Didov san

Rustic Tradition in Zagreb’s Upper Town

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In the heart of Zagreb’s Upper Town, tucked among stone-paved streets and historic façades, you’ll find Didov San, a restaurant that has been celebrating the flavors of the Dalmatian Hinterland and rural Slavonia for years. Located on Mletačka Street, one of the most visited tourist spots in Zagreb, this place offers a true experience of traditional home-style cooking served in an ambience reminiscent of grandma’s house.

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The interior is rustic, with stone walls, wooden beams, red-and-white tablecloths and décor that includes dried herbs, vintage textiles and old family photographs. Every table is set with a candle, and the warm lighting creates an intimate atmosphere ideal for a family lunch or a dinner for two. On sunny days, guests can enjoy the terrace, surrounded by the charm of the Upper Town.

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The service is relaxed and quick, with discreet staff that contributes to the overall easygoing feel.

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What’s on the menu?

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The menu is rich and diverse, with a strong emphasis on traditional dishes from the Dalmatian Hinterland. Starters include airy fried dough with kaymak and cheese aged in wooden tubs, soparnik served with sour cream, baked štrukli (baked cheese-filled pastry), Dalmatian prosciutto and Slavonian sausages. Main courses feature classics such as stuffed peppers, pljeskavica (Balkan-style grilled patty) with kaymak, veal liver, pašticada (Dalmatian braised beef stew) and hunter’s steak. Special attention is given to dishes prepared “under the bell” (peka), which require advance notice, such as octopus, veal and lamb. The highlights of the menu also include eel, frog legs and snails prepared in several traditional ways. For dessert, there’s rožata (Dalmatian caramel custard), Imotski cake and crêpes filled with homemade jam, walnuts or sour cherries.

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The wine list is short but well-curated, with labels that cover most Croatian wine regions. The focus is on local wines that pair harmoniously with the dishes on offer.

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What did our chefs try?

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The Delicious Zagreb team began with airy, crispy fried dough served with homemade kaymak and salty cheese, followed by soparnik – a  thin Swiss chard and garlic pie served with sour cream. For the main course, we opted for a juicy grilled patty with kaymak and roasted potatoes, as well as tender veal liver seasoned with garlic and served with sautéed potatoes. With the dishes above, we paired a Kutjevo Pinot Noir.

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Didov San is the perfect stop for anyone wanting to experience traditional Croatian cuisine with a view of the charming Upper Town. Thanks to its attractive location, beloved flavors of the Dalmatian Hinterland, warm home-style atmosphere and old-world charm, Didov San is a popular spot – and one we definitely recommend reserving in advance.

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