The guide “Flavours of Croatian Tradition 2026” presented and the “Heart of Tradition” awards granted
Authentic flavours, local ingredients and traditional cuisine are becoming an increasingly strong motive for visitors coming to Croatia. These very values are the focus of the guide Flavours of Croatian Tradition 2026, which was ceremonially presented in Zagreb, alongside the first presentation of the Heart of Tradition awards to the most outstanding hospitality providers involved in the project.
The new guide provides an overview of 162 hospitality establishments — 155 restaurants and seven tasting rooms — from 14 Croatian counties that systematically nurture traditional Croatian gastronomy. The listed venues meet the standards of the Flavours of Croatian Tradition project, with emphasis on original recipes, quality preparation, local ingredients and a consistent level of service.
The publication is bilingual (Croatian and English), visually modern and rich in content, with each venue given dedicated space presenting its offer, ambience and distinctive features. The guide is conceived as both inspiration and a reliable tool for domestic and international guests who wish to discover Croatia through its gastronomic heritage.
Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, highlighted that Croatia is exceptionally rich in diversity — not only in its tourism offer, but also in gastronomy — across all regions, micro-locations and micro-destinations. He added:
“When we bring all of this together at the national level, we truly have something to offer. That is precisely why projects and guides like this are important — they provide, through a unified system and presentation, a single comprehensive tourism offer in terms of eno-gastronomy.”
Marcel Medak, President of the Council of the Flavours of Croatian Tradition project, also emphasized the importance of the project, noting that gastronomy is today one of the most important segments of tourism. The strong recognition of the project and the impressive number of participating restaurants confirm that the initiative has come at the right moment. He stressed that guests and tourists increasingly want to taste authentic traditional dishes, and the project enables them to easily choose verified, high-quality gastronomic addresses.
Project manager Borislav Šimenc pointed out that Flavours of Croatian Tradition has been developing for ten years — starting in just one county and now bringing together hospitality providers from 14 counties, clearly demonstrating its growth and recognition. He thanked restaurateurs and tourist boards for their long-standing cooperation, noting that since last year the Main Office of the Croatian National Tourist Board has become the project’s main partner, giving it additional strength and visibility.
The central part of the event was the first presentation of the Heart of Tradition awards, presented by Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, and Marcel Medak, President of the Project Council. The awards were received by 14 hospitality establishments from 12 counties and the City of Zagreb.
The recognitions were granted to those who, through years of work, have distinguished themselves by consistently nurturing traditional cuisine, diversity of offer, quality of service and positive guest experience.
Award-winning establishments
Krčma Gabreku 1929, Samobor – Zagreb County
Klijet Lojzekova hiža, Gusakovec – Krapina-Zagorje County
Restaurant Zlatne gorice, Gornji Kneginec – Varaždin County
Excursion site Goričanec, Sveti Martin na Muri – Međimurje County
Gornjevinska klet, Križevci – Koprivnica-Križevci County
Bistro Kod bake, Garešnica – Bjelovar-Bilogora County
Restaurant Moslavačka priča, Velika Ludina – Sisak-Moslavina County
Rural tourism Zlatni klas, Otrovanec – Virovitica-Podravina County
Tavern & excursion site Stari Fenjeri, Turnić – Požega-Slavonia County
Restaurant Stupnički dvori, Brodski Stupnik – Brod-Posavina County
Restaurant Aquarius, Bošnjaci – Vukovar-Srijem County
Bistro Ribič, Otočac – Lika-Senj County
Restaurant Stari Puntijar, Zagreb – City of Zagreb
Restaurant Potkova, Zagreb – City of Zagreb
