A Michelin-Worthy Culinary Destination
Ad: In collaboration with the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Zagreb County Tourist Board and the MICHELIN Guide
Zagreb County is one of the most undiscovered culinary destinations in Croatia, just outside the capital and a rising star in Michelin Star Croatia dining.
Not every part of Europe is crowded. Some places still breathe. Still taste like they used to. Still welcome you like you have been there before. This is where Croatia reveals its local soul. Where travelers come for hidden gems, slow meals, honest wine, and the kind of hospitality that stays with you.
One of those places is Zagreb County, just outside of Croatia’s capital city. Locals call it the green heart of the country. It might be Europe’s most overlooked gem. Vineyards roll across the hills. Woodsmoke rises from small family kitchens. Forest roads lead to places where time seems to pause.
This is where Croatia slows down. And where travelers looking for real food, real wine and meaningful connection can find exactly what they have been missing.
Where to Eat, Drink and Feel at Home in Zagreb County
Korak Winery and Restaurant – Michelin-Starred Elegance Without Pretense
Korak Winery and Restaurant: Nestled in the Plešivica hills, this Michelin-starred establishment offers a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, serving seasonal dishes paired with estate-grown wines The terrace looks out over endless vines. An exemplary representation of Croatian haute cuisine.
The restaurant’s tasting menu showcases refined techniques and locally sourced ingredients.
Best for: Michelin restaurant in Croatia, wine tasting near Zagreb, fine dining with a view
Instagram: @korakwinery
Mon Ami – Honest Food Just Outside of Zagreb
In the town of Velika Gorica, Mon Ami serves regional Croatian food the way it was meant to be, slow, generous and full of flavor. This MICHELIN Guide-recommended restaurant is popular with locals for good reason. Think roasted meats, handmade pasta, fresh bread and service that makes you feel like a regular.
Best for: Traditional Croatian food, authentic restaurants near Zagreb
Instagram: @monami.hr
Jagunić Winery – Sparkling Wines and Homemade Comfort
Jagunić Winery is family-owned and deeply rooted in the Plešivica terroir. Their specialty is sparkling wine, especially natural pét-nats. The views are soft and green, and the food is homemade, stews, pastries, and cured meats straight from the family kitchen. Tastings feel more like a long lunch with friends than a formal event.
Best for: Wine tours in Croatia, family-owned wineries, sparkling wines and local cuisine
Instagram: @jagunicwinery
Brigljević Distillery – Traditional Spirits with a Personal Touch
Brigljević Distillery keeps rakija-making alive in the best way by respecting tradition and adding quiet innovation. This family distillery uses local fruits and herbs, small copper stills, and patient methods. A visit here is more than a tasting. It is a story, a handshake, and a sip of something real.
Best for: Rakija tasting Croatia, Croatian distilleries, artisanal spirits
Instagram: @brigljevicdistillery
Why You Should Add Zagreb County to Your Croatia Travel Itinerary
Zagreb County offers a quietly luxurious and personal culinary experience, a refreshing inland alternative to Croatia’s popular coastal hotspots.
This is the place you want to bring your friends to.
And it is still a quiet corner of Europe, waiting to be discovered.
I regularly explore culinary destinations across Europe and am always interested in discovering new stories worth sharing. If you represent a region or concept with a unique gastronomic perspective, feel free to get in touch.
