Zadar’s food follows Dalmatian coastal tradition: Adriatic seafood, slow-cooked meats, olive oil, and regional cheese and cured meats. The green market and fish market supply local produce; the Old Town and promenade are lined with konobas. All prices in euros (€).
Must-try dishes
Crni rižot (black risotto)
Rich squid-ink risotto with cuttlefish or squid - one of the most iconic seafood dishes on the Dalmatian coast. The most consistently ordered dish at konobas and fish restaurants throughout Zadar.
- Typical price: €12–20
Octopus salad (salata od hobotnice)
Cold boiled octopus with potatoes, red onion, capers, parsley, and olive oil. A light, summery starter before grilled fish or peka.
- Typical price: €9–15
Peka (octopus or meat under the bell)
Slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid on embers - octopus is the most popular version, but veal and lamb are also used. Must be ordered in advance (usually on the morning of your visit).
- Typical price: €15–25 per person as a sharing portion
Pašticada (Dalmatian slow-braised beef)
Beef marinated in wine and vinegar, slow-cooked with prunes and vegetables, served with gnocchi or pasta. The definitive Dalmatian meat dish.
- Typical price: €14–22
Grilled fish (riba na žaru)
Fresh sea bass, sea bream, scorpionfish, or mackerel grilled over an open fire with olive oil and herbs. Often priced by weight at the restaurant; many bring the whole fish to show you before cooking.
- Typical price: €16–30 depending on fish and size
Pag cheese (Paški sir) and Dalmatian pršut
Hard, salty sheep’s milk cheese from nearby Pag Island with a distinctive flavour from the island’s salty-wind-influenced grass, typically served with Dalmatian pršut (air-cured ham), olives, and bread.
- Typical price: €8–15 for a shared platter
Roasted olives with olive oil
Olives roasted on medium heat, served with olive oil and fresh bread. A simple but distinctive starter at traditional konobas.
- Typical price: €5–10
Buzara (shellfish in white wine sauce)
Shrimp or mussels cooked in olive oil, white wine, garlic, tomato, and herbs - shell-on for maximum flavour. A showstopper seafood plate when lobster or larger shrimp are used.
- Typical price: €18–35 for shrimp or lobster buzara
Brudeta (fish stew)
Fish and sometimes crab or eel simmered in a tomato-based broth - a home-style seafood soup found at traditional fish-only konobas.
- Typical price: €8–15
At the market
Zadar’s Pijaca green market (morning, near Old Town) and fish market offer fresh produce, local cheese, olives, and bread. The market is as much a food experience as the restaurants - worth visiting for picnic supplies or to understand local ingredients.
Price overview
| Dish | Price |
|---|---|
| Black risotto | €12–20 |
| Octopus salad | €9–15 |
| Peka (per person) | €15–25 |
| Pašticada | €14–22 |
| Grilled fish | €16–30 |
| Pag cheese and pršut platter | €8–15 |
| Roasted olives | €5–10 |
| Buzara (shrimp/lobster) | €18–35 |
| Espresso | €1.50–2.50 |
Practical notes
- Order peka in advance - tell the restaurant in the morning for an evening meal
- Market hours: Early morning; best arrive by 9am for the freshest produce
- Restaurant quality varies in the Old Town - 4 Kantuna and Kaštel are reliable; check recent reviews for others
Plan your trip: Browse tours and day trips from Zadar - food tours and guided walks are a great way to get into the eating scene. Sort travel insurance before you fly, and grab a Balkans eSIM for data when you land.