In the first years of the 3rd millennium, prof. Carole Meredith discovered that grapes Zinfandel and Crljenak Kaštelanski have the identical genetic profile, therefore are the same sort. After a couple hundred more hours in the lab (i.e. wine cellar) she also discovered that the aforementioned Mr. Zinfandel had an affair with Mrs. Dobričić from the island of Šolta which gave birth to the little and much beloved Plavac Mali.

P.Z. Podšpilje (a farming cooperative) from the island of Vis produces excellent Plavac Mali, a quality dry red wine, which can be bought for ridiculously cheap prices in the centre of Zagreb. Although it seems very light and it slides down smoothly, do not be tricked by its apparent playfulness, this wine has 12.5% alcohol. Goes well with red meat, cheeses and oily fish. And Coke.

As its faithful companion, also from the wine growing hills of Vis, comes Vugava – a quality dry white wine. Vugava is made by grapes cultivated in Dalmacija since the Ancient times, when Vis was called Issa and when the Greek historian Agatharchides claimed that Vugava “is superior to every other wine whatever“. Today’s Vugava is a rather sweetish and fruitish wine, which lacks a bit of acidity. Nevertheless, beware of Vugava because it reaches up to 14% alc. content. Goes well with all fish and white meat.

Besides those two wines, available from huge barrels or bottled, one can also find some great grape rakija with herbs and vinegar, all from the island of Vis.

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P.Z. Podšpilje | Shopping, Snacks | Plavac mali Kn 15.00
Kralja Držislava 10 | Lower town | +3853776735
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 15:30, Sat 09:00 – 14:00

Zagreb has a few Japanese restaurants but I must admit that I haven’t visited them yet, due to their budget-non-friendly price lists. Because of that, I personally welcomed the idea of opening of this relatively small sushi take away bar where you can choose from different varieties of Japanese delicacies. Besides sushi, you can order sashimi, miso soup, spring rolls and such. Everything mentioned is made by Chefs right in front of you.

MANZOKU sushi bar is situated in the city’s Centre and it won’t take you long to grab a few bites in the middle of your tour de Zagreb. It is good to know that you have a 20 % discount on sushi if you buy them between 13.00 and 14.00 hours and 30 % discount on the same goods between 19.00 and 22.00 hours. Their tastiness and lightness definitely serve the phrase „the more the merrier” – at least when it comes to indulging yourself with some food during nice city walks. After all, „manzoku” supposedly means „pleasure” in Japanese.

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MANZOKU sushi take away | Snacks, Restaurants (Japanese) | Futomaki Kn 8.00
Ljudevita Gaja 26 | Lower town | +38514851844
10:00 – 22:00 daily

If you have been to Zagreb before, you probably noticed that there aren’t many places to eat snacks after 01:00. That is definitely one of the city’s biggest disadvantages and a complaint of many, whether they are locals or travelers.

Pingvin defies that thought, particularly because it is open non stop. Situated in the Centre, this fast food is easily accessible and its snacks are exactly what you would crave, especially after a night out clubbing. The polite staff serves many different sandwiches (also suitable for vegetarians), hamburgers, cheeseburgers, salads, toasts and refreshments.

You may choose between large number of vegetables that go well with your snack, along with the inevitable sauces like mayonnaise, ketchup, Tartar sauce and such. The food is also heated up, so it gets warm and mellow. Do I need to say that those snacks are tasty?

Therefore, Pingvin is a favourite quick-stop for many, including night owls, who find it essential for a night out. After a prosciutto sandwich it is easier to head back partying, or home, feeling nice and settled for a good night sleep.

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Pingvin | Snacks | Prosciutto deluxe Kn 22.00
Teslina 7 | Lower town
24 hours daily

Although somewhat secluded, Cyber Funk Café is very well known among fruit and vegetable lovers. Simply decorated, this courtyard/garden place offers another kind of riches – it serves around 40 different varieties of freshly made juices and smoothies, sandwiches, coffee and tea, as well as excellent daily soup (all of which you can order to-go).

Everything Cyber Funk Café serves is delightful and tasty, not to mention healthy, so if you are in desperate need for your daily dose of vitamins, Cyber Funk Café is the obvious answer.

Also, as its name suggests, the spot provides internet access (0,25 Kn/min) and similar kinds of service (document copying, scanning and faxing). Of course, what definitely stands out about it are its smoothies and juices, which will fill your batteries and light up your day with some Endorphin fueled optimism.

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Cyber Funk Café | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Juice (Fresh) 0.2 L Kn 14.00
Masarykova 26 | Lower town | +38516399070
Mon – Fri 08:00 – 22:00, Sat 09:00 – 22:00

Since its opening in January 2011, this unique and charming deli bistro called Lari & Penati, situated in the city center, has become the talk of the town. Named after the Roman gods of household – Lares and Penates, its carefully prepared dishes evoke feeling of contentment similar to the one you experience when you taste your favorite home-cooked meal.

However, Lari & Penati’s not-so-pricy cuisine is something out of the ordinary, at least according to Zagreb standards: curried pumpkin soup, lamb shanks in red wine with vegetables and palenta or tuna confit with grilled fennelare are just a sneak peak to the deli’s versatile daily menu, also suitable for vegetarians. Besides soups, pies, few main meals and desserts, this deli also offers delicious snacks, such as savory almonds, salted cookies with cheese and thyme, lavender and lemon cookies, to name a few, all packed in tasteful glass jars. Its interior is very light, creative and un-pretentious (some of the decorations were bought at the Hrelić market), although somewhat small.

In just a few months this deli became very popular for a reason. Whether its customers grab a few meals to-go, or simply enjoy something savory or something sweet, accompanied with a glass of wine inside the deli, it seems that all of them are pretty satisfied with everything these voracious little gods thoughtfully prepared.

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Lari & Penati | Snacks, Restaurants (Intern.) | Soup Kn 20.00
Petrinjska 42a | Lower town | +385996688101
Mon – Fri 08:00 – 20:00, Sat 11:00 – 16:30

When I heard that there’s a new cookie place in town, the chocolate sugar addict in me was jumping from joy. Yes, I frequently complain about the lack of quality snacks in Zagreb to have along with your coffee, so this seemed to be the perfect place to enjoy a chat with a friend, a good cup of coffee and an amazing sugar rush along with it.

Having explored a bit more and finding out that the place was inspired by the original U.S. chocolate chip cookies (the owner spent his student years across the Atlantic indulging in cookies and becoming an expert in baking them) I decided even before trying any of the sweets that this place is sure to become one of my favorites.

My high expectations did come true in most aspects – the place is really cute, with a homey feel  to it, real great to chill out by yourself or in good company sharing a cookie, brownie, hot brownie with ice-cream, pumpkin pie, you name it. All of the ingredients are there. Though, one downside to it is that their coffee is not the best out there, but I am hoping that’s due to the fact they’re still new to the art of making coffee (after all, they have Lavazza and a good coffee machine) so I’ll definitely be coming back for some more sugar-indulging in the following cold winter months.

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The Cookie Factory | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Cookies Kn 10
Skalinska 3 | Lower town | +38514813901
Mon – Sat 09:00 – 22:00, Sun 13:00 – 21:00

Zagreb is packed with various bakeries, ranging from big chains like Pan-Pek to little independent ones, so it might seem a bit hard to pick your favourite.

Since I’ve moved here, I’ve been to every bakery – well, to the ones in the city centre, which is what probably interests you the most. So, when you see my curvy figure, it gets pretty obvious that I know a good pastry when I find it, and believe me – Dinara is the place where you want to buy your pastries. Or bread, bagels… any other thing you crave at the moment. 

Situated a few streets away from the Jelacic square, the Dinara bakery offers a wide range of delicious products. Remember how I once said it’s one of the smallest shops in Zagreb? Well, recently they’ve expanded a bit – now you can even have a bit of personal space while waiting in line but the staff quality remains the same – the nice kind ladies behind the counter work really fast and they’ll always give you the freshest things, warm and tasty, just taken out of the oven.