Eating out in Croatia is a joy. There is a huge choice available, from the smartest, sophisticated restaurants to the simplest of cafes and bars. There is something for everyone whether you want a sandwich, snack or a full meal.
The Adriatic coast is renowned for its variety of seafood dishes, and Italian influences are found here as well as in Istria. You’ll find exquisite cakes and desserts all over the country. Croatia produces plenty of wine, with the best reds generally coming from the Pelješac peninsula on the coast, and the best whites usually produced in eastern Slavonia and in Istria.
There are many local specialities found throughout Croatia and such dishes include;
- Pršut i paški sir (air-dried ham similar to Italian prosciutto and sheep's cheese from the island of Pag) - platters are served as an appetiser.
- Salata od hobotnice (octopus salad) - this is made from octopus, potato, onion, chopped parsley, olive oil, crushed garlic and lemon juice.
- Crni riýot (black risotto) - this is made from cuttlefish cooked in its own ink.
- Janjetina (roast lamb) - this is popular all over Croatia, and it’s not unusual to see whole lamb roasting on a spit at roadside eateries.
- Tartufi (truffles) – these feature heavily on the menu in Istria.
Below are a few national drinks you may like to try;
- Dingač – the most celebrated red wine producing area, on the Pelješac peninsula, featuring the Mali Plavac (little Plavac) grape.
- Malvazija – a very good to excellent white wine from Istria.
- Medovača – a type of rakija (a very strong local spirit) with the edge taken off by the addition of a touch of honey, particularly popular in Istria. Other types of rakija include travarica (made from distilled grapes and flavoured with herbs) and Å¡livovica (made from distilled plums).