8 Best Restaurants in Slavonia, Croatia

Family-run Baranjska Kuća, located in the village of Karanac, is not only one of Slavonia's best restaurants, but it's also one of the region's must-see sights for its traditional music and decor, lively atmosphere, and interesting ethnographic museum out back. Locals and visitors fill up large wooden tables around the garden, the air fragrant with smoke from outdoor firepits where cooks make čvarci, digging into big bowls of catfish perkelt, bean stew, and hearty čobanac with homemade noodles. Leave time after lunch to wander around the impressive Street of Forgotten Times, an outdoor ethnographic museum that brings to life the bygone era with full-sized reconstructions of barber shops, woodworking sheds, and even pubs. There are also 20 well-appointed rooms in the inn around the corner, which include a fantastic homemade breakfast.

Located across the river in Bilje on the outskirts of Kopački Rit, Čingi Lingi is one of Osijek's hottest new restaurants in one of its most historical buildings. Built on the site of a century-old tavern that was the most popular spot in town until it was destroyed during the Homeland War, it has been rebuilt in a rustic-chic style, with a sprawling terrace right on the water, and is once again buzzing with locals. The menu puts a modern twist on all the local favorites like pork knuckle, river fish, and game meat, and it's a great place to try black pig (with 24-hour notice). Don't miss the plum cake for dessert.

On the bank of the Drava, just across the river from the Osijek Zoo, family-owned Kompa is a long-standing institution beloved for their traditional dishes. Their homemade sausages are perfectly spicy, the koljenica (pig's knuckle) is a firm favorite, and if you are around on a Sunday or holiday, join the locals for a big feast of teleće pečenje (roast veal). The service is friendly and attentive, and the ambience is peaceful. It's a shame about the mosquitoes but it's to be expected from a riverside restaurant, and they have bug spray on hand if needed.

The small settlement of Suza, just over 15 miles from the Hungarian border, is considered the best place in the world to try fiš paprikaš; there are a couple of restaurants where you can try it, and Hungarian-owned Kovač Čarda is as good a place as any. There isn't much else to see in the village and English isn't really spoken, so just come to the restaurant, grab a seat and a bib, and dig in. Be forewarned: they make it hot, so if spicy isn't your thing, ask them to go light on the paprika.

A welcome addition to the Vukovar dining scene, Domestic House Lola is a classy affair in a 150-year-old noble family home on Vukovar's pedestrian road. The menu, which changes seasonally, highlights premium ingredients sourced from local family-owned farms with an emphasis on meat such as venison and black pork; try the rolled chicken, stuffed with fresh paprika and locally-produced cow cheese and wrapped in prosciutto. There is also a small, very appealing hotel on the top floor of the building.

A sophisticated option in the center of Osijek, Lumiere presents Italian-inspired seasonal dishes that offer a unique take on Slavonian and Croatian ingredients. The menu changes seasonally but favorites include beef and tuna carpaccio, goose pâté, steak with truffle sauce, and an excellent range of homemade desserts.

Located in a big red-brick building around the corner from the Cathedral, this pub-like restaurant specializes in grilled meat and pizza cooked in a giant wood oven. The menu represents good value for money, with its generous portions of hearty traditional Balkan fare.

This family restaurant with a small patio and pleasant staff is a local favorite, serving reliably good pizza and a selection of simple traditional meals. It's tucked away in the parking lot beside the old water tower after which it is named.