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Eat Like a Local

Where to Eat

Our five favourite restaurants — the ones we actually go to

A Few Honest Picks

Guests always ask us where to eat, so we wrote it all down. These aren't sponsored, they're not the flashiest spots in the guidebooks — they're the places we send our own friends and family. From a proper Dalmatian grill to the best pizza around, here's where to go and exactly what to order.

01 The Grill

Konoba Rafaelo

This is where I send anyone craving real Dalmatian grill. It's a family-run konoba with the fire going right there on the terrace, and the famous Plata Rafaelo — a mixed platter of beefsteak, rumpsteak and pork tenderloin — is honestly too much food for two people. Order it anyway. Leafy garden, view over the channel toward Ugljan, and prices that are fair for what lands on the table. Book ahead, it fills up fast.

Must TryPlata Rafaelo — the mixed grill platter
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02 Something for Everyone

Mamma Mia

When the group can't agree on what they want, this is the answer. Pizza, homemade pasta, fresh seafood, big Croatian plates — it all comes out generous and done properly. The black spaghetti with shrimp is a favourite, but whatever you do, save room for the cheesecake. People genuinely come back to Zadar partly for it. Just outside the old town, with a leafy terrace and AC inside.

Must TryThe legendary cheesecake
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03 Daily Marenda

Bistro Pjat

A tiny family bistro tucked into a narrow old-town street, where the menu changes every single day depending on what's fresh. Come for the marenda — the local midday meal — pull up a chair on the cobbles, and let the owner tell you what's good today. Honest Dalmatian home cooking, generous portions, fair prices, right in the heart of the city. And don't skip the Zadarska torta for dessert.

Must TryToday's daily board + Zadar cake
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04 Steaks & Desserts

Harbor CookHouse & Club

The polished option. Right on the waterfront looking across to the old town walls, Harbor does premium dry-aged steaks — the ribeye is the move — and finishes with desserts that are little works of art. By night it turns into a club with live music, so it's perfect for a long dinner that drifts into drinks. Dress a touch nicer and make an evening of it.

Must TryDry-aged ribeye, then dessert
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05 Pizza

Congo

My pick for pizza, full stop. Proper Neapolitan style from an oven built by Italians who were flown in to do it right, San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte — the dough alone is worth the trip. Then order the semifreddo; locals will tell you it's the best dessert in the city, and they're not wrong. Over in the Borik area, an easy hop from the villa.

Must TryNeapolitan pizza + the semifreddo
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One Last Tip

In summer, always call ahead — the good places fill up by 8pm, especially in July and August. If you'd like, message us before your stay and we're happy to help you book a table or point you somewhere for a specific occasion. We know the owners at most of these.

Hungry Yet?

Book your stay at the villa and you'll be a short drive from every one of these.

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