Vegan and vegetarian options in Croatia photo credit IG @steinbernhoff
Through the years of working with many different guests, we’ve been asked a lot about the vegan and vegetarian restaurant options in Croatia. I’m happy to report that every year, the vegan/vegetarian options are more and more in Croatia!
In this blog we will go through some popular destinations in Croatia, and list the top restaurants for vegans and vegetarians in each place.
So, let's start with Croatian capital:
In this blog we will go through some popular destinations in Croatia, and list the top restaurants for vegans and vegetarians in each place.
So, let's start with Croatian capital:
Zagreb
Vegehop
Address: Vlaska ulica 79
It is a vegan restaurant located in the center of the city 5 minutes walk from the main square (Jelacic square). The good thing about this restaurant is that it offers a daily menu with a main dish, soup and/or salad for a good price.
This restaurant also offers gluten free food, tofu, seitan meals and rich salad and smoothie options, too. Vegehop offers delivery and you can order your meal online, which is very convenient!
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
Zrno Bio Bistro
Address: Meduliceva ulica 20
Address: Vlaska ulica 79
It is a vegan restaurant located in the center of the city 5 minutes walk from the main square (Jelacic square). The good thing about this restaurant is that it offers a daily menu with a main dish, soup and/or salad for a good price.
This restaurant also offers gluten free food, tofu, seitan meals and rich salad and smoothie options, too. Vegehop offers delivery and you can order your meal online, which is very convenient!
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
Zrno Bio Bistro
Address: Meduliceva ulica 20
Seitan Cordon Bleu Photo IG @the_davor
This restaurant is known as organic/local/vegan. It is located in the downtown of Zagreb and offers lots of diversity of fresh vegan and organic food.
Their entire menu is certified organic and ingredients come mostly from the Zrno farm which is Croatia’s oldest organic farm.
The restaurant’s menu is very rich, where you can choose delicious vegetable soups, many kinds of fresh, vegan meals served in bowls or plates. The Garden Burger is on of their specialties, as well as the delicious seitan cordon bleu.
Regarding the meals their motto is “We start every day from scratch with our own: vegetables, fruits, herbs, spelt, rye, soy, tofu, seitan, bread, bread crumbs, pickled vegetables, seasonings and sauces. Then, we combine them into unique and wholesome organic, local and vegan dishes.” Source: https://zrnobiobistro.hr/
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
Namaste bistro
Address: Preradovićeva ulica 2
This authentic Indian restaurant in the heart of Zagreb offers a broad selection of vegan and gluten free dishes. The good thing is that the prices are very reasonable and the food is very yummy (speaking from personal experience).
So if you are vegan you can enjoy meals like Idly, Masala Dosa, Vegetable Uttapam, Vegetable Biryani and many other, you’ll surely enjoy this restaurant.
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5
Gajbica
Address: Vlaska ulica 7
If you are looking for tasty, healthy food in a not too fancy place then Gajbica is the right spot for you. It’s located just a few meters from the main square (Jelacic square) and it offers a couple of different meals every day.
Gajbica is famous for their large bowls of hearty vegetarian stews and nice summer salads. Previously when I worked in the center of Zagreb it was a great place to have your "gablec” (Zagreb word for lunch). The interior of the restaurant is small and cozy (not too fancy) and the staff is very friendly.
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
If you are looking for fine dining restaurants with vegetarian and vegan options I can recommend some restaurants in Zagreb which have veggie options. One of them is the restaurant Noel which holds a Michelin star in Zagreb. When I asked them for their menu, they sent me some proposals for our guests called the “Vege Journey” menu which costs around 90EUR per person. Other fine dining restaurants in Zagreb which have vegetarian and vegan options are Zinfandel, Bistro Fotic and Restaurant Agava in Tkalciceva street. Of course there are many others, but these are some of the most reputable.
Their entire menu is certified organic and ingredients come mostly from the Zrno farm which is Croatia’s oldest organic farm.
The restaurant’s menu is very rich, where you can choose delicious vegetable soups, many kinds of fresh, vegan meals served in bowls or plates. The Garden Burger is on of their specialties, as well as the delicious seitan cordon bleu.
Regarding the meals their motto is “We start every day from scratch with our own: vegetables, fruits, herbs, spelt, rye, soy, tofu, seitan, bread, bread crumbs, pickled vegetables, seasonings and sauces. Then, we combine them into unique and wholesome organic, local and vegan dishes.” Source: https://zrnobiobistro.hr/
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
Namaste bistro
Address: Preradovićeva ulica 2
This authentic Indian restaurant in the heart of Zagreb offers a broad selection of vegan and gluten free dishes. The good thing is that the prices are very reasonable and the food is very yummy (speaking from personal experience).
So if you are vegan you can enjoy meals like Idly, Masala Dosa, Vegetable Uttapam, Vegetable Biryani and many other, you’ll surely enjoy this restaurant.
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5
Gajbica
Address: Vlaska ulica 7
If you are looking for tasty, healthy food in a not too fancy place then Gajbica is the right spot for you. It’s located just a few meters from the main square (Jelacic square) and it offers a couple of different meals every day.
Gajbica is famous for their large bowls of hearty vegetarian stews and nice summer salads. Previously when I worked in the center of Zagreb it was a great place to have your "gablec” (Zagreb word for lunch). The interior of the restaurant is small and cozy (not too fancy) and the staff is very friendly.
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
If you are looking for fine dining restaurants with vegetarian and vegan options I can recommend some restaurants in Zagreb which have veggie options. One of them is the restaurant Noel which holds a Michelin star in Zagreb. When I asked them for their menu, they sent me some proposals for our guests called the “Vege Journey” menu which costs around 90EUR per person. Other fine dining restaurants in Zagreb which have vegetarian and vegan options are Zinfandel, Bistro Fotic and Restaurant Agava in Tkalciceva street. Of course there are many others, but these are some of the most reputable.
Split
Split (which is the second biggest city in Croatia) has an even better selection of vegan and vegetarian restaurants than Zagreb. In recent years, many small restaurants have opened which promote healthy, green, organic food.
Ciri Biri Bela
Address: Plinarska ulica 4
Ciri Biri Bela
Address: Plinarska ulica 4
Ciri Biri Bela photo credit IG @steinbernhoff
Ciri Biri Bela is one of the best rated restaurants in Split and it is located just on the outskirts of the old core of Split.
The restaurant is located in the beautiful courtyard of an old house and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the restaurant you can even organise private dinners/events and Vegetarian & Vegan cooking classes as well.
Me and my wife went there for breakfast and the menu was full of choices - and it was hard to choose! She took the 'Women's Health' - and told me that was the best breakfast she has ever had!
Unfortunately this restaurant is seasonal and opens its doors every year at the beginning of May.
Tripadvisor rating: 5*/5*
Fig Split
Address: Dioklecijanova 1
One very popular restaurant in Split is called Fig, and it’s located in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace. This is a mid-range restaurant with amazing food and reviews and a pretty simple menu with delicious main meals and salads.
The entrees are marked and if you are vegan or vegetarian you can easily find something to suit you. Fig also serves breakfast until 12:45 which can be very convenient if you want to sleep in a bit while on vacation.
If you are vegan I suggest trying Chimichurri Potatoes or Roasted root vegetables & hummus. You won’t regret it!
Tripadvisor rating: 5*/5*
Kat’s Kitchen Deli
Address: Antuna Mihanovica 33
This small and cute restaurant is located in Varos, the part of Split which is close to Diocletian’s Palace. The restaurant offers organic and seasonal ingredients throughout the year and serves breakfast, brunch and lunch.
If you decide to visit this place, try their delicious pumpkin pancakes, the sweet croissant and the eggs Benedict, and don’t forget the vegan brownie. If you are looking for something more filling, try their jackfruit burger, it is superb, nicely seasoned, you’ll be a happy camper!
Tripadvisor rating: 5*/5*
Pandora Green Box
Address: Obrov 4
Pandora Green Box is a vegetarian restaurant located in Diocletian’s Palace. The restaurant offers cold pressed juices, homemade ice teas, smoothies, cocktails, gluten free craft beer, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner with vegan options.
During our recent stay in Split when Sarah and I went to watch a football game (Croatia vs Russia), we decided to try this restaurant for my birthday dinner and I wasn’t disappointed.
It was a cold day and the server brought me warm, spiced lemonade, which was absolutely delicious and so soothing. I tried a beetroot burger for my main meal. I have to say, it looked small when it arrived, but it was very filling, I was stuffed after finishing. I think the burger patty was packed with nuts and seeds, and the burger bun was cornbread (I believe) which made it even more filling.
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
MakaMaka
Address: Ulica Bana Josipa Jelačića 19
MakaMaka is a healthy Food, Hawaiian style Acai & Poke & Sushi Bar and restaurant where you can find excellent vegan & vegetarian friendly options.
You can try some vegan Poke bowl dishes like Kauai and Lanai. This place also offers a versatile choice of freshly squeezed juices, smoothies and superfood smoothies. The staff there are very friendly and if you visit this restaurant you will definitely feel a warm, homey atmosphere.
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
The restaurant is located in the beautiful courtyard of an old house and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the restaurant you can even organise private dinners/events and Vegetarian & Vegan cooking classes as well.
Me and my wife went there for breakfast and the menu was full of choices - and it was hard to choose! She took the 'Women's Health' - and told me that was the best breakfast she has ever had!
Unfortunately this restaurant is seasonal and opens its doors every year at the beginning of May.
Tripadvisor rating: 5*/5*
Fig Split
Address: Dioklecijanova 1
One very popular restaurant in Split is called Fig, and it’s located in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace. This is a mid-range restaurant with amazing food and reviews and a pretty simple menu with delicious main meals and salads.
The entrees are marked and if you are vegan or vegetarian you can easily find something to suit you. Fig also serves breakfast until 12:45 which can be very convenient if you want to sleep in a bit while on vacation.
If you are vegan I suggest trying Chimichurri Potatoes or Roasted root vegetables & hummus. You won’t regret it!
Tripadvisor rating: 5*/5*
Kat’s Kitchen Deli
Address: Antuna Mihanovica 33
This small and cute restaurant is located in Varos, the part of Split which is close to Diocletian’s Palace. The restaurant offers organic and seasonal ingredients throughout the year and serves breakfast, brunch and lunch.
If you decide to visit this place, try their delicious pumpkin pancakes, the sweet croissant and the eggs Benedict, and don’t forget the vegan brownie. If you are looking for something more filling, try their jackfruit burger, it is superb, nicely seasoned, you’ll be a happy camper!
Tripadvisor rating: 5*/5*
Pandora Green Box
Address: Obrov 4
Pandora Green Box is a vegetarian restaurant located in Diocletian’s Palace. The restaurant offers cold pressed juices, homemade ice teas, smoothies, cocktails, gluten free craft beer, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner with vegan options.
During our recent stay in Split when Sarah and I went to watch a football game (Croatia vs Russia), we decided to try this restaurant for my birthday dinner and I wasn’t disappointed.
It was a cold day and the server brought me warm, spiced lemonade, which was absolutely delicious and so soothing. I tried a beetroot burger for my main meal. I have to say, it looked small when it arrived, but it was very filling, I was stuffed after finishing. I think the burger patty was packed with nuts and seeds, and the burger bun was cornbread (I believe) which made it even more filling.
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
MakaMaka
Address: Ulica Bana Josipa Jelačića 19
MakaMaka is a healthy Food, Hawaiian style Acai & Poke & Sushi Bar and restaurant where you can find excellent vegan & vegetarian friendly options.
You can try some vegan Poke bowl dishes like Kauai and Lanai. This place also offers a versatile choice of freshly squeezed juices, smoothies and superfood smoothies. The staff there are very friendly and if you visit this restaurant you will definitely feel a warm, homey atmosphere.
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
Dubrovnik
Nishta
Address: Prijeko bb
Nishta is the most popular vegan & vegetarian restaurant in Dubrovnik. It is located in the old town of Dubrovnik near the Pile Gates and offers a broad selection of vegan, vegetarian, raw and cooked plant-based dishes.
It’s a great place, with affordable daily lunch deals (“marenda”) which usually include soup + main entree. Some of their specialties which we recommend are musaka, pastalicious stir-fried noodles, banana curry and beans and chickpea burger.
Nishta is an environmentally friendly restaurant which pays special attention to the materials they use, limiting the amount of plastic waste by using compostable material wherever they can.
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
Urban & Veggie Restaurant
Address: Obala Stjepana Radica 13
Urban & Veggie is another vegan/vegetarian restaurant option in Dubrovnik. It’s located outside of the old town of Dubrovnik in the port called Gruz. So if you are coming to Dubrovnik by ferry, this restaurant is the perfect spot for a healthy meal.
This restaurant offers very diverse vegan and veggie dishes from seitan and green peas, Super bowl, risotto, veggie burger and kebab, vegan pasta etc.
When I was there we tried veggie burgers, mac & tease, and my favourite was the homemade focaccia sandwich. All three meals were superb. The staff were extremely friendly and I loved taking my time in the outside area. I also just wanted to mention, the coffee is good too!
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
Marco Polo Restaurant
Address: Lucarica 6
Even though it's not only a vegan or vegetarian restaurant, Marco Polo’s menu includes different vegetarian and vegan dishes. The selection is better than other competition in the old town of Dubrovnik so this restaurant can be a good option if you are in the mixed group so everyone can choose their favourite meal and you won’t be limited to just veggie food if some of your group are meat eaters!
Their veggie specialties are tofu steak, and wok rice noodles with veggies.
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
Proto
Address: Siroka ulica 1
If you are thinking about a fine dining restaurant, Proto might be the perfect option for you! The restaurant is located in the old town of Dubrovnik and has a stunning terrace. It’s not specifically a veggie restaurant, it's a fish restaurant with several vegetarian dishes. Our recommendation is to try the pasta with mushrooms and truffles or their crispy spring rolls.
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
Address: Prijeko bb
Nishta is the most popular vegan & vegetarian restaurant in Dubrovnik. It is located in the old town of Dubrovnik near the Pile Gates and offers a broad selection of vegan, vegetarian, raw and cooked plant-based dishes.
It’s a great place, with affordable daily lunch deals (“marenda”) which usually include soup + main entree. Some of their specialties which we recommend are musaka, pastalicious stir-fried noodles, banana curry and beans and chickpea burger.
Nishta is an environmentally friendly restaurant which pays special attention to the materials they use, limiting the amount of plastic waste by using compostable material wherever they can.
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
Urban & Veggie Restaurant
Address: Obala Stjepana Radica 13
Urban & Veggie is another vegan/vegetarian restaurant option in Dubrovnik. It’s located outside of the old town of Dubrovnik in the port called Gruz. So if you are coming to Dubrovnik by ferry, this restaurant is the perfect spot for a healthy meal.
This restaurant offers very diverse vegan and veggie dishes from seitan and green peas, Super bowl, risotto, veggie burger and kebab, vegan pasta etc.
When I was there we tried veggie burgers, mac & tease, and my favourite was the homemade focaccia sandwich. All three meals were superb. The staff were extremely friendly and I loved taking my time in the outside area. I also just wanted to mention, the coffee is good too!
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
Marco Polo Restaurant
Address: Lucarica 6
Even though it's not only a vegan or vegetarian restaurant, Marco Polo’s menu includes different vegetarian and vegan dishes. The selection is better than other competition in the old town of Dubrovnik so this restaurant can be a good option if you are in the mixed group so everyone can choose their favourite meal and you won’t be limited to just veggie food if some of your group are meat eaters!
Their veggie specialties are tofu steak, and wok rice noodles with veggies.
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
Proto
Address: Siroka ulica 1
If you are thinking about a fine dining restaurant, Proto might be the perfect option for you! The restaurant is located in the old town of Dubrovnik and has a stunning terrace. It’s not specifically a veggie restaurant, it's a fish restaurant with several vegetarian dishes. Our recommendation is to try the pasta with mushrooms and truffles or their crispy spring rolls.
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
Hvar
Fig Hvar
Address: Trg Svetog Stjepana 22
If you are visiting Hvar town then you should definitely visit “Fig” which is pretty much the same restaurant as Fig Split. The menu is completely the same, only the difference is the price. Fig Hvar is a bit more expensive, because Hvar in general is just a bit more expensive than other places in Croatia.
This restaurant also holds a high standard of food quality, and has excellent service, just like his brother from Split :)
Tripadvisor rating: 5*/5*
Black Pepper
Address: Skaline od Gojave 11
This cute place is right in the middle of the old town Hvar, next to the Riva. There are plenty of options for vegetarians, and there are some excellent choices here. People rave about Black Pepper’s truffle pasta (someone called it truffle pasta of dreams) and their vegetarian spinach risotto is also one of their best dishes.
The big plus of this restaurant is the amazing selection of cocktails and their extensive wine list. The only thing I would recommend is to make a reservation a couple days in advance for this place, because it’s very popular and doesn’t have too many tables.
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
Spice Restaurant Hvar
Address: Trg Svetog Stjepana 30
If you like Asian food and you want a change, this restaurant could be a great option for you. It’s located on the main square in Hvar Town and has a nice outside terrace.
This restaurant offers a yummy selection of veggie curries. When we visited this restaurant Sarah chose the vegetable risotto and I tried the tofu veggie pad thai. Also we shared the veggie spring rolls. What I remember the most was the super tasty sweet chili sauce.
The food was presented well, and tasted great! My pad Thai had a lot of grilled tofu and was seasoned really nicely. Sarah’s veggie risotto was full of mixed seasonal veggies, and had a wonderful flavor.
Tripadvisor rating: 4*/5*
Address: Trg Svetog Stjepana 22
If you are visiting Hvar town then you should definitely visit “Fig” which is pretty much the same restaurant as Fig Split. The menu is completely the same, only the difference is the price. Fig Hvar is a bit more expensive, because Hvar in general is just a bit more expensive than other places in Croatia.
This restaurant also holds a high standard of food quality, and has excellent service, just like his brother from Split :)
Tripadvisor rating: 5*/5*
Black Pepper
Address: Skaline od Gojave 11
This cute place is right in the middle of the old town Hvar, next to the Riva. There are plenty of options for vegetarians, and there are some excellent choices here. People rave about Black Pepper’s truffle pasta (someone called it truffle pasta of dreams) and their vegetarian spinach risotto is also one of their best dishes.
The big plus of this restaurant is the amazing selection of cocktails and their extensive wine list. The only thing I would recommend is to make a reservation a couple days in advance for this place, because it’s very popular and doesn’t have too many tables.
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
Spice Restaurant Hvar
Address: Trg Svetog Stjepana 30
If you like Asian food and you want a change, this restaurant could be a great option for you. It’s located on the main square in Hvar Town and has a nice outside terrace.
This restaurant offers a yummy selection of veggie curries. When we visited this restaurant Sarah chose the vegetable risotto and I tried the tofu veggie pad thai. Also we shared the veggie spring rolls. What I remember the most was the super tasty sweet chili sauce.
The food was presented well, and tasted great! My pad Thai had a lot of grilled tofu and was seasoned really nicely. Sarah’s veggie risotto was full of mixed seasonal veggies, and had a wonderful flavor.
Tripadvisor rating: 4*/5*
Rovinj
Monte restaurant
Address: Montalbano 75
Monte is the only Michelin star restaurant in Istria and it offers different 6 course tasting menus, including traditional, seafood and vegetarian, so there should be something for everyone in your group if you choose this restaurant.
For each menu, you can also have a full wine pairing, which includes a different wine with every course, or choose to have just pairings with 2, 3 or 4 courses, if 6 glasses might be a bit much!
The Green Menu (vegetarian) is a combination of 6 light dishes with vegetables, wild herbs and dairy products. The restaurant is located in the old core of Rovinj town, so you won’t have to walk far to enjoy this restaurant!
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
Address: Montalbano 75
Monte is the only Michelin star restaurant in Istria and it offers different 6 course tasting menus, including traditional, seafood and vegetarian, so there should be something for everyone in your group if you choose this restaurant.
For each menu, you can also have a full wine pairing, which includes a different wine with every course, or choose to have just pairings with 2, 3 or 4 courses, if 6 glasses might be a bit much!
The Green Menu (vegetarian) is a combination of 6 light dishes with vegetables, wild herbs and dairy products. The restaurant is located in the old core of Rovinj town, so you won’t have to walk far to enjoy this restaurant!
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5*/5*
