Kavana Lav Zagreb
Soak in the charm of Upper town
Kavana Lav definitely looks too fancy for a list of ''hipster'' and ''alternative'' cafes, but if you are open to good old-school elegance, you shouldn't miss this beautiful cafe on Upper town, just a few steps away from the Stone Gate, a popular touristic sight.
Kavana Lav, until recently called Galerija Lav and among locals still known under that name, is situated in a former palace, and its highlight is a remarkable balcony with a lion sculpture (hence the name, because Lav means lion in Croatian). It's not only a cafe, but also a gallery showcasing artworks of eminent contemporary Croatian artists, with a good measure and taste so that the space never feels too cluttered. It’s an interesting mix of classical, elegant furniture and modern, often intriguing art pieces.
It is almost never crowded, so I always recommend it to people who need a peaceful ambience for working or for an intimate conversation. The coffee, tea and wines are all top quality here, but the best treat is the cakes – always fresh, tasty and made of healthy ingredients. The balcony is small compared to the entire space, but for me, it’s always worth trying to catch one of the few tables there and sip coffee by the lion while enjoying a scenic view to the oldest pharmacy in Zagreb, The Black Eagle Pharmacy, or K Crnom Orlu (where Dante’s great-grandson Nicolo Alighieri worked), and to the cobbled street with arcades leading up toward St. Mark Square.
About this spot
Find your way with 135 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Zagreb
Museum of Contemporary Art
Long-awaited showpiece
Zagreb's Museum of Contemporary Art took many years to be completed, but it's well worth it. I come here to rediscover classics or catch cultural events.
by
Mirna
Marić
Petras Atelier
Offbeat jewelry and other goodies
Petras Atelier in central Zagreb is based on the artworks by a creative mother-daughter duo. I come here for original gifts though, I like just browsing!
by
Mirna
Marić
Wirtshaus
Hearty Meals at the Foothill of Sljeme
The food is delicious - from hearty seasonal soups and crispy fried potatoes to their staple Wiener Tafelspitz, everything is fresh and very tasty.
by
Nina
Lalić
Breadclub
Cruffins from heaven
Breadclub is an artisanal bakery in Zagreb. It sounds like an exaggeration, but believe me, everything is delicious here - it's always hard to choose...
by
Mirna
Marić
Program Bar
For coffee and design lovers
Program Bar in Zagreb has superb coffee and some offbeat decoration. This cafe has become one of my favorites for long, relaxing sessions with friends...
by
Mirna
Marić
Hotel Jägerhorn's Cafe
A touch of elegance
Hotel Jägerhorn's Cafe in Zagreb is located in a small passage, near the main square. It has a beautiful terrace with great view & delicious coffee!
by
Mirna
Marić
Ribice Kod Mimice
Simple fish foods
"Ribice kod Mimice" in Zagreb is a local favorite seafood restaurant that's existed since 1945! People love it because everything still tastes the same...
by
Nevena
Mikec
ZKM Theater
Zagreb's youth theater that grew up
"ZKM Theater", or Zagreb's Youth Theater, is one of my favorite theaters because of its contemporary approach, critical attitude and daring performances...
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Express Bar
Excellent coffee and people watching
"Express Bar" feels like a visit to your best girlfriend in Zagreb, who also happens to have an exquisite taste in home decor and really makes an effort...
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Velvet Pepper Studio
Yoga & swing
"Velvet Pepper Studio" Zagreb is a light-filled yoga studio that specialises in yoga swings, where you have to stay concentrated! Classes also in English.
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
La štruk
Creative twists to a traditional meal
"La štruk" in Zagreb makes štrukli, the Croatian comfort food par excellence, with creative twists: gratinated, additional toppings... Nothing comes close!
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Heading to Zagreb?
135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Zagreb?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 135 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Zagreb
Get to know our other Spotters from Zagreb
As featured on:
