Food And Drink In Zagreb – Visit Zagreb – Budget Travel In Croatia

Zagreb, Croatia offers lively nightlife and hundreds of coffee shops and restaurants ensuring that food and drink is available to suit every budget.

As I was staying in hostels with cooking facilities, I did not get to experience much of the local cuisine. I did, however, enjoy some of the best bars in Zagreb.

Food And Drink In Zagreb

Alcatraz

‘Alcatraz’ (map) is a dive bar just south of the old town. Not to be confused with Alcatraz Confusion Bar (see below) this place offers cheap drinks in a smoky environment. Popular with locals and tourists, it stays open until 4 am every night.

Alcatraz Confusion Bar

Confusion is the keyword here! I ended up here after a night drinking shots and smoking shisha with a young Croatian couple in an unknown bar down the road. There is a club downstairs which becomes busy once the nearby bars close for the night. There was a good vibe in the club but I only had the one beer as it was definitely the end of the night for this old boy! Map.

Big5

A local version of Mcdonald’s, this place is notable for making fast food that somehow manages to be even worse than that of its American influence. The burger tasted like the kind of cheap meat that you might find in a budget frozen food store and the fries were barely warm. Only come here if there is no other option. Map.

Bistro Dolac

24 hour, fast-food restaurant serving traditional Croatian dishes. I ended up here after a night in the Alcatraz Confusion club. Having no idea what to order, I asked for the most popular local dish, which turned out to be ‘cevapi’.

Booze And Blues

As you’d expect from the name this is a bar that offers live blues music. The band were great when I visited and the customers were singing along and dancing. There are lots of bars in this area so it makes for a great pub crawl. Map.

Eli’s Cafe

Ultra-hip coffee shop playing great vinyl. The owners are clearly passionate about coffee and it was excellent. It is small so might be difficult to find a seat. The coffee was more expensive than most other coffee shops (22 Kn for americano) but when it is as good as this, it was a price I didn’t mind paying. Map.

Kulturni Centar Mesnička

I came across this place by accident as Google Maps was taking me to the underground tunnels to reach another bar (the tunnels were closed). I heard live music so I decided to take a look. Inside, I discovered a small cavern venue with a 9 piece funk band playing to an enthusiastic audience. The band were great and the audience were up for a good time. They only sell craft beer in bottles but it was worth paying the extra for a great night of funk! Check out their Facebook group for details on upcoming events: https://www.facebook.com/KCMesnicka/. Map.

Meet Mia

This coffee shop was close to my first hostel and, instead of finding other places to visit, I came here every morning. The coffee was good and only 9 Kn for an americano. They also sell delicious cakes at great prices. I loved beginning my exploring with a coffee in this wonderful coffee shop. Map.

Milinar

Milinar is a bakery chain across Croatia. There are a number in Zagreb including one that was close to my hostel (map). It’s a great place to pick up a cheap lunch. They do the local favourite burek and the pizzas are great value, starting at 10 Kn for a big slice. Especially good if they have just been baked.

Pod Starim Krovovima

A real locals pub, ‘Pod Starim Krokovima’ (map) is possibly the oldest pub in Zagreb. It feels like you are stepping back in time when you enter. It gets smoky inside (as do most pubs in Croatia) but it’s a great place to sit and drink with the locals.

Swanky Monkey Garden

This bar is part of the Hostel Swanky Mint. The choice of beer is limited but it’s a good place to meet other travellers. The hostel itself looks unique and a cool place to stay. I was going to book it for the second half of my visit but it was fully booked. Map.

Tolkien’s Bar

Good beer in a Lord of the Rings themed bar. It’s nice and cozy inside but they do allow smoking (most places in Croatia do) which may or may not spoil your enjoyment. They have a heated terrace if the smoke is too much. Map.

Valhalla

Rock bar that sells craft beer with at least 9 on draught. Most beers are between 20-30 Kn meaning you can try a number of beers at a good price. Friendly staff and popular with locals which is always a good sign. Map.

Vinyl Bar&Bar

Trendy bar specializing in cocktails and a small selection of craft beers. There is a smaller area downstairs where they host live music and DJ nights. Smoke-friendly. Map.

Wurst Bar

Selling a variety of sausage and sandwiches (including a Vietnamese Banh Mi), this was a great spot for lunch. I had the kaiserwurst which was a sausage mixed with 15 types of cheese. It was delicious, though I could have eaten it all over again. They also do goulash which looked tasty! Map.

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