Sometimes you need an excuse to hit the snooze button. It is my opinion that there is no better reason than brunch. In Zagreb, coffee culture is king, but these days the hipster newcomer concept of brunch, breakfast + lunch, is only a step behind for socializing, working, or simply easing into the day.
As a digital nomad, I have decided brunch is no longer reserved for the weekend, and Zagreb supplies my favorite meal in tall supply.
Whether you are looking for the perfect omelet or a healthy smoothie bowl, with downtown Zagreb’s rapidly expanding restaurant scene, the perfect brunch may very well be around the corner. Not in any ranking, here are my current top five:
(Photo courtesy of Melt Instagram)
1. Melt – Gelato & Brunch Bar
https://meltzagreb.com/
Radićeva ul. 3A, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
Everything Instagram-able can be found here. While you could write a novel on their smoothie bowls, you would be limiting yourself to not try some of their more savory dishes, such as Ricotta & Roasted Tomato Toast. The solution: come with a friend and share. All pair excellently with their extensive coffee selection.
(Photo courtesy of Brunch. Google photos)
2. Brunch.
https://www.brunch.hr/
Teslina 12 and Petrova ul. 167, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
It is all in the name and there is nothing that is up for debate with Brunch. The outdoor seating at both locations has enough room to come with friends. It has a no-nonsense menu with a nice mix choices. Their breakfast burrito and power wrap are personal favorites. If you are feeling more decadent they have dishes such as crunchy chicken waffles and a pull duck burger to choose from.
(Photo courtesy of Otto & Frank Instagram)
3. Otto & Frank
https://www.otto-frank.com/
Ul. Ivana Tkalčića 20, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
If people-watching is your thing, then look no further than Otto & Frank on Ul. Ivana Tkalčića in the center of the action. This small and comfortable bar and bistro lives up to their claim of using fresh ingredients to create home meals with a modern twist. If you are new to town, the Zagrebački Doručak, or Zagreb breakfast, with crispy poached eggs is a meal you cannot miss. Breakfast is offered all day.
(Photo courtesy of EGGSPRESS Facebook)
http://www.facebook.com/EggspressZg
Vlaška ul. 81a, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
A small stroll from the center, but as the name hints, it has the all-you-ever-need menu for great eggs every way you want it and even some ways you didn’t know you wanted, but you do. From killer omelets to poached eggs with homemade hollandaise sauce, this small spot is a top Zagreb contender for a perfect brunch. The downside? It does get crowded, but it is with the wait. As one reviewer stated, “eggcedes all eggspectations!”
(Photo courtesy of The Canopy Central Bistro and Bar, Canopy By Hilton Google photos)
5. The Canopy Central Bistro and Bar, Canopy By Hilton
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/zagzcpy-canopy-zagreb-city-centre
Ul. Kneza Branimira 29, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
If you are looking for a classy neighborhood vibe and want all the advantages of perfect internet and endless plug-in locations post food, Canopy By Hilton’s The Canopy Central Bistro and Bar is a great spot. They have an entire section on their menu dedicated to specialty coffee with items such as cold brew and hazelnut macchiatos, you can choose to come for the breakfast buffet with smoked salmon, bagels, or indulge their lunch menu with Caprese salad and beef tartare.
(Photo courtesy of Kai Street Food Instagram)
https://m.facebook.com/kaistreetfoodbar/
Jurišićeva ul. 2A, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
While not technically a brunch place as it is only opening at noon, Kai Street Food is the best new fusion food spot in town opening only this year by a few friends, one who happens to be a chef, all with a passion for out of this world food. While the menu changes, if you get in soon the Katsu Sando is a chicken sandwich that is good enough to have been served at the last supper, and if you need an egg on that to call it brunch, negotiate.
Veronica Mulhall is a strategic marketer on a mission to connect people. When Veronica is not traveling and leading marketing and communications projects, she is a salsa dancing foodie on the hunt for the world’s undiscovered cultural adventures.
Veronica was the first Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassdor in July 2021. You can connect with her via www.veronicamulhall.com
