! Grilled foods here are particularly appetising. They are also more than happy to organise wedding parties.Jist, Rijeka
Jist isn’t just a restaurant; this is an experience. If you want fast food to fill the void, look elsewhere because Jist is a culinary experience that needs to be savoured. This is fine dining, Croatian style. Located in the small town of Viškovo, 8km north of Rijeka, and well worth the journey, Jist is a triumphant celebration of hand-made seating and dry-aged meat, and no stone is left unturned in the quest for excellence. High praise, but very much warranted.Pimpinela, Split
A cosy small konoba on Zenta which is part of a family house. The menu includes grilled meals, pašticada, roast lamb with vegetables and much more.Lučica, Split
A restaurant with 25 years of family tradition. The prices are fair and while ordering pizza would not be a mistake, we'd recommend to try some of the great grill meat or fish dishes. It’s located at the Spinut Marina, on the northern side of Mt Marjan.
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