4 Best Restaurants in Zagreb, Zagreb and Environs

Founded in 1977 by the Vincek family, this sweets shop regularly draws crowds lining up out the door and down Ilica Street. Dozens of ice cream flavors and sundaes are available, along with delicious cakes and desserts to be savored at the limited indoor tables in the slightly dark interior or, more often (tables fill up), taken out. Including Vis à Vis by Vincek, a spin-off offering the same quality but fully gluten-free, Vincek has eight locations in and around Zagreb. Those outside the city are less crowded and offer better sit-down experiences.

At one of the city's few fast-food places, you can select from a range of decent salads and bowls, prepared right in front of you, as well as other light refreshing fare such as ciabatta sandwiches and vegetarian tortillas. Of course, this minichain (three locations in Zagreb) also serves the standbys of burgers and fries, in case you're hungering for more carbs and protein. Try one of their in-house jarred desserts, such as cheesecake.

This restaurant with a rustic-style interior and a terrace is the love child of married dynamic duo Ana, from Slavonia, and Pasquale, from Italy. They use fresh ingredients from Italy and Croatia to make amazing pizza doughs and exciting topping combinations. This pizzeria is tucked away above the city hubbub, in the foothills of Mt. Medvednica.

Popular demand has helped this fast-growing chain expand to 11 locations around Zagreb, including this one on Frankopanska near the main square and two other more central spots on Tkalčićeva and Bogovićeva. The restaurant offers a range of all-natural burgers with locally procured toppings, including tasty vegetarian options as well. Don't miss out on the truffle fries.