Where to Get a Traditional Breakfast in Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb is a city that wakes up slowly but eats well. While modern brunch spots have become popular, locals still cherish the comforting flavors of a traditional Croatian breakfast—simple, hearty, and rooted in regional ingredients. If you’re visiting the capital and want to start your morning like a true Zagrepčan, here are the best places to enjoy an authentic breakfast experience.

🥐 What a Traditional Croatian Breakfast Looks Like

Before diving into the top spots, it helps to know what “traditional breakfast” means in Croatia. Expect:

• Freshly baked kiflice (soft crescent rolls)

• Sir i vrhnje (cottage cheese with cream)

• Domestic cured meats like šunka or kulen

• Pašteta (pâté)

• Local cheeses

• Burek with cheese or meat

• Strong Turkish-style coffee or espresso

Croatian breakfasts are simple but deeply satisfying—perfect fuel for exploring the city.

Best Places for a Traditional Breakfast in Zagreb

🥐 1. Vincek Pekarnica – For Fresh Pastries and Classic Burek

Vincek is a beloved local bakery chain known for its pastries, cakes, and savory baked goods. Their burek—especially the cheese version—is a morning staple for many locals. Pair it with yogurt and you’ve got a classic Zagreb breakfast.

What to try:

• Cheese burek

• Kiflice

• Apple or cheese strudel

Why it’s great:   Fast, affordable, and authentically local.

🧀 2. Dolac Market Stalls – The Most Authentic Local Experience

Dolac Market is the heart of Zagreb’s food culture. Early in the morning, vendors sell fresh dairy, cured meats, homemade bread, and seasonal produce. This is where you’ll find sir i vrhnje, one of the most iconic Zagreb breakfast items.

What to try:

• Sir i vrhnje from local dairy farmers

• Fresh bread from artisan bakers

• Honey and jams from regional producers

Why it’s great:   You build your own breakfast from the freshest ingredients in the city.

🍳 3. La Štruk – The Home of Traditional Štrukli

If you want a breakfast that’s uniquely Zagreb, štrukli is the dish. This baked or boiled pastry filled with cheese and cream is a local specialty, and La Štruk is the most famous place to try it.

What to try:

• Baked štrukli with cheese

• Sweet štrukli with berries

Why it’s great:   It’s the most iconic Zagreb breakfast dish served in a cozy, traditional setting.

🥓 4. Krčma Šestinski Lagvić – Rustic, Traditional, and Hearty

For a more substantial breakfast, this traditional tavern offers cured meats, cheeses, homemade bread, and hearty morning plates inspired by northern Croatian cuisine.

What to try:

• Cold cuts platter

• Local cheeses

• Fresh bread with spreads

Why it’s great:   It feels like eating breakfast in a Croatian mountain village.

🥖 5. Pekara Dubravica – A Local Favorite for Quick, Traditional Bites

Dubravica is one of Zagreb’s most popular bakery chains, known for high-quality pastries and traditional baked goods. Locals stop here on their way to work for a simple, satisfying breakfast.

What to try:

• Kifla with butter and jam

• Savory pastries

• Traditional Croatian rolls

Why it’s great:   Consistent quality, great prices, and a huge variety of traditional options.

☕ What to Drink with a Traditional Zagreb Breakfast

Croatians take their coffee seriously. With your breakfast, you’ll typically enjoy:

• Espresso – the most common choice

• Bijela kava – similar to a latte

• Turkish coffee – strong and unfiltered

• Čaj – herbal tea, often chamomile or mint

Coffee culture in Zagreb is slow and social, so don’t rush it.

⭐ Final Tips for Enjoying Breakfast in Zagreb

• Go early if you want the freshest pastries.

• Weekends are busiest, especially at Dolac Market.

• Cash is still common at small bakeries and market stalls.

• Try something new—Croatian breakfast foods are simple but full of character.