The gastronomic offer of Jarun, one of Zagreb’s most popular neighborhoods, has long been a topic of discussion – and not in a positive way. For such a large and lively part of the city, which attracts numerous residents and visitors, it’s surprising that the culinary scene has lagged behind for years, offering only a limited and often unsatisfactory selection. Many have rightly wondered why a neighborhood with such potential does not have a wider and higher-quality range of restaurants that would meet the needs and wishes of its residents.
However, it seems that this negative trend is finally changing. In recent months, we have witnessed a kind of gastronomic awakening in Jarun and its immediate surroundings. New, interesting places are opening, bringing freshness and diversity, from fast food with a bit more quality to cozy bistros with creative menus. It seems the offer is finally expanding and progressing. Below, we highlight four newly opened places worth visiting.
MALA RIBA
After more than a decade of success on the Kvarner coast, the family restaurant Mala Riba has finally arrived in Zagreb and opened its doors in Jarun. This culinary story, started by the fishing families Nikolec and Mikičić, is based on authenticity and freshness, as the offer is based on the daily catch from their own trawlers. The concept differs from classic taverns, offering a multitude of imaginative cold and warm appetizers in the style of tapas, ideal for sharing and trying various Mediterranean flavors.
Be sure to try their signature dish, fritto misto, which is perfectly crispy and not at all greasy, made from fresh fish fried in a pan. By far the best in the city. In addition, creative dishes such as monkfish tripe or excellent gvacet stand out, bringing a touch of authentic coastal cuisine. The ambiance is rustic yet modern, with a pleasant terrace, and the whole experience is rounded off by professional and friendly service led by Karla Mikičić. The prices are extremely reasonable, which positions Mala Riba as one of the best places in Zagreb to enjoy unpretentious but top-quality fish dishes. Highly recommended.
TAO OF RAMEN
In the immediate vicinity of the Jarun market, at Pakoštanska 5, you’ll find Tao of Ramen, a small, vibrant restaurant that brings the flavors of Japan and China. The owner, Tao Wang, who has lived in Croatia for more than twenty years, has created a soulful place, blending his personal philosophy with culinary tradition. The ambiance is warm and unpretentious, filled with details such as anime figurines and Chinese lanterns.
The heart of the offer is ramen, whose rich broth is cooked for hours from ingredients sourced from the nearby market. In addition to various types of ramen, the menu also features popular Asian dishes such as Peking duck, gyoza, dim sum, and bao buns. Portions are generous, and prices are affordable, making this place an excellent choice for a quality and filling meal. Tao Wang personally participates in every aspect of the business, from cooking to serving guests, creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
THE MUNCHIES
In Jarun, at Aleja Matije Ljubeka 32, The Munchies has opened, a fast food restaurant that stands out with its offer of burgers and sandwiches made from higher-quality ingredients. Although their juicy black angus beef burgers, with additions such as pepper relish, mortadella, or guacamole, are reason enough to visit, the real star of the menu is the ‘z tiblice meat sandwich. This rarely seen specialty from Međimurje is served in sourdough focaccia with horseradish sauce, apple, and fennel.
In addition, they offer a breaded chicken sandwich, a vegetarian option with breaded cheese, ćevapi, and various sides. The emphasis on quality is also evident in their collaboration with local producers, such as the artisan bakery Kukuriku and the butcher The M Brothers. Along with excellent food, they also offer Nova Runda craft beer and Kultura kombucha, all at reasonable prices.
TASTE OF INDIA
The popular chain of Indian restaurants, Taste of India, has recently enriched Jarun’s gastronomic scene by opening its new, and according to many, best location at Rudeška cesta 246. This restaurant offers a classic version of Indian cuisine skillfully adapted for a Western audience, thus successfully attracting a wide circle of guests. Owner Naithani Yogesh has created a concept based on authentic flavors, but with an understanding of the local market, resulting in an offer that stands out for its quality and affordability.
What makes Taste of India in Jarun particularly attractive and ranks it among the best lunch options in the city is the outstanding price-to-quality ratio. Here, you can truly have a very hearty and at the same time extremely affordable meal. The key lies in their appetizer offer, most of which cost only 5 euros. But don’t let the term "appetizer" fool you – dishes like Chicken Pakora (pieces of chicken fried in chickpea flour) or crispy fried cauliflower come in such generous portions that they can easily serve as a complete, filling meal. Alongside main dishes, such as the popular Butter Chicken, these appetizers make Taste of India a place worth coming to hungry.
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