The best bars and cafés Croatia

On the sea promenade leading to the marina, after Caffe Bar Barka, there is the more modest Caffe Bar Marex. Both have a view of the sea, but it is the Marex that impresses most, with its panoramic terrace overlooking the old town floating on the Adriatic. At sunset, the last rays seem to irradiate you with the sound of the waves. The service is fast and friendly, the prices affordable. Perfect for the aperitif, just before going to dinner but also for the first coffee or breakfast. Good ice creams too.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the historic city and yet within the city walls, this café-bar is located in an alleyway where Marcvs Marvlvs, father of Croatian literature (15th century) was born. A somewhat mythical place that also serves as a library, with books everywhere and a soothing atmosphere. We order hot or cold drinks, with or without alcohol (wine by the glass, local and international beers, cocktails), we chat with friends, we read, we come to the show. Regularly, reading evenings alternate with concerts of acoustic music.

Looking to escape the crowds? Take the steps down from Pile to this little beach bar. You can sip a coffee or a beer, eat tapas and even take a dip while keeping your table. The place is ideal for a morning coffee-croissant overlooking the sea, or for a charcuterie and cheese board at aperitif time. Are you really hungry? No problem, between cocktails and other cold drinks, this beach bar also offers a good snack bar. The kitchen opens at midday.

You'll remember the terrace of this café long after you've left the island of Lastovo. Located at the edge of Lastovo village, before the descent to the beaches of Mihajla and Lucica, this little café overlooks the sea. From the tables on the sunny terrace, the view is lost between the blue of the sea and the blue of the sky. Order a coffee and croissant to start your day, before heading off to the nearby fruit and vegetable market. In the evening, the atmosphere is livelier. But we much prefer this bar during the day.

You can't miss it, it's the last café before the sea promenade (hence the name!). A real neighborhood bar. The fishermen influenced the decoration, which is made of salvage, with in particular this boat at the quay in a corner. The bar attracts lovers of convivial aperitifs and good cocktails. The music is eclectic for DJ nights, concerts or birthdays. In short, there is always an opportunity to party here. The soccer matches broadcast on the big screen also keep people on the spot. Snack service is also available

Set back from the town square, this wine bar is located at the foot of the campanile of the Sv. Marija church. In its flowery patio, the place is just right for an aperitif. Try the slightly bitter tonic grappa (Travarica), those with medicinal herbs (Medica) or with nuts (Orahovica). These alcoholic drinks, prepared with white wine, honey, lavender and other herbal decoctions, are a Dalmatian specialty to be tasted. Natural drinks to be consumed in moderation, accompanied by very good tapas, hot or cold, or a hearty dish.

After the Royal Navy's victory at the Battle of Vis (1811), the British built fortifications on the island, the largest of which is this one. After its restoration, it could have been turned into a museum, but the option of opening a café-bar-restaurant-nightclub was more promising. In just a few years, it has become the most chic address on the island. The climb up to the site is a pleasant hike. The panoramic view from this promontory is superb, especially at sunset. Please check opening times, as the site is often privatized.

Modest in size, grand in terrace quality. The small tables facing south-west have a plunging view of the interior of the amphitheatre. At this location, it's like being on the firstlevel of the arena. Seating here is expensive, especially at sunset or during shows such as gladiatorial combat. But hot and cold drinks are very affordable. Serves great milkshakes and the best Aperol Spritz in town! With repeat orders, you could spend hours here.

A Croatian version of a pub with a good atmosphere, smiling and dynamic staff. At the counter, you will be served home-made beers, which are brewed locally (drafts and bottles). The liqueurs and syrups are homemade, concocted from traditional ingredients and the cocktails are inventive. The restaurant also offers a snack bar, brunches (Dalmatian or international), cold and hot non-alcoholic drinks.

In the store corner, among the Daltonist products to take away, spirits, beers and cocktail recipes.

You enter this bar as in a house straight out of chivalry and the universe of the English writer, author of The Lord of the Rings and Bilbo the Hobbit. The neo-medieval decor blends well with the pub or tavern atmosphere, which offers a wide choice of draught and bottled beers, Croatian brewers to discover (in moderation) but also local ciders, hot drinks, coffees, teas and chocolates. In the afternoon, it's mostly the locals who come. An authentic place, with a soul.

An intimate café-bar in a quiet cul-de-sac in the south of the old town. Here, you can learn the art of tasting rakija, the Balkan brandy. We've got a thing for sage and wild strawberry! As for the rest, a few cocktails, beers and good wine. During the day, the clientele prefers teas and coffees, but after sunset there's plenty of live music and drinking to be had. It's a shame the place is closed out of season, and prices are now quite high.

One of Biograd's favorite hangouts for young people. This large café-restaurant-club is famous for its cocktails, but you can also eat good fisherman's cooking, have a nightcap on the harbour promenade or spend part of the night here in summer with the music of the DJs. It's a place for everyone to come and relax at the time of day that suits them best. It's a great place to meet people, with a lively atmosphere and dynamic service (a must for all customers). Caffe Bar Hobos is a good place to party, without going too "overboard".

Located in the Place du Forum, this popular and friendly pub has been open since 1996. It is renowned for its regional and international beers, cocktails made with style and precision, sometimes served in a carafe to be shared by several people, such as the raspberry-flavoured Negroni, for those who like the sweet combinations of fruit cream and bitter Campari, on a vodka base. Gin and tonic drinks are also a big hit. To be consumed in moderation, of course! The musical evenings with the DJ can become very festive.

In this café-bar in the historic center, people like to sit on the terrace for a hot or cold drink depending on the time of day: the first coffee in the morning with the newspaper, the aperitif before lunch, the afternoon refreshment in summer. At the end of the day, orders flow in for cocktails, and in the evening, the bar comes alive and becomes more festive, with the local youth and tourists meeting. A lively place that should appeal to all those who don't mind the happy and noisy atmosphere. Organizes clubbing parties.

With its leather armchairs and teak wood decoration, the café-bar is rather frequented by locals, expats and well-informed tourists. If you feel like speaking French in Split, you shouldn't have too much trouble meeting French speakers at Teak. But for news, it's in English. Many newspapers and magazines are available inside. The terrace has been extended on the other side of the square. Free wifi. Nice place for a cold drink, with or without alcohol, at any time of the day.

Between Tkalčićeva and Nova Ves streets, the establishment mixes different atmospheres throughout the day. It reserves a lounge part with oriental influences, where you can smoke hookah, drink tea, a cocktail or choose any other drinks from an impressive menu. In the wine bar formula, you can taste by the glass, while the restaurant part offers Japanese (sushi), Thai and Istrian inspired cuisine. The deep house music is amplified in the evening and animates the dancefloor at the end of the week.

A small bar in a cellar in Gradec. An amazing ambience, a cartoon decor. It's nice but rather ugly. But don't worry, everything is forgotten once their white chocolate swallows!

The large armchairs on its terrace invite visitors to relax there. The cocktail card is original and complete. The service is friendly and the musical atmosphere assured. A defect: It is a very good tourist.

A bit higher than the main street, close to the Admiral Casino and the marina, this café-bar is quiet during the day. Compared to other lively terraces in Opatija, you can enjoy hot or cold drinks here in complete peace. In the evening, Leonardo's plays the card of the good festive atmosphere with DJ sets and game broadcasts. A different atmosphere, just as enjoyable. Attentive, dynamic service and great encounters between customers who come to enjoy the establishment... until the end of the night.

The hotel bar of the same name resembles a large pub, open all day long. You can sit down to breakfast, order hot or cold drinks, with or without alcohol, good beer, lunch and dinner ( steak house formula), all in a relaxed atmosphere. At weekends, you can extend the evening on site. The nightclub offers karaoke, rock and jazz concerts and a DJ dance floor. From the Jelačića main square, streetcars no. 4, 5, 14 and 17 drop you off nearby.

In Croatia, the Hemingway group was the first to launch the lounge bar concept in cosy places where you could order quality drinks and food, which went hand in hand with clubbing culture (DJ nights). The diversity of their cocktails is also their trademark, as is the soundtrack. This chain is now present in the capital (two establishments) as well as in Opatija, Medveja, Rijeka and Split. Another address in Zagreb, further south, with a sunny terrace overlooking the National Theatre.

On the seafront promenade, away from the often crowded historic centre, this cocktail bar-restaurant is chic and expensive. The main reason for this is its superb location, with its tables and cushions, which are placed on the rocks and enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea. The terrace is quite magical, you can sit there at any time, but of course, the renewed moments of the sunset are the most popular for a glass of champagne, an aperitif with or without alcohol, followed by a lunch or a quite magical dinner.

This café-bar, which has a beautiful and welcoming terrace, is very popular with students during the day. It stays open until late at night and regularly organises concerts or stand-up nights, with Croatian humour, where you'll need quite a bit of imagination if you don't speak the language... Follow all the Cabahia Caffe Bar's news on the Facebook page of the place. On the drinks side, a good espresso coffee and a large choice of beers. All day long, a good atmosphere, with the smile of the waiters.

This is the unmissable meeting point of the historic centre, with a view of the archaeological remains and the bell tower on one side and the Kalelarga Street, the main pedestrian street, on the other. We can't be more central! A large terrace in the sun all day long, very hot in summer, more pleasant out of season. This very attractive café-bar is at the forefront of festive, sporting or musical events in the ancient square. You can also settle under the arcades with the (typical!) premises or indoors.

Nestled in a period building, this small and very typical pub is discreet during the day. But once the night falls, you can easily spot it by the sound that emanates from it. The Phanas Pub becomes the den of the night owls, who love to play nicely elbows at the counter to order a beer, likes rock music or more dance. It's the perfect place to meet friends... and more if you like. Anyway, the clientele, all generations, is friendly, the waiters and waitresses available. Good atmosphere guaranteed.

A jazz, blues, rock and soul club that regularly hosts music groups that live there in concert. A good atmosphere, the clientele is particularly enthusiastic. It's a pleasure to be there!

You can print, burn and scan. Equipment in very good condition.

The club is kept in the basement of a very popular place, as just two steps from Hard Rock Café. The price of drinks is a little high. The owner, former musician, invites many groups to take place here.

In the main artery at the level of Jélačića Square, a tea store, installed in a neoclassical decor. We suggest you give in to the temptation of the sweet flavors of the brand Kras, the most famous chocolate maker in the country, which celebrated its hundred and ten years in 2021. Try the Croatian praline Bajadera, cakes, chocolate bites and creamy Italian hot chocolate, cocoa cocktails, hot or cold, but also Croatian herbal teas, etc.

Since the summer of 2022, when the Hookah closed in 2021, the Hotel Imperial Beach café and beach club has occupied the site. The place is open from morning for a coffee, a cold drink or breakfast. During the day, it's drink & beach, then afters get the party going. Extend the evening with a cocktail or other beverage, with or without alcohol, and something to dine on (pizzas, hamburgers). For the calendar of clubbing and live evenings (especially the local dance scene)consult the venue's Facebook page.

A small neighborhood bar that, in twenty years, has become one of the best places in Rijeka to go out at night. Very frequented by locals and tourists, victim of its success, it overflows largely on the street. During the day in winter, we appreciate the moleskin benches inside, but it fills up very quickly in the evening. The Croatian beers, the various brandies and rakija served in meters of shots quickly heat the atmosphere. The DJ, who is rather rock, soul and latino, is appreciated. A lot of people dance and it's still good fun!

Close to the Brioni Hotel, well set between sea and pine forest, one of the trendy bars of the peninsula. The café-bar lounge area, with its contemporary architecture and sophisticated atmosphere, seduces with its various terraces, bordered by ponds, greenery and sea view. In the dancefloor area, many parties with DJs are organized during the summer. The restaurant is also well laid out. The cocktail menu makes you want to be tempted!

This elegant café catches the eye of passers-by. The scenic terrace is unrivalled in the heart of Stradun: to the left is the Pile gate and, in a straight line, the Clock Tower. The interior is strung with ancient beams. Café Festival can be used as a brunch/breakfast venue, restaurant or tea room with pastries. In the evening, from 7pm, the pianist sets the mood in concert. Of course, all this comes at a price. Breakfasts are not far from being overpriced, and it's often very crowded.

A neighborhood bar, recently revisited by the new owner as a food & wine bar. It retains its good mix of young locals and tourists, all attracted by the musical ambience and the cosy, colorful feel of the place. The terrace is ideal for morning coffee and croissants, and cold drinks all day long. In the evening, you can enjoy live music almost every day, or rock concerts at weekends. There's also a snack bar serving salads, pizza and the famous makarun cake with macaroni.

Both a pub-style bar and a small concert venue, Spunk is located opposite the university library. So, as you might have guessed, the place is very popular with students, but fans of indie rock pop music are also very welcome. They know that the DJ's playlist is really excellent. For the concert schedule, check out the regularly updated Facebook page. Open from morning to night, except Sundays.

Close to Opatovina Park, this neighborhood café is quiet by day, with chairs and high tables inside and terrace service. The place wakes up in the evening with a resident DJ mixing in a vaulted basement room. Immediately, you feel the good musical atmosphere (electro, house, funk, dub, dancefloor), a little underground in this small old-fashioned club. The crowd is more local than touristy, of all ages, and drinks are reasonably priced for the neighborhood. To find out what's on, visit the club's Facebook page.

This Zagreb-based chain has taken over a ^16th-century mansion just off the Stradun and St. Blaise church. This Bodega has become a rallying point for ragamuffin revellers and, more recently, sushi lovers (particularly good here). With its wine bar, cocktails and other alcoholic beverages, the place quickly becomes festive and noisy in the evening (without moderation!). With the music on, the atmosphere gets livelier and we stay here until late into the night. Very high prices, but couldn't be better placed in the old town.

4 km from Poreč, on the Pazin road just after the hamlet of Parenzo, a sign on the left points to Veleniki and its famous konoba. In this wine cellar, which also includes a tavern for tastings, you can sample local spirits and liqueurs (wine, grappa) free of charge and in moderation, buy your own bottles or enjoy a plate of local charcuterie/cheese. Also on sale: olive oil, condiments, honeys, jams, etc.

At first glance, the café-bar and restaurant seems to occupy the entire alley. Overflowing cheerfully on the outside, gratings run along the walls to accommodate the tables, stools, benches and sofas. It is in a very comfortable contemporary atmosphere, in the shade of secular oleanders, that one discovers the cocktail menu and that of the restaurant. For dinner only, international cuisine is served. The management rents a luxury apartment with a terrace that offers a beautiful view of the cathedral, the fortress and the ramparts.

From the neighborhood of Veli Varoš, you can reach the first platform of Mount Marjan. This is where you will find this café-restaurant, which makes you want to stop and enjoy the most beautiful panoramic view of the city and the sea. So, if there is room, don't miss it! You can take a break here, watch the incessant ballet of the ferries in rotation in the port, sip a cold or hot drink (tea, coffee, chocolate), with or without alcohol, a glass of wine, a beer or a cocktail, in moderation. Small restoration less amazing than the sight!

You can't miss it, it's the only café-brewery on which the famous Zadar Bridge (Most) leads. Terrace with a breathtaking view of the inlet between the historical city and the active city. Good spot to watch the activity of the old port and incidentally the people walking around. The place is very popular at the end of the day - the aperitif, therefore - with the last rays of sunshine. As far as fast food is concerned, enthusiasm is more limited!

With its panoramic terrace overlooking the square, and its design space inside, this wine bar has nothing in common with a small neighborhood bodega. It's more like a trendy bar-restaurant-club. And that's exactly what it is! Open from dawn to dusk, it focuses on regional wines and simple yet hearty cuisine: charcuterie plancha and local cheese, grilled meats and skewers, little Bosnian sausages(ćevapčići), hamburgers, with fries. A la carte menus for special evenings, with DJ mixes and a festive atmosphere.

"Sabbia" means sandin Italian and, in fact, you can sit on the ground floor, opposite the beach, at a coffee table and on benches placed on gratings. A pleasant relaxing break for a cool drink, with or without alcohol. Good cocktails menu. Upstairs, two atmospheres, pizzeria-bar-lounge or more chic lounge café with breathtaking views of the coast. In the evening, it comes alive with the DJs. In short, beach club, restaurant and music evenings.