Croatia, the Premium Destination for Food Lovers in 2025

Croatia: A Food Lovers Paradise‍

Often while visiting a new country, food is the first thing that people gravitate towards. It's exciting to try something new and maybe foreign to your own taste buds. That's why often before traveling to a certain country, people like to investigate if the food in this new country is something they find appealing. This is where we come to Croatia, a country with a very diverse culinary scene that offers almost every traveler something new to experience. That is why before the 2025 travel season really sets in, we wanted to give you a short crash course in what to expect from Croatia’s vibrant food scene. After all, National Geographic did list Croatia in the top 8 most exciting food destinations  to visit in 2025. 

The layered history of Croatia and the influence of many neighboring countries has left quite an impact on its cuisine. From recipes dating back to the Ottoman Empire to foods brought in by Italian merchants, Croatia has been at the crossroads of various cuisine cultures. This has created a rich tapestry of tradition that has moved into the modern age, with Croatian cuisine constantly evolving. The countless restaurants in Croatia represent cuisine from various regions of the country. Most of them are local and family-owned which is quite important in the country. In general food and eating is something very cherished in Croatia. It is a way to spend time with loved ones and truly connect.  For that reason many of the restaurants in the country create a very “homey” atmosphere that both shows off Croatian culture and makes the guest feel like they are at home with friends and family. 

So let's take a dive into the various delicious foods you can try in Croatia, be it while exploring its many vibrant cities on your own or while taking part in a curated food tour.

‍You win no matter what: Coastal Croatian foods vs Inland Croatian foods

As we stated before, Croatia has a very diverse culinary scene, and the difference becomes huge between Coastal Croatia and Inland Croatia. Both parts of the country were influenced by very different cultures and developed in various ways. If a traveler decides to explore Croatia's food scene, they will get a vastly different experience on the coast and inland. Coastal Croatia is famous for its beautiful beaches, islands, and fantastic national parks. There are very few locations that are better summer destinations than the Croatian coast. While exploring the coast as a new traveler, the countless food choices can be a bit overwhelming at first. 

We are talking about the best prosciutto, oysters, shrimp, black risotto, roasted octopus served with potatoes, and the perfect Istrian olive oil of the highest quality. That is just a fraction of the foods a visitor exploring the Croatian coast can try. From the city of Pula in Istra to Dubrovnik, every single town has its culinary scene and diverse offerings. This makes exploring the coast a perfect voyage for a true food lover willing to experiment and try new things. 

A very famous dish that is a staple of the Croatian coast is “pašticada”. Pašticada is a timeless Croatian dish that captures the heart of Dalmatian cuisine. Slowly simmered beef, bathed in a rich, aromatic sauce of wine, prunes, and Mediterranean spices, creates a harmony of flavors that feels like a warm embrace. Traditionally served with pillowy gnocchi, every bite of pašticada carries the essence of family gatherings and coastal charm. This dish is more than a meal; it's a culinary journey through centuries of tradition and love for fine food.

Going further inland there is a whole different food scene waiting for anyone ready to explore. When talking about inland Croatia we are mostly talking about Central Croatia, the area around Zagreb and Slavonia, a beautiful mountainous region. The customs and traditions in this area are much different from the coast and this is most apparent in the food. Moving away from fish and Italian influences, Central Croatia is more focused on meats and dishes that can warm you up after a hard day of exploration. The city of Zagreb very much acts as a melting pot of all these various culinary scenes. Visiting the city allows you to experience most of the varied dishes that Central and Coastal Croatia has to offer. 

One of the most prominent dishes is something called “čevapčići”. The easiest way to explain this dish is to say that čevapčići is a form of minced meat shaped into cute little sausage-like snacks. A very famous hangover food that is often served with delicious flat bread and two special condiments, ajvar and kajmak. Ajvar is a red sauce something akin to salsa. It is made from sweet bell peppers and various other vegetables. Kajmak on the other hand is just fermented cheese formed into a cheese cream and it acts as a cooling agent for the dish. 

We have focused a lot on main course dishes but there are countless amazing desserts on offer in Croatia. Croatia’s desserts are a delightful reflection of its rich cultural tapestry, offering everything from the delicate sweetness of Dalmatian rožata to the flaky layers of Međimurje gibanica. Each region has its own specialties, like the almond-rich bajadera of Zagreb or the honey-kissed fritule from the Adriatic coast. Among these treasures, one dish stands out for its comforting simplicity and versatility—štrukli.

This traditional pastry, filled with creamy cheese and often baked or boiled, is a true staple of Croatian cuisine, celebrated for its delicate texture and heartwarming flavor. The restaurant most famous for this dish is La Štruk. While La Štruk specializes in just one dish, their menu is far from limited. After being baked in the oven, other flavors and ingredients can be added to the iconic štrukli, creating countless alternatives available. Just some of the ingredients are truffles, paprika, red peppers, honey, apples and cinnamon. Here, even the largest appetites will be satiated by the huge portions so always come with an empty stomach. 

‍The Food Festivals never stop 

Restaurants and farmers markets drive the culinary scene in Croatia but they are not the sole reason the country has such a lively and dynamic culinary culture. All through the year, there are countless food festivals all around the country. Every city has their own special tradition and events tailor made through their tradition and culture. From the Good Food Festival held in Dubrovnik every year to the Burger festival in Zagreb, there is something for every food lover. Yes, even the burgers in Croatia are home-made and strive for a high degree of excellence. 

Through the winter period an event called Advent is organized in almost all of Croatia’s cities. Advent events can most easily be described as a form of a Christmas market. Every city has their own way of organizing Advent but it is never boring. Every restaurant that participates in the event brings their own special food so there is always a dynamic choice of delicacies. Small and fresh restaurants that are trying to offer the best service with truly homegrown ingredients. Be it a street food vendor  in Zagreb like Bold Burger that focuses on fresh and new burger recipes or something like The Well in Zadar which is a classical bistro famous for its short ribs and goat cheese. 

Moving on to the summer period there is something called Project PLACe, a special collection of events where regular farmers markets get turned into festivals of food once a week. Some of the best chefs in the country participate in these night markets and truly get a chance to flex their culinary skills. The PLACe night market presents a perfect combination of regional cuisine, fun social activities and a cultural overview of a country. It is a gateway into Croatian customs and some of its longest standing traditions. 

In conclusion, Croatia is a true culinary treasure trove, offering flavors as diverse as its stunning landscapes. From fresh seafood along the Adriatic coast to hearty stews and pastries in the inland regions, every bite tells a story of tradition and local pride. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, savoring meals at family-run taverns, or indulging in gourmet experiences, Croatia’s cuisine promises a journey to remember. So pack your appetite and let the flavors of Croatia guide you through this beautiful country. Bon appétit, or as the locals say, Dobar tek!