Writing about Zagreb restaurants is challenging to say at least. The restaurant scene in the capital is way too dynamic, the restaurants keep opening, closing, and changing hands too often, and thus we need to keep track of this dinner meals recipes constantly.

However, we try to do the job so you can always have an updated list of the must-try restaurants in Zagreb. There are some classics that have been here for ages, while some others are novelty places that we hope will stay around at least for some time. Here is the list of our favorite Zagreb restaurants, some are already established landmarks when it comes to eating out in Zagreb, while others are exciting upstarts everybody wants to try out. In fact, whenever we are in Zagreb, we end up eating in Rougemarin. Rougemarin is located on Folnegoviceva Street, not far from Zagreb’s business district around Radnicka Cesta. This makes it a very popular lunch spot during the week. Housed in a former light bulb factory, the restaurant keeps a rough industrial look with an unobstructed view over the kitchen.

However, make sure you have a reservation, especially for lunchtime. The menu changes monthly, with some classics always remaining on the menu. From Tuesday through Friday, they also offer a couple of daily dishes that aren’t on the menu. We personally love their spring rolls, risotto, burgers, wok, and lemon pie. Located in Petrinjska 2, it’s open from 9 am to 11 pm every day except on Sunday. Hidden in a small courtyard off Vlaska Street, Mali Bar is another of our all-time favorite Zagreb restaurants. Fresh and seasonal ingredients, innovative dishes, a great choice of Croatian wine by the glass, affordable prices, and good vibes make Mali Bar one of the locals’ favorite restaurants in Zagreb.

The interior is small and they have a lovely rooftop terrace for dining al fresco. From pea soup in spring, fresh salads in summer, great steaks, smoked duck bruschettas, and even simple fish and chips, everything tastes great at Mali Bar. We love eating out in the Takenoko. The first Japanese restaurant that opened in Croatia in 2002, Takenoko, along with Tekka, has always been and still is a synonym for the best Japanese and Asian fusion food you can have in Zagreb. Fantastic location just around the corner from the main square, elegant interiors, exciting sushi, and Asian fusion dishes, amazing wines, fine champagnes, signature cocktails, and an extensive whiskey library make the Time a favorite hangout for young professionals. But also for anybody who likes good food.

Don’t miss their spring rolls, crunchy gyozas, as well as sushi. Sit at the bar and watch sushi masters prepare your favorite rolls right in front of you. Recently Takenoko has also added various ceviches to its menu. ManO2 is run by popular Croatian chef, Hrvoje Kroflin. Hrvoje worked for a long time in a sister restaurant ManO, located downtown. However, in 2012 he moved to the ManO2 located in the Zagreb business district, in the Green Gold shopping center. First of all, ManO2 is perhaps the nicest-designed restaurant in Zagreb.