Fish has always held a special place on our tables, and for good reason. As one of the healthiest sources of protein on the planet, fish is not only delicious, but also rich in nutrients that are essential for our health.
Of course, we can prepare fantastic fish at home on the grill, but there is something special about going to a trusted address where we will get an honest piece of fish and enjoy it with a bottle of good white wine. Zagreb has a large number of fish restaurants, but unfortunately most do not offer fresh fish. Still, there are a few reliable locations you can count on.
Recently, we have visited several restaurants where the fish dishes left an excellent impression, so we present to you three places where you can enjoy great fish and seafood.
Kod Vukušića
Kod Vukušića has been operating at full steam for almost fifteen years. It is doing so well that many regular guests, as soon as they return from a trip, head straight to Kod Vukušića, most often for fish. The place is known for its premium fresh fish, which arrives daily, but also for various fish appetizers. As well as meat, which is not the focus of this article.
Vukušić is located in a rather unremarkable location that is usually reached by car, in a business complex on Slavonska Avenue. The restaurant‘s terrace is spacious, with large fans that protect you from the strong sun. The tables are adorned with plastic tablecloths. And most importantly, we recently had perhaps the best fish in Zagreb there – a half-kilo scorpionfish, which was so perfectly prepared that its tender meat literally melted in the mouth.
In addition to the basic fish dishes, the appetizers deserve special praise: starting from very tasty fish pâtés to excellent carpaccios. We especially liked the carpaccio of thinly sliced octopus, almost crunchy in texture, while the smoked tuna version was even more impressive, and the marinated anchovies delighted us with their freshness and flavor. The homemade bread was also very good.
Prices at Vukušić are very reasonable considering the quality of the ingredients and the generous portions. We strongly recommend calling and reserving a table because otherwise it will be hard to get one. It is an institution where you can always count on a high standard. The warmest recommendation.
Ponistra
Ponistra is a fish tavern with many years of successful business, to which numerous business lunches greatly contribute. Many companies make important business decisions at Ponistra, while enjoying some of the best fish offers in the capital.
Ponistra is recognizable for its rustic interior (although a small renovation would be welcome) and for the large grill located in the front part of the restaurant, which immediately completes the atmosphere. They are especially known for various small fish appetizers; we were most impressed by the juicy sardines in savor and the tasty fresh Adriatic shrimp. Unfortunately, we didn‘t have the chance to try their grilled sardines because, due to lack of fresh delivery, they were not on the menu that day. Otherwise, Ponistra is one of the rare places in Zagreb where you can often find fresh sardines, and at reasonable prices.
What Ponistra is most famous for, however, is its selection of premium fish. In a large chest, fresh fish caught that very morning is displayed, so the guest can choose their piece before preparation. We enjoyed a fillet of amberjack there, which was extremely juicy and perfectly prepared. Every time we‘ve eaten premium fish here, it was prepared just right: fresh, rich in flavor, and expertly grilled.
Ponistra is an extremely popular restaurant, so it is advisable to reserve a table in advance if you want to be sure you‘ll find a spot.
Mala Riba
The new Zagreb branch of the cult Kvarner bistro is located right next to Lake Jarun. It is a place that has been successfully operating for years in Kvarner thanks to a diverse, daily fresh offer of fish and seafood from their own catch.
The offer at Mala Riba clearly differs from most Zagreb fish restaurants. The concept is based on numerous small portions of cold and hot appetizers, among which various marinated fish, octopus salad, red mullet carpaccio, or imaginatively prepared vegetables such as the popular green beans in mustard stand out. Main courses bring a selection of small fish, lesser-known species such as skate and dogfish, and occasionally brodet, homemade pasta, and monkfish goulash.
Compared to other fish restaurants in Zagreb, Mala Riba especially emphasizes sharing appetizers at the table, which is still rare in Zagreb. Fritto misto is the restaurant‘s signature dish, prepared exclusively in a pan, with fresh oil, which guarantees crispness and clean flavor. It is certainly one of the best interpretations of this dish in Zagreb, and with its quality easily competes with the original Kvarner version. The wine list is extensive, and the service is extremely professional and well-practiced.
It can get crowded, so we recommend reserving a table.
Za sudjelovanje u komentarima je potrebna prijava, odnosno registracija ako još nemaš korisnički profil....