Croatians can be very exacting about their meals, so Croatia restaurants can proudly boast a reputation among the best in the world. Prices are quite reasonable, and even in the finest of restaurants, diners will find heartily satisfying and affordable meals. Remarkably, breakfast in restaurants is not part of the Croatian tradition; visitors may want to verify a complimentary breakfast at their hotel or buy food at the market the night before. There are several different types of restaurants and options for dining and food in Croatia, from coastal cafes to family-owned and -operated establishments.

Croatian food reflects the various influences of diverse cultures surrounding the country. Visitors will easily find an assorted selection of cuisines that will suit many tastes. Breakfast is usually not on the menu at Croatia restaurants, as most open at noon, but those seeking a morning bite to eat can find pastries and coffee available at some of the pastry and sundry shops, and at several of the larger hotels and restaurants. Lunch begins the day at most the establishments, as it is the main meal in Croatia. An assortment of appetizers is the usual habit of Croatians at dinner, but in the larger tourist areas, establishments make accommodations in the way of serving a full dinner menu to suit the customs of visitors.

Travelers who dine in a restaurant in Zagreb, Osijek, or any of the continental areas will find fine traditional Croatian food that has been shaped and influenced by the climate, farmland, lifestyle of the commoners, and the rich nobility that once occupied the antique castles dotting the territory of Croatia. As a rule, a Dubrovnik restaurant would display quite a wider variety of selections, because it is a larger, more cosmopolitan city filled with urbanites and tourists nearly all year long.

Croatia Map

Nightlife in Croatia is in the company of the most outstanding and exciting experiences, and it's easy to find a Dubrovnik restaurant that's in on the action with sophistication and panache. Zagreb is an evening entertainment hotspot during the off-peak season, and it quiets down during the summer rush to the coastal beauties of the island shores. Split is a laid-back town with a nightlife to match, making it synonymous with the easygoing student lifestyle of universities, while Hvar—the main town on Hvar Island—is a place where you can live it up in fashion. On the islands and along the coast, summer vacationers can relax under the gaze of the moon with the sound of lapping waves and soft music in the background at many beach joints.

Croatia dining is among the most diverse with various cuisines and tons of surrounding options; just take your pick on atmosphere, and choose a cuisine to match it—Croatia restaurants are ready to accommodate. To really experience Croatia, a family-owned restaurant is in order; many of these restaurants serve their own wine, home-grown vegetables, and freshly caught and cured fish and meats.

Wherever you go in Croatia, from Dubrovnik to Zagreb to Split, you are sure to find a cuisine to fit your tastes. Croatia dining and nightlife are something to be experienced; a Dubrovnik restaurant especially should be part of your vacation itinerary. Absorb the rich culture from every angle including the Croatian food, which is a notable experience that will leave you literally wanting more.