Croatia might not be the largest country in Europe, but it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist hotspots there. The nation is arguably one of the most beautiful in the world. However, the country’s immense beauty isn’t the only reason people are travelling there in droves. Another reason is its food. The quality of the food in Croatia is unmatched throughout Europe. It has numerous five-star restaurants, bars, and cafés. There are also an almost infinite number of smaller restaurants catering to locals that rival even the best Michelin-starred eateries. If you are planning a family trip to Croatia, here’s everything you need to know about finding the right restaurant. 

Consider Location

One of the first things you need to think about if you plan on taking a trip to Croatia and want to find good restaurants to eat at is the location.  One of the most popular cities in Croatia for travelers is Dubrovnik, which is situated on the Adriatic Sea. Finding a good restaurant Dubrovnik is not difficult. One thing to note about Dubrovnik is that due to its positioning on the Adriatic Sea, there are many beachside bars and restaurants. If you are travelling with your family, a beachside restaurant is ideal because your children can play while you and your spouse relax. It is also possible to find beachside resorts in Croatia, so if resort holidays interest you, Croatia’s one of the best places in Europe to go.

Dietary Restrictions

Dietary restrictions are an important consideration you need to make if you are looking for restaurants for your family. If any of your loved ones follow strict diets, i.e., kosher, halal, or vegan, or they are allergic to certain foods, you need to make sure that the restaurants you go to can cater to them. A good way to ensure loved ones do not consume allergens is to print out a sheet with their allergies translated into Croatian on it, so you can show it to waiting staff at the restaurants you visit.

Accommodating Families

Not every restaurant can accommodate large family groups. If you are travelling with multiple children, you need to find places that are suited to families. Generally speaking, large beachside bars and restaurants, hotel and resort restaurants, and chain restaurants tend to be the most welcoming to children. With that said, if your children are quiet and behave well, there shouldn’t be limitations on where you can eat. Do your research before visiting specific restaurants just so you can double-check that families can be accommodated.

Think About Cost

Cost is another consideration you must make if you are planning on eating out in Croatia. Most restaurants are very affordable, which is another reason why Croatia is such a popular tourist destination. If the restaurant you want to visit has a website, they should have menus published on it. A restaurant’s menu will give you insight into the prices of their meals, even if the one on their website isn’t current. Many restaurants also have their menus and prices on boards outside their front doors. If you are on a budget, smaller restaurants might be open to giving you a discount if you are buying several meals.

Online Reviews

You should read a restaurant’s reviews before you eat there. A restaurant’s reviews will give you insight into their customer experience and what the quality of their food is like. Most reviews can be viewed for free online. You do not usually need to register an account with a review site in order to see what a restaurant’s reviews are like. The main two review sites on the internet are Google Review and Trustpilot. You can quickly and easily find out what a restaurant is like simply by typing its name on either of the aforementioned websites. These websites also allow you to translate reviews into English, which further simplifies things.

Authentic Cuisine

Authenticity is important. If you are visiting a country for the first time, you should try to eat authentic food. This is so you can get an idea of what that nation’s cuisine is actually like. Croatian cooking is very hearty and similar to the cuisines of other close European countries. It is unique in its own ways, though. Take some time to learn about popular Croatian recipes before you visit, so you get an idea of what sort of food Croatians eat. This also makes it easier for you to identify meals likely to cause allergic reactions.

Croatia is a fantastic place to take your family on vacation. If you are planning a trip there, researching restaurants is a great way to ensure you all get an opportunity to sample everything Croatian cooking has to offer. Use the guidance given here to find good restaurants in the area you are travelling to.