Boban — Restaurant in City of Zagreb

Popular spot in a busy location. In summer, the terrace is a great place to watch the river of people go by. Service depends on who you get — but the male waiters tend to be especially attentive. Wine list is very short, borderline minimal, but food is tasty and pairing suggestions are solid.

Overall, a lively place for a quick and flavorful bite right in the heart of the action.

P.s. Came back to Boban and once again left satisfied. On a hot day, this is one of the few central spots in Zagreb where you can sit under shade, sip something complex, and watch the pedestrian street like it’s a silent movie. Calm, unhurried atmosphere without chaos.

I started with the “burrata in the sea” – smartly composed: dense but fresh burrata, surrounded by anchovies, semi-dried tomatoes, and basil that’s there not just for show. Salt, fat, umami, and sweetness — perfectly balanced.

Then came the fillet of organic branzino, wrapped in thin slices of cured pork — likely prosciutto. Unexpectedly perfect pairing: the fish remains moist, while the outer layer gives texture, smoke, and salinity. Served with blitva (local Swiss chard) and potatoes. One of those dishes where Croatian simplicity flirts with fine dining.

Paired the whole thing with a bottle of Clai Ottocento Bijeli 2021 — iconic orange wine from Istria. Macerated, mildly oxidative, firm-bodied and layered. Notes of dried apricot, orange zest, and sage. Slightly chilled in the beginning, then let it warm up and open fully in the decanter. Not for the faint of palate — this wine demands attention and gives back depth.

Price-wise, it’s not cheap (54€ for the bottle, 16€ for the burrata, 24€ for the fish), but in the context of the setting, ingredients and calm execution — worth every cent.

Verdict: This isn’t a place to rush. If you’re just hungry — there are other spots. But if you want a quietly elevated meal with serious wine and no nonsense — Boban delivers. Let...

Overall: Warm and cozy atmosphere and friendly staff.

We found the recommendation in the GuideMichelin app but if you expect the quality of a Michelin star restaurant or even less than that, you should book another place. We were curious about how the quality would be for the prices we saw on the menu so we booked a table. The starter (Minestrone soup) was good but then the quality decreased continously. Only half of the bread we ordered was good: the baguette was already dry and hard. The main dish (beef gnocci and black salmon & prawn gnocci + grilled vegetables as a side dish) was too much in quantity, the vegetables were overcooked and overseasoned, the black gnocci were way too salty so that I couldn‘t finish them. We also stated that when we were asked by our waiter, but he basically just said „this can happen every now and then“. As a desert I ordered chocolate cake. It came with old and dry mint on top, cream and blueberry sauce which all was a good idea but was not matched with each other in taste. The flavours came all at once and overlapped each other. At least the espresso with a slight chocolate taste was very nice. The restrooms also would need a little freshup: the hook at the door in my toilet cabin was broken, I barely could open my door again after I locked it from the inside and the interior decoration in general seems to be a little careless. All in all: you can go there with some friends from e.g. a soccer club and have a great evening. But if you want to impress someone or eat something special in taste, lookout for some other place. I was actually expecting so much and was waiting a couple of weeks for going there but got sooo...

A Taste of Tradition and Excellence in the Heart of Zagreb

Restaurant Boban, established in 1995 by the legendary Croatian football captain Zvonimir Boban and his father Marinko, is a true gem in the heart of Zagreb. With nearly three decades of tradition, the restaurant has mastered the art of Mediterranean cuisine with a particular emphasis on Italian dishes.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of trying their "Rustica" dish – an excellent combination of tender steak slices served with roasted potatoes, arugula, red radicchio, and cherry tomatoes, all brought together with a rich, reduced homemade sauce. The steak was perfectly cooked and exceptionally juicy, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The balance of flavors and textures was impeccable, showcasing the kitchen’s skill in merging traditional recipes with modern culinary techniques.

My colleagues chose the Roasted Salmon with handmade gondolas stuffed with fresh ricotta and spinach, as well as the Sea Bream Fillet on a cuttlefish and fregola sarda ragout. Both dishes were incredibly tasty, with carefully selected ingredients that perfectly highlighted the rich and balanced flavors.

In addition, the wine list offers an excellent selection of Croatian wines that further enhance the culinary experience.

If you’re looking to indulge in refined Mediterranean flavors while enjoying a warm and inviting atmosphere, Restaurant Boban is the place to be. A must-visit for anyone wanting to experience culinary excellence rooted in tradition! Five stars...