A homemade sauce, the finest of olives (fresh, baked, marinated, you name it), top-quality cheeses and perfectly salted prosciutto, as well as anchovies and meat preparedpekastyle or under an iron bell! Goodness me, this is just the tip of the iceberg as far as delicacies available to you in Zadar and its surrounding area are concerned. Moreover, all these riches are readily accessible if you are staying at ourD-Marin Borik.

One of the most famous dishes in Zadar and the surrounding area is thepašticadawith gnocchi, also known as Dalmatia’s culinary queen and part of the country’s gastronomic heritage. They say there are as manypašticadarecipes as there are households in Dalmatia, but it is all about nuances, really. All these variations have one thing in common – an aromatic, multi-layered and velvety sauce permeating the tender, mouth-watering meat, usually beef. Make sure you also try theirlamb with peas, orbiži, as they are known locally; you will not forget their tenderness that easily. Speaking of lamb, you can also try it prepared in a special clay pot with a bunch of aromatic Mediterranean herbs. The dish, known asiški lopiž, comes from the island of Iž and, in addition to great flavors, boasts an interesting tale about tradition that the islanders will gladly recount for you.

We are confident you will be asking the chef to give you the recipe for at least one of these dishes!

While visiting Zadar and the surrounding area, you have the opportunity to try the best of seafood and island products, at the same time enjoying the many dishes usually prepared in continental Croatia. Several top restaurants in the city will readily showcase their varied and fresh offer for you.

An iconic place, known to every gourmand out there, is the traditional, family-runNiko Restaurant. First opened back in 1963, the restaurant has been attracting fans of the finest Adriatic fish ever since. Enjoying a lobster and a glass of wine sounds like a perfect way to spend a cozy summer evening, doesn’t it?

Make sure you stop by Zadar’sPet Bunara Restaurant, located in the square of the same name. They boast several decades of experience in food preparation, led by the idea of enhancing Zadar’s culinary scene with their innovative approach. Nowadays, they represent the best of Zadar’s culinary offer enriched with organically sourced ingredients.

Zadar’sKornat Restaurant, as the owners claim, is a place where each guest is welcomed with a love for the food, showered in a joy of living, and overwhelmed with emotions, pleasure, character, kindness, and charm, coupled with some of the finest wines available. Their guest reviews support their claim, as the most frequent statement their guests leave them with is “I’m in heaven!”

They also say the lamb meat at theTamarisRestaurantis as tender and soft as a cloud.

Is there anything better after a great meal than eating a scrumptious dessert? You will find joy in the fact that Zadar is known for several of its sweets. You will be wowed byrožata, a traditional Dalmatian dessert essential at any family gathering. Its velvety, soft flavor will become one of your lasting memories. The same goes for the simplicity and elegance of the famousZadar cake, made with just a handful of ingredients, oranges and chocolate being the two most important ones. Enjoy your truedolce vitamoment!

This cake goes great withMaraschino, a well-known liqueur that has been produced in the region for over 500 years now. It is made from Marasca ormaraškacherries, an old Croatian cherry variety native to this part of Dalmatia. The liqueur even left an impression on the famous French author Honoré de Balzac and, according to the manufacturerMaraska, was enjoyed by Alfred Hitchcock, G. B. Shaw, Charles Baudelaire, Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles, and Charlie Chaplin, among others. Join this exclusive club and treat your taste buds to an exquisite experience.

While in Zadar, surrender to the scents and notes of the Maraština, Crljenak, Debit and Plavina grapes, as well as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grown in the Zadar hinterland. The champion-title-bearing winemakersVrsaljkoand theNimčevićfamily-run farm, both from the village of Nadin, are a good starting point in your exploration of the Zadar wine scene. By all means, sample the superior wines from theŠkaulj family; their aromas have been enjoyed by, among others, the Swedish royal family.

If you happen to be a beer enthusiast, we suggest you try Zadar’s famous craft beers brewed at theBrlogmicrobrewery. The beer is brewed by two female master-brewer friends, and each new flavor they put on the market is even more interesting than the last one. Right now, you can samplePlavuša,Neposlušna, andŠpurija.

In the evening hours, do not miss out on Zadar’s famous little fiestas that take place on the peninsula on Fridays, featuring loads of entertainment. Dalmatian music, joyous voices, and a very charming urban vibe – you just might wish for the evening to last forever. Finally, if you get the chance, and you love classical music, there is a rare musical delicacy hiding in the Church of St. Donatus – theSt. Donatus Musical Evenings. The church’s unusual, almost mystical ambiance is a unique experience on its own, and the event enjoys a special reputation among European and global musical circles. Be sure to check it out!