Where to eat in Zadar: what to order and where
Zadar eats Dalmatian: grilled fish, black risotto, Pag cheese and good olive oil. The best meals are in the old town side lanes and on the quieter streets, not on the main waterfront. Book dinner at the Michelin-listed places and go to the market for lunch.
The short answer
- Best area to eat
- The lanes of the old town away from the waterfront, and the streets near the Land Gate.
- Order this
- Pag cheese, black risotto and the day's grilled fish.
- When to eat
- Lunch from 12:00, dinner from 19:00. The kitchens in smaller places close early.
- Book or walk in
- Book dinner at Kaštel, Foša and LABRAX. The market and casual taverns take walk-ins.
- Tipping
- Round up or leave about 10 percent if service was good.
What to eat in Zadar
- Pag cheeseHard sheep's cheese from the island of Pag, salty and a little sharp. Served as a starter board with olive oil.
- Black risottoRice cooked with cuttlefish ink and seafood. A coastal staple that is rich and salty.
- Grilled fishWhole fish, sold by weight, grilled and served with chard and potatoes. Ask to see the fish.
- BrudetA fish stew cooked with tomato and wine, served with polenta or bread.
- Pag lambLamb from the island of Pag, roasted slowly and served with potatoes. A weekend and holiday dish.
- PršutAir-dried ham from the Dalmatian hinterland, sliced thin and served with cheese and olives.
- MaraschinoA sour-cherry liqueur made in Zadar since the 19th century. Taste it as a small glass after dinner.
Where to eat in Zadar, by neighborhood
Old town side lanes
Small taverns and wine bars between the forum and the Land Gate. Look for short menus and walk away from the main squares.
Kampo Kaštelo and the walls
Restaurants set into the old bastions, some with terraces and views. Better for a special dinner than a quick lunch.
Foša harbor
Restaurants with tables by the old harbor. Fine for an evening drink, with more variation in quality at dinner.
Arbanasi
A calmer neighborhood across the harbor with a few local restaurants. Quieter and generally cheaper.
Places worth a booking or a queue
-
Foša
€€€Restaurant · Foša harbor
OrderThe day's fish, or a Dalmatian meat dish
A long-established restaurant at the old harbor, in the Michelin Guide, with a terrace facing the sea and the walls.
- Book
- Reserve for dinner, especially in summer
Confirmed open: michelin.com
-
Kaštel
€€€Mediterranean restaurant · Old town walls
OrderThe fish dish of the day or the stuffed squid
A restaurant in the bastion of the town walls at Hotel Bastion, listed in the Michelin Guide for contemporary Dalmatian cooking.
- Book
- Reserve for the terrace in summer
Confirmed open: guide.michelin.com
-
LABRAX
€€€Seafood and wine bar · Old town
OrderFish from the day's catch
A modern seafood restaurant and wine bar in the old town, new to the Michelin Guide in 2026.
- Book
- Reserve for dinner
Confirmed open: enprimeurclub.com
-
Pet Bunara
€€Konoba · Old town edge
OrderBarley risotto with sheep's cheese, or slow-cooked lamb
A casual, traditional Croatian restaurant on a small square at the edge of the old town, popular with visitors and locals.
- Book
- Walk in, or reserve for dinner in summer
Confirmed open: roamandthrive.com
Food markets in Zadar
- Zadar city market and fish hallFruit, vegetables, cheese, honey and olive oil under the old walls, with a hall for the day's catch beside it. Go in the morning for the best produce.Monday to Saturday 7:00 to 15:00, Sunday and holidays 7:00 to 12:00Source: trznicazadar.hr
How Zadar eats
- Meal timesLunch is a long meal from about 12:00. Dinner starts around 19:00.
- TippingLeave about 10 percent if service was good, or round the bill up.
- ReservationsBook dinner at the well-known places, especially at weekends and in summer.
- Fish by weightWhole fish is priced per kilo. Ask the weight and price before you order.
Signs of a place to walk past
Menus with photos of the dishes by the door.
Waiters on the waterfront calling you in.
Fish priced with no weight or price per kilo on the menu.
Eating in Zadar: questions people ask
What food is Zadar known for?
Grilled fish, black risotto, Pag cheese and lamb. Zadar is also the home of maraschino, a sour-cherry liqueur.
Where is the best place to eat in Zadar?
For a special dinner, Kaštel, Foša or LABRAX. For a casual meal, a konoba in the old town side lanes, such as Pet Bunara.
Do you need to book restaurants in Zadar?
For the well-known places at dinner, yes. The market, cafes and bakeries take walk-ins.
How much do you tip in Zadar?
About 10 percent for good service, or round up the bill.
Is Zadar expensive for food?
The waterfront and the old town cost more. Side lanes, taverns and the market are better value.