Food & Drink

Croatian cuisine is as diverse as its neighbours, with varying influences depending on the proximity to the sea or the interior. A pleasant climate lends itself to many locally grown ingredients and the Adriatic Sea is teeming with fish and seafood, perfectly enjoyed during a Croatia cruise. Seafood is often prepared waterside with local olive oil, and paired with fresh young wines from an abundance of Croatian wineries.

Vineyards have been cultivated here since ancient times, introduced in the 6th century BC. The warmth of the afternoon sun cooks the grapes on the vines and because of plenty of sunshine combined with experience, Croatia is making a name for itself on the world wine stage. Pairing deep reds like a Montepulciano or a Malvazija with local cheeses, focaccia, meats, and olive oil might lead to long leisurely lunches or intimate memorable dinners. A beer and a flaky burek over lunch hits the spot between sightseeing stops on your Croatia vacation. Breweries around the country have exploded in popularity and in the past decade have gone from a handful to over a hundred styles and specialties.

What is Croatia's traditional cuisine?

The variety of food reflects the multiple cultures that have penetrated all aspects of Croatian life. Closer to the mountains the cuisine is heartier; meat-and-potatoes, a legacy of the Austro-Hungarians. Rich savoury aged ham and truffle-infused pastas from the interior can take you to gastronomic ecstasy. During winter months, sarma is a popular cabbage roll dish made of ground smoked meat and rice, wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves. Consider asking your travel agency to include a rural authentic dining experience, such as a stop in Smokovljani, during your Croatia vacation. Indulge in a succulent meat and vegetable dish called peka, cooked within a terracotta or iron pot over a low fire, with chicken, lamb, veal, or octopus slowly cooked to perfection. 

By the coast, ripe meaty tomatoes in a fresh seafood stew known as brodet—white wine with mussels—showcase the best the Adriatic has to offer. Be sure to try the traditional seafood side dish crni rizot, a squid risotto that makes the rice look black because of the squid ink.

For a sweet favourite on your Croatia trip, try madjarica, a moist delectable intricate dessert consisting of many thin layers of chocolate and white cake. Or indulge in potica, a sweet bread with walnut fillings, rolled up to form beautiful layers when you cut it.

What is the dining etiquette in Croatia?

Lunch is considered the most important meal, eaten closer to 2pm. It is also the largest meal of the day, enjoyed at a slow pace. A meal will likely start with soup, which Croatians believe opens up the appetite. Before you devour, wait until the host of the meal says dobar tek, or enjoy your meal. They may also say a quick prayer. The remaining dishes served will likely be sizable shared platters presented family style, with everyone getting a chance to help themselves to a portion. Only take a little during the first round of serving, as taking seconds or even third helpings is expected. If you leave just a tiny amount of food on your plate, it indicates you are finished eating.

What is drinking etiquette in Croatia?

Croatia vacations can often include alcohol, primarily wine and beer, with some locally popular spirits. Rakija is a traditional brandy made from various fruits depending on the region, such as plums or cherries. But be warned, it is a strong drink! Meeting friends in a pub for a beer, or pivo in Croatian, to watch a football game, is popular. While wine has been produced for thousands of years in Croatia, it has been experiencing a revival and is regularly poured during meals by Croatians. It is common to see locals add some sparkling mineral water to their wine glass, in the south with red called bevanda, in the north with white wine, known as gemišt. Toasting is mandatory before taking a sip and a hearty živjeli! (pronounced zheev-yeh-lee) sets the tone for an evening of libations.

Does Croatia cater to dietary restrictions?

Croatian cuisine, including seafood dishes with fish, oysters, mussels, and octopus, is extremely prevalent on menus along the sea. Dairy, eggs, nuts, and flour are commonly used ingredients in traditional Croatian dishes. With some research, finding Croatia vacation packages with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options is feasible, though Croatia is not as accommodating as other countries. That said, Croatians are hospitable and will often make an effort to cater to dietary restrictions. Finding halal-friendly restaurants in larger cities such as Zagreb and Dubrovnik is relatively easy, but smaller coastal cities and remote Croatia tours present more challenges. Oftentimes, larger hotel restaurants are the most accommodating. Do bring along a translated copy of your dietary restrictions on a card for communication with restaurants and ask your travel agency for recommendations for dining options tailored to your needs.

What do meals typically cost in Croatia?

Dining out in Croatia can vary depending on the type of cuisine and location, but overall, food is lower priced compared to other European destinations. That said, food prices (and all inclusive vacation packages) have seen an increase since Croatia started using the Euro. Expect a mid-range, taverna-style meal to be about US $15 per person, while a high-end spot in a tourist location such as Dubrovnik will be closer to US $30 per person. If seeking more affordable options, the best time to visit local restaurants is at lunchtime, when many will offer a lunch plate, often called a gablec menu, consisting of a main, vegetable, and soup, which can commonly be found for US $8-10.

Inexpensive and delicious Croatian street food, such as the cevapi, which uses grilled beef or pork sausage stuffed into a thin flatbread, along with onions, red pepper, cheese, and tomato sauce, can be found for around US $3 per piece.