The best bars and cafés Croatia

This small wine bar in an alley in the old town is a gateway to the world of Croatian wines. The owner is a worthy representative of a family of winemakers based in Konavle, producing malvazija (an indigenous grape variety). Nikolić, always knowledgeable about the wines he serves, lets you taste, explains. He offers wine by the glass, of course, pitchers of regional wines, but also many Croatian wines, accompanied by tapas (olives and cheeses). Also serves beers, coffee and soft drinks.

Have you ever drunk a blue cocktail on top of a medieval tower? That's what this bar offers, if the climb to the terrace at the top of the fortress doesn't scare you. You can climb up the ladder. The effort is rewarded with a fantastic view of the sea. If you are afraid of heights, take your time... You can sit on the crenels. It's a pity that the music is too loud and that the drinks are so expensive but, once you're there, you stay for the atmosphere and the originality of the place. Other tables on the various floors are crowded.

In a suspended garden overlooking the sea, this lounge bar has adapted to new musical trends, from minimalist electro to jazz, reggae and pop. It is an excellent address to relax at the end of the day on the cushions of the duckboard. You can also sit near the ramparts for the breathtaking view of the boats coming and going and the sunset! Restaurant service is also available. In Tisno, the company also runs a beach club (The Garden Resort) and launched the big electronic music event (The Garden Festival).

The owners found archaeological fragments in the foundations. They drew inspiration from the thick Roman walls, installing beams on the ceiling, pillars in the center, exposed stones, clay and whole amphorae on the floor. They brought in contemporary elements that weren't too kitsch, a play of lights and imagined their establishment as an antique tavern with a garden. Good cocktails and grilled meats or wood-fired pizzas. An exhibition room in the basement traces the history of this original place.

What looks like a refreshment bar is actually an opening in the ramparts, which cling to the rocks at this point in the old town. From the Stradun, head south down Od Marguerita alley, follow the "cold drink" sign and, after passing the Jesuit church, turn left. At the entrance to Buža, take the steps to enter the fortification wall through the hole(buža in Ragusan dialect). This is the larger of the two bars of the same name, and also the more expensive. Magical at sunset.

This café-restaurant, set up at the arrival point of the cable car on Mount Srđ, boasts the finest aerial view of the old town and surrounding countryside. Even the locals keep coming back, as the view is so sublime, and in the evening the lights of the city light up the eyes. Pleasant atmosphere, attentive service. The restaurant offers quality seafood cuisine at rather high prices. Remember to book in advance to get a good table and make the most of the panorama.

In the morning, it's the ideal place for a coffee. During the day, cold drinks, ice creams, granités, waffles, snacks, deckchairs and umbrellas are the order of the day. Afterwards, the atmosphere slowly shifts towards the before-hours and happyhour, with a huge choice of cocktails. With music and alcohol in full effect, customers start dancing, especially on the lovely terrace. In the same festive spirit, the management has opened another venue, the Beach & Lounge Bar Auro, on the famous Zlatni Rat beach. Great atmosphere all day long.

Right in the middle of Stradun, next to Saint Blaise church, the Cele café, founded in 1932 by Celestin Šikić alias Cele, a VIP dandy of the time, is not for everyone... But what wouldn't you give to feel the soul of a Ragusan patrician? The place is open from morning to night, offering breakfast formulas, pizzas, burgers and dishes at all hours, beers, wines and cocktails. From the Cele's tables, you'll be able to watch Dubrovnik's social life unfold, until the DJ sets kick in and the café becomes an open-air club.

In an old village house, very well restored, is an original coffee shop. Run by a couple who love the navy, the place keeps a lot of historical objects of the European navy. Outside, in the alleyway or inside, very cozy, you can order hot or cold drinks, the coffee of Vis, 100% Arabica, lightly roasted, a wide selection of champagnes, wines, proseccos, beers and fruit juices. A bistronomy formula is also available (cheese and sausage platter, seafood platter).

A haven of peace in the bustling Grand Place district, this cosy café-bar has the atmosphere of a literary tea room. Still in place is the old typewriter of the Zagreb journalist and writer, Zvonimir Milčec, who was the grandfather of the current owner. The name of the establishment comes from knjiga and kava (book and coffee). That says it all! You can also order excellent Liège chocolates, teas, herbal teas or cold drinks, with or without alcohol. You will come to Zagreb for a short visit.

One of the city's historic cafe-bars occupying the site of a medieval church. Nowadays, people tend to settle down on the terrace on the famous Place du Peuple, where there are often concerts. But you have to enter the establishment, pass the first large space with minimalist interior design and modern countertop to discover the small pre-Romanesque room, perfectly restored, with semicircular arches, four columns topped with Corinthian capitals. The room is reserved for institutional events, banquets.

Tucked away in one of the downtown alleys, Lola bar is the hip place to come for a good cocktail or a beer and to eat great, inexpensive street food . For example, the ribs/potatoes, the wraps or the ramen bowls. The tables take place in the mini-alley. The staff is young and dynamic. The place is also known for its bar with a great atmosphere, where often guest DJs take turns until 1am. Perfect for a nice before party.

On the footpath of the Rat Peninsula, literally clinging to the rocks, this beach bar is perfect for a break during the walk, after swimming or kayaking. We like this wooden house on stilts, its tables, benches and stools, also made of wood, which look at the sea. If, all day long, it is well frequented, it is particularly appreciated at sunset. Offers cold drinks with or without alcohol, cocktails, beers, wines and sandwiches. Relaxing music and a very cool atmosphere. Order at the counter.

Going down to Mala Kolumbarica beach, a path leads you through rushes and bamboo to the rocks. Now you discover this bush snack bar. Old sea anchors in the middle of the vegetation, wooden tables and stools, a children's area with merry-go-rounds and swings, a resting area for dogs... A nice bric-a-brac, a clean counter, cold drinks, grilled sardines, fried squid, sandwiches. A very pleasant natural atmosphere, but the place is a victim of its own success, it's crowded in the summer!

In a 16th century house in the upper town, the oldest tavern in Zagreb, hence its name - translate "under the old roof". It is an authentic brewery that has built up a loyal following of customers of all ages. People come for a morning coffee, a beer during the day, a glass of local wine with a plate of cold cuts or the dish of the day, if any. Sometimes, in the evening, a concert (blues, Croatian song), a poetry reading are scheduled. Local atmosphere guaranteed!

One of Zagreb's beautiful pubs, housed in an old pharmacy in the city. Inside, the apothecary jars still in place as well as various objects and historical documents recalling the sanitary past of the place. If you enjoy the cosy atmosphere of the old pub, quiet at the back of your box or club armchair, the soothing comfort of a grog or a draught beer shared with your friends, don't come here on match nights! These are broadcast live on the big screen, as it is the headquarters of the fans of Dinamo, the Zagreb football team.

In a quiet, bourgeois neighborhood, just a stone's throw from the Mimara Museum, you'll find a café-terrasse in the courtyard of the building, at the far right. Don't hesitate to enter! The interior is creatively decorated. It serves good fair-trade coffees, several varieties of tea, pastries and ice creams, as well as beers, wine by the glass and strong spirits. The place often exhibits artists, offers books and magazines to customers, and free wifi connection. It organizes readings and acoustic jazz concerts. In short, a true cultural bar.

On the riva, in a privileged residential area, the establishment has a panoramic terrace. Perfect for ordering a hot or cold drink, an ice cream or an aperitif, or even a meal facing the sea, without any car in front. Here there is space and calm, the view of the island of Uglan, the splendid sunset of Zadar. A large interior room, which is appreciated when it is cool. The menu of this Dalmatian brasserie (pasta, risottos, grilled meats, pizzas, etc.) has been expanded and the service is impeccable

One of the most elegant terraces in historic Pula. Its breathtaking view of the temple of Augustus, next to the town hall, the municipal tourist office, but also its optimal exposure to the sun, all these assets make that one comes here all year round. The people of Pula as well as the tourists, always a little amazed, the first time, by the grandeur of the forum. Nice wine list and local beers, cocktails. In winter, the beautiful interior room with its Venetian frescoes is appreciated, as is the hot chocolate.