Croatian Food Guide: Traditional Dishes and Drinks You Need to Try

Croatian food is a lovely blend of Mediterranean flavors and influences from other European countries. As we traveled through Croatia, we found unique pasta shapes, fresh seafood, hearty meat dishes, local wine and some of the best olive oil we have tasted.

The food also changes depending on where you are in the country. Along the coast and islands, seafood, pasta and olive oil are everywhere. As you move inland, the food becomes heartier with more meats, potatoes and stews.

If you are planning a trip and wondering what to eat in Croatia, these are the Croatian foods and drinks we think you should try.

What to Expect From Croatian Food

One of the things we loved most about eating our way through Croatia was how much the food changed as we traveled.

Along the Adriatic Coast, the menus were filled with fresh seafood, pasta, olive oil and local wines. It was easy to see the influence of nearby Italy, but Croatian cuisine still has its own identity. The ingredients are fresh, the recipes are often simple and the focus is on letting local produce and seafood shine.

As we moved inland, the food became heartier. Rich stews, roasted meats, potatoes and paprika-heavy dishes became more common, reflecting influences from Austria and Hungary.

Croatian food is a lovely blend of Mediterranean and other European cuisines. You will find unique pasta shapes and names like fuži, which is a bit like penne but thicker, giving you more pasta in every bite. The pizza has unique options and is as delicious as it is popular.

The strudels and paprika-heavy dishes are reminiscent of Hungary and Austria. I had a delicious goulash. The spiced minced meat with cabbage was inspired by Turkey.

One thing that stayed the same wherever we traveled was the emphasis on local ingredients. Whether it was olive oil purchased from a roadside stand, fresh seafood or local wine served with dinner, Croatian food felt closely connected to the region where it was produced.

If you are traveling around Croatia, try the local specialty wherever you are. Each region offers something a little different.

Traditional Croatian Food You Must Try

Croatian Food by Region

While you will find many traditional Croatian dishes throughout the country, some foods are more closely connected to certain regions.

The Dalmatian Coast

The Dalmatian Coast is known for seafood. Fresh mussels, seafood pasta, tuna and black risotto appear on menus throughout the coastal towns and islands.

Local olive oil and Dalmatian pršut are also popular, and many meals are paired with a glass of local wine.

Istria

Istria is known for pasta, olive oil and wine. This is where you are most likely to find fuži served with rich sauces.

Malvazija Istarska is one of the region's signature wines and pairs well with seafood and pasta.

Pag Island

If your travels take you to Pag Island, do not miss Paški Sir. This aged sheep milk cheese is one of Croatia's best-known regional products.

It is often served with pršut, olives and bread as part of an appetizer platter.

Inland Croatia

As you move away from the coast, the food becomes heartier with more meats, potatoes and stews.

Goulash, roasted meat and paprika-heavy dishes become more common, reflecting Croatia's Central European influences.

Croatian Olive Oil

The olive oil is dark green, fragrant and full of flavor.

You can buy it, along with fresh produce and wine, at stands just off the road from local farmers.

Stopping at these roadside stands was one of our favorite parts of driving through Croatia. They are an easy way to support local producers and bring home something made in the region.

Croatian Wine You Should Try

There is a lot of good, inexpensive wine in Croatia. We found ourselves ordering local wine throughout our trip.

Plavac Mali

Plavac Mali is the primary red wine grown along the coast. It is rich and full of minerality.

It is a good choice with grilled meat, cured ham or a hearty dinner.

Malvazija Istarska

Malvazija Istarska is a white wine that grows along the coast. It has a nice mix of spice and mineral flavors.

It pairs particularly well with seafood, pasta and lighter meals.

Graševina

Graševina is a medium-bodied white wine that goes well with the beautiful seafood found throughout Croatia.

It is refreshing and easy to drink, especially during a warm evening along the coast.

Finish Your Meal With Maraschino Cherry Liqueur

Finish your meal with a taste of Maraschino cherry liqueur.

There are two types, one red that is sweeter and one clear that is more herbal.

If you are visiting Zadar, you will see Maraschino sold in shops and served in restaurants throughout the city.

Tips for Eating at Restaurants in Croatia

Eating out in Croatia is relaxed, and we found plenty of restaurants serving fresh, local food.

Reserve Popular Restaurants in Summer

During the busy summer months, restaurants in popular coastal towns can fill quickly in the evenings, especially those with outdoor seating or views of the water.

If there is somewhere you really want to eat, it is worth making a reservation.

Ask About the Catch of the Day

Seafood is one of the highlights of Croatian cuisine. Some restaurants list the catch of the day separately or display the fish available before you order.

It is always worth asking what is fresh and what the restaurant recommends.

Try the Local Wine

Instead of automatically ordering a wine you already know, try one produced in Croatia.

Croatian wine is often reasonably priced, and the local varieties pair well with the regional food.

Stop at Roadside Stands

If you are driving through Croatia, keep an eye out for roadside farm stands.

You may find local olive oil, wine, honey, fruit, vegetables and other seasonal products sold directly by the people who produced them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Croatian Food

What is traditional Croatian food?

Traditional Croatian food varies by region. Along the coast, you will find seafood, pasta, olive oil and wine. Inland specialties include hearty stews, roasted meats, potatoes and paprika-heavy dishes.

Croatian cuisine reflects influences from Italy, Austria, Hungary and the Balkans while still maintaining its own regional identity.

What food is Croatia known for?

Some of Croatia's best-known foods include burek, ćevapi, Paški Sir, Dalmatian pršut, crni rižot, seafood pasta and fresh mussels.

Croatia is also known for excellent olive oil, local wine and regional pasta such as fuži.

Is Croatian food similar to Italian food?

Along the Adriatic Coast, there are clear Italian influences. You will find pasta, pizza, seafood, olive oil and wine on many menus.

However, Croatian cuisine also includes influences from Austria, Hungary, Turkey and other Balkan countries.

Is Croatia good for seafood?

Yes. Along the coast and islands, the seafood is fresh and diverse.

We ate mussels and seafood pasta during our trip, and tuna is also a specialty. Black risotto made with cuttlefish ink is another popular seafood dish.

Is Croatian food expensive?

Prices depend on where you travel and the type of restaurant you choose. Restaurants in busy coastal destinations may be more expensive, especially during summer.

We found plenty of good local food and inexpensive Croatian wine throughout our trip.

What should I drink in Croatia?

Try the local wine. Plavac Mali is a rich red wine grown along the coast. Malvazija Istarska and Graševina are white wines that pair well with seafood.

To finish your meal, try a glass of Maraschino cherry liqueur.

What food should I bring home from Croatia?

Croatian olive oil makes an excellent souvenir. Local wine is another good option if you can transport it safely.

Roadside farm stands are also good places to find regional products sold directly by local farmers.

Final Thoughts on Croatian Food

Croatian food is a lovely blend of Mediterranean and other European cuisines. From flaky burek and grilled ćevapi to fresh seafood, local wine and fragrant olive oil, there is something different to try in every region.

Try it all in Croatia. You will not be sorry.

Continue Exploring Croatia

If you're planning a trip to Croatia, we've put together destination and hotel guides to help you make the most of your visit. Whether you're exploring the historic streets of Dubrovnik, relaxing along the waterfront in Split or discovering the charm of Zagreb, these guides will help you plan where to stay and what not to miss.

• Split Travel Guide – Discover the best things to do, where to eat and our favorite travel tips for visiting Croatia's beautiful coastal city.
• Where to Stay in Split – Find the best neighborhoods and hotels, from luxury waterfront stays to budget-friendly options.
• Dubrovnik Travel Guide – Plan your visit to Croatia's iconic walled city with our favorite things to do, restaurants and practical travel tips.
• Where to Stay in Dubrovnik – Compare the best areas to stay and our favorite hotels for every budget and travel style.
• Where to Stay in Zagreb – Discover the best neighborhoods and hotels to help you choose the perfect base for your visit.