The best bars and cafés Croatia

On the harbour, you can't miss it, it's one of the first establishments at the exit of the pier, right next to the art gallery. People come here all day for a coffee, sitting on the terrace watching the bustle of the docks. In the morning and evening, they serve cold drinks, cocktails, pastries and especially ice creams, which are excellent and generous here. To be consumed on the spot or to take away. The customers are quite mixed between locals and tourists, it varies according to the day and the ferry rotations. Good atmosphere.

Situated in the ancient fortress of Batari, Frutarja wins the prize for the most beautiful terrace in Vis! Widely open on the ancient cobblestones of the seaside, the place enjoys a central location, with its tables overlooking the bay. As early as breakfast, you can choose from fresh fruit juices, smoothies and other milkshakes. In the snack formula, hummus club sandwiches are accompanied by a homemade cocktail, an iced beer or a glass of local wine. Friendly welcome, jazzy music and a flowerbed of aromatic plants.

You can't miss it, it's the first café you see on the quays when you get off the ferry. It is also the most lively! With its strategic position, the Caffè Bar Maritimo attracts tourists who are walking around but also boaters, regulars and islanders. In the morning, in the afternoon, it's rather quiet but in the evening, with the musical entertainment provided by the DJ, the atmosphere can quickly become very festive. A place that one frequents throughout the day and which changes face as the hours pass.

Set back from the port, this small, old-fashioned bar, which has been open for many years, spills out into the alleyway. The clientele, both regular locals and holidaymakers, gather here in the early evening to party. This mix of populations attracts a lot of night owls, and in summer evenings, the alleyway is often packed with people! People mostly drink beers or alcoholic beverages, in a festive pub-club atmosphere, from 10pm onwards. So you won't have to wait too long for the DJs to take over the controls and everyone to have a good time.

The Café Jägerhorn is a point of interest in itself and is frequented by hotel residents, Zagreb residents and tourists alike. With its vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls (19th century), its tables and armchairs in the English club style, the lounge is very cosy. The decor provides an eclectic mix of chic design and classic comfort. Offers excellent hot drinks (espresso 1862 Premium from Julius Meinl, organic teas, Italian chocolate) or cold drinks (local craft beers, superior wines from Croatia). Beautiful terrace surrounded by greenery

The number of beach bars and restaurants has exploded on this side of the port, along the Vela luka. The Roso was one of the first to invest the waterfront. It's open from morning to night. For breakfast, it's mostly espresso, fresh fruit juices, pastries. Then when lunchtime comes, it's time for pizza, grilled meats and salads. In the afternoon, the preference goes to ice creams and cold drinks, and in the evening, one appreciates the cocktails (a little expensive all the same!) as well as the DJs who liven up the clubbing atmosphere.

L'Ankora used to be a small wine bar on the harbor, which was always full, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the place and the warm welcome. The place has changed its formula to become a restaurant with a more elaborate à la carte menu, carefully prepared dishes, brunches, light lunches, vegan dishes... A fine wine and cocktail list. Professional service. Nice view of the harbor when night falls, reasonable prices and tasty food/drinks.

Situated in the bay of Uvala Lapad, 2.5 km from the old town, this seaside resort, with its various facilities, attracts many visitors. The resort boasts no fewer than 2 restaurants (Blanco and Trattoria), a lounge club and a beach bar with deckchairs and cabanas where you can relax your toes sipping a cocktail in front of a magnificent sunset! Ideal for children, the swimming area is safe and there are play areas. In the evening, the area comes alive with concerts and entertainment, especially in summer!

It is a very nice and modern cafe located in the city centre.

The Factory has a real American bar look! You'd think you were in New York. Nothing is missing to make the resemblance, brick walls, urban neon lights, sophisticated cocktails. The place has quickly established itself as a day and night bar, where the youth of Zadar and tourists meet. The atmosphere goes up a notch during DJ nights or football matches. It is the lively spot par excellence where you can drink hot or cold drinks during the day, spirits, cocktails or shooters in the evening and even come and dance during the DJ nights.

The first of a chain of establishments that can be found in every major city in Croatia, this bar-restaurant was named among the best party organizers in the Kvarner region, and not without reason. Close to Angiolina Park and the sea, Bar Hemingway is known for its wide range of cocktails, which are best enjoyed in the evening with lively music and a view of the bay and the lights of Rijeka in the distance. A good place, therefore, to relax and go out with friends in Opatija

On the small peninsula, at the end of the old Arbasani district, you can still find fishermen's houses that blend in with the modern buildings. This modest beach bar, with its old-fashioned tables and chairs, has been set up in one of them and enjoys a superb terrace overlooking the sea, a staircase leading down to the sea, a young atmosphere with cool music, cool drinks, with or without alcohol, cocktails, sunsets.

The relaxed atmosphere, the thatched roof, the view over Mihajla Bay and the sunset over the sea: Mihajla's little bar is a magical place. In August, during the Lastovo Otok Glazbe festival, the bar often comes alive late into the night. On other summer days, bar customers play cards, chat, have a coffee or sip a gemišt (white wine and sparkling water) or a beer between two dips in the sea. Sometimes, hot croissants are also available in the morning. Ideal for breakfast by the sea.

This is the café-bar of the Backpakers hostel, near the sea promenade (riva). A must for those who love a festive aperitif. You can meet up with friends or travellers, and there's always a good deal to be found in the mass of flyers delivered to the place. The bar offers Internet connection, a locker for backpacks, hence the name, and second-hand books. During the day, it is also a snack bar, where you can have breakfast, order a pizza with a beer, an iced tea or a small Pipi, that sweet soda megapopular in Split.

Overlooking the waterfront, with a view of the large quay (Veliki Mol), hence its name in Italian, a café with a very pleasant terrace. It is frequented from morning to evening, with a peak of popularity at aperitivo time, when you can enjoy the sunset by ordering cocktails and granitas. This is the specialty of the house. Some with fruits (pineapple, citrus fruits, cherries) and herbs (basil, mint, lavender, rosemary) are excellent! You can also choose a glass of wine, cold drinks with or without alcohol, hot drinks

Much less concreted than the east coast (around Bačvice beach), the Sustipan district is after the ACI marina. The beach bar at the Jadran Hotel is open to all. While consuming here, you can enjoy the sunbeds (for a fee). Located next to a swimming area, it presents itself as a comfortable place to sunbathe, swim and relax with a drink. The atmosphere is pleasant. Good cakes, cocktails but no food. The place is very popular in the early evening, at sunset. Good selection of music.

Named after a famous mayor of New York in the 1930s, who before that was the American consul in Rijeka, this pub has all the Anglo-Saxon canons. Ceiling fans, Liberty lamps, an impressive list of strong alcohols, great vintages of whiskies and rums, the tone is set. During the day, it is rather the beers (Croatian, Belgian, German) and cocktails that go best (with moderation!). You can also taste the excellent machiatto. Good atmosphere, especially at night when the DJ turns up the sound. All these elements together promise a good time.

On the second floor of this classic building, a contemporary art gallery has been installed since 2014 in a beautiful space with several rooms. Drugo more, the association managing the venue, focuses on the work of Croatian and foreign artists who express themselves through concrete works, ephemeral installations, performances or new media. Welcomes both established artists and young creators. See the exhibition calendar on the website. On the first floor, the VBZ library and café complete this highly cultural perimeter.

In the heart of the lagoon, 5 minutes walk from the old town, this club operates on two levels and in two atmospheres. During the day, the beach bar side is open for coffee, cold or hot drinks with or without alcohol (good cocktails) and relaxing on the beach, but without catering. During the summer evenings, the DJs wake up the dancefloor until late with good music, rather house, disco, R'n'B, with dancers and light shows. A VIP area and a bottle service at the table are available (on reservation only).

A computer with free Internet connection is available to customers. You take a hot or cold drink and you can settle down in front of the screen without time limit if nobody wants to take your place. Handy for checking e-mails, the weather and other quick information, but the loud music, especially in the evening, doesn't make it easy to concentrate. Attractive wooden furniture, flower-filled terrace, children's games. In the evening, a rockier atmosphere with scheduled concerts. Good beer and cocktail menu.

Halfway between the center of Lapad and the center of Gruž, this small neighborhood bar becomes an evening reference point for locals, who come here for a few drinks, dancing, and even singing on karaoke nights. Don't expect much in the way of programming: the DJs who liven up the evenings in season are well known locally, but if you want to get in touch with Gruž's youth, l'Amor remains a friendly address. Beware, as with most bars in Croatia, there's a lot of smoking inside.

Ragusans love this little pub just a stone's throw from Pile and the sea, and it's easy to see why. From the tables on the water's edge, away from the hustle and bustle at the entrance to the old town, you can enjoy the sun and the view. The Kop is also open out of season, when it becomes one of the best places to read and drink coffee. Don't expect a very elaborate offer: no long list of cocktails, but a simple but good breakfast is served, and drinks are priced right!

In the city center, across from the market and not exactly on the waterfront, this neighborhood cafe-bar charges fair prices compared to beach bars and other hotel cafes. Its elevated terrace offers a perfect spot to see real life in Opatija, locals and tourists on the street. The retractable glass walls make it possible to be on the terrace during the off season. Here you can come in the morning for the first espresso, during the day for a cold drink, in the evening for a last drink. Organizes thematic evenings with DJ. Pleasant service.

Delivered for summer 2020 at the top of the pedestrian artery (Korzo), the Academia's interior architecture is the work of the Rijeka Život Design studio, which has a strong presence in the city's contemporary renovation. Wooden tables and furniture in shades of green and orange under round arches and floral decorative details on the walls make for a cosy café-tea room. Morning espresso with the finest Hausbrandt kava beans, Callebaut hot chocolate, organic tea, fresh juices and other cool drinks. Ice cream or pastries during the day.

Broom44? No, it's not a secret code name, but according to the owners, it's the number of steps you need to take to get to the heart of the Dolac market, hence the idea! Before or after shopping, it's a good idea to take a break in this friendly coffeeshop, on the terrace when the weather's fine. This trendy place, whose opening hours are perfectly in tune with those of the market, is perfect for brunch or a light lunch. Excellent espresso, filter coffee, tea, squeezed fruit juices, simple but hearty snacks (fried eggs, omelette, sandwich, falafel, salad, soup, cake).

This Irish pub, which opened in 2004, is always packed when there's a soccer or rugby match on TV. But even if you're not a sports fan, the Gaffe is still a nice (and air-conditioned) place to spend a few hours. The kitchen is open all day and offers a bit of everything: breakfast with eggs and sausages, cheese plates, salads, meat, tacos, desserts... Prices are not exaggerated given the pub's location. Good selection of beers and whiskies. Please note: smoking is not prohibited inside.

A new entry in Durbovnik's panorama of chic wine bars! As the name suggests, Fratellos specializes in prosecco, the famous Italian sparkling wine. But that's not all: this new venue has set up shop next door to Kino Slavica, the town's historic summer cinema, which boasts a wonderful garden overlooking the sea. On the menu, plenty of cicchetti (Venetian tapas), as well as cheese and charcuterie platters, plus a breakfast menu.

2 as the couple formed by Ivana and Marko, two photographers who travelled the world to film weddings. In love with coffee(kava in Croatian), they went in search of multiple flavors. In 2018, back in Hvar, they opened their first store (kava 37) and then, in Split, Kava2 (coffee shop) and kavaRO (roasting). A family history that can be discovered on the spot, on the terrace, and coffees that can be tasted and/or purchased in packages, beans or ground with dedicated utensils (grinder, coffee makers, filters, etc.).

In the seaside district of Borik, the view of the bay and the old town of Zadar is breathtaking. This nice beach bar is located right next to the Puntamika lighthouse. A beach bar that has remained simple and welcoming at the same time. We come here in the morning for coffee and all day long. But the best moment is at aperitif time, when you can enjoy a cold drink, with or without alcohol, while admiring the sunset. A must for the locals that tourists are very happy to have discovered!

Between the Ploče gate and the Magistrala, the road that runs along the Dalmatian coast, the Bikers Caffe is a meeting place for locals and, of course, bikers passing through. With a beautiful view of the old port and the city, reasonable prices and even sandwich, breakfast and packed lunch formulas, this café remains an interesting place to stop before setting off to explore Dubrovnik's surroundings. In the evening, rock music invades the premises, with occasional live concerts. Highly recommended.

Cogito is an artisan roastery that opened the doors of its first café in 2014 in central Zagreb. Since then, several Cogito's have opened around the world, including one in Dubrovnik's Old Town. Colorful cups, retro furniture and, above all, the scent of freshly-ground coffee are the signature of this place with a friendly atmosphere. Prices may be high (as elsewhere in the old town), but the quality is top-notch. Sometimes, slices of cake or croissants are also served. Wifi available.

Close to Jagićev Park and the Park boutique hotel, this pub has character. In the basement of a palace (late 17th century), the high cellar, with its stone walls, medieval weapons, flags, coats of arms, shields and metal and solid wood furniture transports you to a Croatia of ancient times. A brewery-pub with terrace that offers a large selection of bottled and draught beers, local, national and foreign (even a hemp beer!). Other drinks with or without alcohol are also on the menu.