Exploring Restaurants in Zadar: Five Culinary Delights You Can't Miss

Set along the Adriatic coast, Zadar seamlessly blends historical charm with modern allure. It's a city that serves as both an atmospheric time machine and an open-air museum, proudly displaying some of the most stunning architectural monuments and cultural heritage sites of the eastern Adriatic.

It is undoubtedly one of the cities that you have to visit once you are in Croatia. Although it is less popular than the nearby Dubrovnik and Split, its charm is encapsulated by the Venetian-built fortifications, now part of the  UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

There is no doubt that once you set foot in Zadar, you might decide to spend a couple of days more than you anticipated in this Adriatic pearl. So, here are some suggestions on where to satisfy your hunger and enjoy delicious meals.

Restaurant Pet Bunara

"Pet bunara dine & wine" stands as a fixture in Zadar's culinary landscape, gracing the eponymous square for over four decades. Renowned for its commitment to innovation and tradition, the restaurant prides itself on offering a gastronomic experience rooted in local, seasonal, and organic ingredients.

With a mantra of "delicious food, gorgeous wines, local-seasonal-organic,"  Pet bunara strives to ensure guests' complete satisfaction. The establishment's dedication to culinary excellence is evident in its meticulous sourcing of ingredients, including organic meats, game, fish, and fresh produce from the village of Poljica.

An extensive wine list complements the menu, curated to enhance the dining experience. Regular updates to the wine selection reflect the restaurant's dedication to keeping things fresh and exciting for its patrons.

Visitors echo the sentiment, praising the restaurant for its flavorful dishes, attentive service, and inviting ambiance. From the picturesque setting to the exquisite cuisine, Pet bunara offers a memorable dining experience that embodies the essence of Zadar's culinary heritage.

Signature Specialties: Pet Bunara boast a selection of dishes crafted from in-season, locally-grown ingredients. From organic meats, game, and fish to freshly harvested vegetables and grains, each dish reflects a commitment to quality sourcing. The restaurant's herb garden in Poljica provides a fresh array of flavors, while their exclusive olive and fig yards ensure a distinctive taste. Complemented by an extensive wine list, these specialties offer a culinary experience that celebrates the essence of the region.

Address: Stratico 1, (Next to Pet bunara square)

Hours: Monday-Sunday (Tuesdays Day Off) 12:00 – 22:00

Restaurant 2 Ribara

 2 Ribara restaurant, with a rich tradition spanning over 50 years, presents itself as a modern and refined dining establishment. Situated in the heart of Zadar's old city, it epitomizes the essence of the town's peninsula.

The restaurant boasts a seating capacity that can be extended to accommodate up to 100 guests indoors and 70 on the terrace, making it suitable for various events, including wedding banquets, receptions, and other festivities.

Offering a diverse menu of carefully prepared dishes, 2 Ribara specializes in fresh fish, tasty meat meals, and fine pasta courses. The culinary experience is enhanced by a meticulously curated wine selection featuring locally sourced wines from the Zadar area.

Guests praise the restaurant for its high-quality meals, reasonable prices, and excellent service. Whether indulging in cuttlefish ravioli, fish trio, or tuna steak, patrons consistently commend the flavors and presentation. 2 Ribara emerges as a favored dining destination, frequented by both tourists and locals alike, promising an authentic and enjoyable gastronomic experience.

Signature Specialties: Fish Tris Tuna, monk fish in pancetta bacon, sea bass fillet, cherry tomato, parsley creme, swiss chard Dalmatian style. Turkey Medallions In Gorgonzola And Pear Sauce. Homemade Pasta Pljukanci With Turkey In Truffle Sauce.

Address: Blaža Jurjeva 1a

Hours: Monday - Saturday 11:00 - 23:00 Sunday 11:00 - 22:00

Foša

 Foša, situated in the picturesque port of Foša near the 16th-century town walls, is a seafood restaurant acclaimed by the MICHELIN Guide. With a focus on showcasing the bounty of the sea, the menu highlights various fish preparations, both raw and cooked.

During the summer, diners have the opportunity to enjoy their meals in the inviting outdoor area, while in other seasons, the restaurant offers a more formal dining experience indoors. The wine list features a selection of quality Dalmatian options, enhancing the seafood-centric menu.

Combining age-old Dalmatian traditions with modern influences, Foša boasts an ambiance that blends traditional and contemporary elements seamlessly. The menu reflects this harmonious fusion, offering dishes made with fresh seasonal ingredients typical of Zadar's climate.

From classic Dalmatian flavors to creative modern gastronomy, Foša prides itself on using the highest quality ingredients with controlled origins in all their meals. With its dedication to both tradition and innovation, Foša promises a memorable dining experience for seafood enthusiasts seeking a taste of authentic Dalmatian cuisine.

Signature Specialties: Sea Bream Tempura - sea bream fillet in tempura, sushi rice with saffron, baby spinach, yogurt dressing. Dry Age Sea Bass - aged sea bass, chicory puree, chicory chips, vegetables, fish demi glace. Cuttlefish palenta - cuttlefish ragout, creamy polenta, tomato concasse.

Address: Kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 2

Hours: Monday - Sunday 12 pm - 1 am

Restaurant Tinel

 Tinel captures the essence of Mediterranean hospitality, providing a welcoming space reminiscent of a traditional household gathering place. Rooted in the local culture, the name "Tinel" symbolizes warmth, comfort, and the pleasure of shared experiences.

As a hub for both locals and visitors, Tinel offers a blend of traditional Mediterranean cuisine presented in a classic yet creative manner. Guests can savor a variety of dishes, including pasta, pizza, salads, meat, and fish, all prepared with a focus on quality and flavor.

Nestled in the heart of Zadar, Tinel invites patrons to unwind and indulge in the pleasures of good food, accompanied by excellent olive oil and wine sourced from the Zadar area. Whether enjoying a leisurely meal or celebrating a special occasion, guests can expect attentive service and a relaxed atmosphere.

Feedback from diners highlights the restaurant's appeal, with praises for its delicious food, generous portions, and friendly staff. From grilled fish platters to black risotto and scallops, Tinel promises a memorable dining experience that celebrates the culinary delights of the Adriatic coast.

Signature Specialties: Swordfish fillet with sauce made of shrimps, zucchini and white wine with a side dish humus (mashed chickpeas). Zadarska salata - Lettuce, radicchio, rucola, carrot, tomato, cucumber, cheese, marinated anchovies, shrimps, egg, olivies. 

Address: Don Ive Prodana 2

Hours: Monday - Sunday: 8:00 - 24:00

Kaštel

 Kaštel, named after the historic castle it occupies, offers a captivating dining experience that blends Dalmatian traditions with Italian influences. Recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide, the restaurant's elegant decor sets the stage for a memorable culinary journey.

Chef Marijo Čepek's philosophy revolves around understanding the environment and identity of Dalmatian life, evident in every dish. With a focus on traditional Mediterranean cuisine, each plate is a modern and creative interpretation of age-old recipes.

The restaurant's commitment to quality is reflected in its selection of locally sourced groceries and products, showcasing the rich cultural traditions of Zadar and its region. From homemade cheese to olive oil and wine, Kaštel strives for a perfect balance of simplicity and freshness, resulting in an unforgettable gourmet experience.

Guests are encouraged to book a table on the terrace during the summer months to enjoy fine panoramic views while indulging in sophisticated cuisine. With its dedication to perfect food and wine pairings and reinventing lost recipes with a modern twist, Kaštel stands as a restaurant with a unique gourmet identity that promises to delight discerning palates.

Signature Specialties: Tuna tartare. Dalmatian platter. Black risotto. Black boar pork chops.

Address: Bedemi zadarskih pobuna 13

Hours: Breakfast: 7am - 11am Lunch and dinner: 11am - 11pm