As its cheeky name hints, this self-described fusion restaurant hopes to start a revolution with its blend of international flavors (primarily Latin-inspired) and live jazz. Located slightly off the beaten path, it provides a gastronomic anchor to the traditionally residential Trešnjevka neighborhood. A mix of industrial and natural finishes provide the backdrop for a meat-heavy menu, with dishes like Nikkei beef steak with yuzu-soy chimichurri, adobo, and ponzu sauce; and pork medallions in mojo marinade. Plus, there are homemade pastas, risottos, and seafood dishes.

Wine has been cultivated for thousands of years in Croatia, and is finally beginning to gain more notoriety. Those interested in learning about the country’s better bottles should head to Pupitres Bar from sommelier Jelena Šimić Valentić. Visitors can choose from a large selection of wines from Croatia and around the world accompanied by prosciutto, cheese, and other small bites. Valentić, who started the Pupitres brand with a wine school three years ago, can educate guests on their selection.

For those in search of a little greenery with their nightcap, Botaničar (which means “botanist”) is a laid-back option. The bar is situated adjacent to Zagreb’s botanical gardens, and rustic materials and upcycled items add to the space’s natural feel. Once settled in, choose from drinks such as the signature Black Elixir cocktail made with activated charcoal, craft beers from local brewers like Plavuša, lesser-known Croatian wines, and honey-based liqueurs. Botaničar is also open during the day for both coffee and tea, and the space regularly hosts events like live music and literary happenings.

Pastry shops are a big deal in Zagreb, and perhaps none got as much attention in the past year as Time. The result of a sweet collaboration between Paris-trained pastry chef Robert Hromalić and Zagreb stalwart Time Restaurant & Bar, it serves refined, seasonal desserts and a selection of beverages. The pastry lineup changes every few weeks and has recently included a Madagascar vanilla tart, lemon confit cheesecake, and a Kirsch cherry confection. A must-stop for dessert lovers who want to sample a taste of Zagreb’s bake-shop culture with a sophisticated French twist.

A spinoff of the venerable Zagreb restaurant Baltazar (“B” stands for “Baltazar” and “35” for the number of years the place has been in business), B35 debuted in early spring 2017, but then reopened in the fall with a new head chef, Dario Bionda. Mediterranean-inspired dishes star ingredients from the restaurant’s own garden and include preparations like Adriatic scampi with foie gras ganache and burrata. The food is accompanied by wines picked by sommelier Mario Meštrović, and the dining room is dramatic and sophisticated, with black walls, white tablecloths, and splashes of color on the upholstered seats.

It can be tough for mixed groups of vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters to dine together in Zagreb. But Veganšpek (translation: “vegan ham”) offers a place for people of varying dietary persuasions. Creator Karolina Blažeković, who has appeared on the local cooking show Tri, dva, jedan - kuhaj! (“Three, two, one - cook!”), offers dishes a la carte, as well as a fixed daily menu. Dishes may include brown rice, seitan, and roasted vegetables in sesame oil; octopus goulash; and even steak. Desserts are mostly gluten-free and use healthier ingredient swaps, but conventional sweets are also offered. Drinks include carefully crafted cocktails, as well as almond, soy, and rice milk for coffee. 

One of the most talked-about fine dining restaurants in Zagreb, Noel features chef Goran Kočiš’s contemporary take on Croatian cuisine. The rotating menu might feature smoked trout with orange, algae, and radish; cold pear soup with bleu cheese souffle; or roasted black Slavonian pig. Winner of the Continental Croatia Sommelier Championship in 2012, sommelier Ivan Jug pours a wide range of Croatian wines as well as other smart highlights from around the globe. It all comes together in a plush dining room decked out in gray hues with modern chandeliers and upholstered seating. Noel regularly hosts special events and special dinner series, including a recent olfactory meal curated by perfume expert Juraj Sotošek-Rihtarec.