One of our favourite parts of the festive season is the mountains of food we get through, but sometimes, we like a little bit of quality instead of quantity. Many of Croatia’s top fine-dining restaurants serve up something special over the holidays, so put on your best clothes and get those reservations made.
Zijavica, Mošćenička Draga
http://konoba-zijavica.com/
Right beside the seafront and with a terrace out on the beach, this is another place that brings out the best in Kvarner cuisine – traditional food served with contemporary finesse, with priority given to what’s fresh and seasonal. It’s a great place to try local fish, scampi, seashells and homemade fuži pasta, and there’s usually something featuring traditional boškarin beef on the menu.
Zinfandel's (Esplanade Zagreb Hotel)
http://www.zinfandels.hr
If you’re in search of somewhere special to eat out, then this restaurant, nestled inside Zagreb’s Esplanade Hotel should be near the top of your list. Such beautiful décor and remarkably quiet despite the hotel being adjacent to the city’s main train line. Here you can be assured of excellent food and staff all too willing to offer advice as to what to order. The restaurant also plays host to many conferences and wedding receptions over the year.
El Toro Restaurant and Bar, Zagreb
http://eltoro.hr
As you might expect from the name, this place is themed around good steaks and Latin American cuisine – however these are just the starting blocks for chef Mario Mihelj’s imaginative way with the pots and pans. The aged T-bones and rib-eyes are what many people come for although there’s plenty more to choose from, including gourmet tacos and a couple of variations on ceviche (a spicy citrus raw-fish dish from Peru). Seafood is a bit more adventurous than in traditional Croatian restaurants; the baked sea bass for example comes with a delicate twist of ginger and sweet-and-sour sauce.
Fish Restaurant Proto, Dubrovnik
http://www.esculaprestaurants.com
Proto has a hundred-year tradition and is the hallmark of Dubrovnik’s culinary scene. Top local chefs expertly blend old world charms with contemporary trends. The menu adapts to the availability of the best local produce and freshest fish; providing guests with only the finest Mediterranean cuisine. Proto is not just a holdover from a bygone era, it’s an integral part of Dubrovnik’s tourism renaissance.
Kaštel, Zadar
http://www.hotel-bastion.hr
Located in the 13th century Venetian Kaštel (Hotel Bastion) in the old Zadar centre, the menu oozes Dalmatian cuisine and creative modern culinary trends. Try the fresh fish, homemade bread and pasta filled with various creams. If you want local gastronomy, look no further! Restaurant Kaštel is located at Hotel Bastion, a new member of the luxurious Relais & Châteaux association.
Nebo Restaurant & Lounge, Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort and Spa
https://neborijeka.com/
Situated on a fifth floor of the new Hilton resort with a breathtaking view over Kvarner Bay, this exciting, Nebo Restaurant & Lounge by Deni Srdoč fine dining restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star recently. Tantalise your taste buds with divine food and wine based on local produce, prepared with a modern twist. Superb service with great attention to detail in both taste and presentation make this place an amazing culinary experience. The sky here is a name - but certainly not the limit!
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