Spanish food in Zagreb: a guide by occasion
Not every Spanish restaurant fits every plan. Using the Google ratings, review counts and the dishes we have confirmed on each menu, here is how we would play Zagreb depending on the occasion.
For a date
La Bodega Zagreb (Bogovićeva ul. 5, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia) — the strongest all-round rating in the city (★ 4.4 from 1,495 reviews; the menu confirms Ibérico/serrano ham). Book ahead at weekends.
Tapas with friends
Tapas bar Mojo Rojo (Selska cesta 54, 10110, Zagreb, Croatia) — the widest confirmed Spanish spread in Zagreb: patatas bravas, croquetas, Ibérico/serrano ham, garlic prawns (gambas al ajillo), paella, Padrón peppers and churros (★ 4.9 from 161 reviews; the menu confirms patatas bravas, croquetas, Ibérico/serrano ham, garlic prawns (gambas al ajillo), paella, Padrón peppers and churros; around €5-€10 per person). Order several plates to share and ask what is on special.
A special occasion
Mex Cantina (Savska cesta 154, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia) — ★ 4.3 from 2,960 reviews. Tell them you are celebrating when you book; Spanish restaurants are usually generous with a celebration table.
A quick, casual bite
DANTE tapas & more (Nova cesta 84, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia) — ★ 4.9 from 338 reviews; around €30-€35 per person. Bar seating and a couple of tapas is the fastest way to eat well here.
Something sweet to finish
Tapas bar Mojo Rojo (Selska cesta 54, 10110, Zagreb, Croatia) — one of the few places in Zagreb whose menu confirms churros.
What to order in Zagreb
These are the classic dishes most often confirmed on the menus we checked, each linked to our recipe so you know exactly what should arrive at the table:
- Ibérico/serrano ham — confirmed on 2 menus in Zagreb
- patatas bravas — confirmed on 1 menus in Zagreb
- croquetas — confirmed on 1 menus in Zagreb
- garlic prawns (gambas al ajillo) — confirmed on 1 menus in Zagreb
- paella — confirmed on 1 menus in Zagreb
- Padrón peppers — confirmed on 1 menus in Zagreb