Stari Fijaker — Restaurant in City of Zagreb

Visited this restaurant in August 2024 based on the type of food served and some good reviews I had read and I'm delighted to say that Stari Fijaker met and exceeded my expectations.

Summary: great food, good-sized portions, fair price, great service.

Stari Fijaker (which I'm guessing means something like 'old coach', or perhaps "old coachman'') made a good impression on us from the very beginning by getting us a table even though we hadn't reserved.

I chose the Slavoniki Cobanac (Slavonian Shepherd's stew) for 15 Euro, a thick stew with lots of pork, beef, and even venison. The sauce was a thick, beautiful, rich brown--and tasted even better than it looked. There was no shortage of meat and it was all tender, no gristle, no big pieces of fat. It was a big serving and I couldn't--and to be honest, made little effort--not to eat every last bit of it.

My friend ordered the Seljacki Rucak (Peasant's Lunch). Well, it this is what peasants really ate in olden days, maybe I'll head for the nearest castle and volunteer for serfdom, because this was also a great and generous dish: cabbage stuffed with ground meat, tender smoked ham, a couple of sausages, and cabbage and boiled potatoes (16 Euro). Oh, and along with the cabbage and potatoes, they had some very big beans that were cooked and served in some kind of sauce that were also delicious; you could really TASTE the beans themselves, they must have been farm fresh, not commercial, nor even less canned, and they were enhanced by the mild rich sauce they were cooked in. Those beans were just a little side but I would be happy just to eat an entire dish of those (and then spend the next 24 hours in utter solitude, because well...you know about beans).

I forgot to mention the different breads they served us with, generously, breads of various kinds, some whole grain, other white wheat, soft and all good.

For dessert we shared a big platter of some cream whipped up...

Stari Fijaker restaurant in Zagreb is a culinary treasure that offers a delightful journey into the heart of traditional Croatian cuisine. Nestled in the bustling streets of Zagreb, this local gem was a remarkable recommendation from our gracious host, Romana, who owns the charming Rita apartment where my family and I were staying for a few days.

From the moment we stepped into Stari Fijaker, we were enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere that exuded a sense of authenticity and tradition. Despite the restaurant being busy with patrons eager to savor its culinary delights, the service we received from the attentive staff was nothing short of exceptional. Their professionalism and dedication to ensuring a memorable dining experience truly stood out.

The menu at Stari Fijaker is a celebration of Croatian culinary heritage, featuring a selection of traditional dishes that are prepared with care and skill. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the region. From hearty stews to succulent grilled meats and fresh seafood, every dish we sampled was a true delight for the taste buds.

One of the standout aspects of dining at Stari Fijaker is the affordability of the meals. Despite the high quality of the food and the impeccable service, the cost of dining at this authentic Croatian restaurant was surprisingly reasonable, making it a fantastic value for the culinary experience it offers.

In conclusion, our dining experience at Stari Fijaker restaurant was nothing short of exceptional. The combination of excellent service, a vibrant atmosphere, wonderful food, and affordable prices makes it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the traditional flavors of Croatian cuisine. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to all visitors to Zagreb, and I am grateful to Romana for introducing us to this culinary gem during our stay...

Honestly I really liked the place until the bill came back. Context: I went with 2 friends who spoke Croatian and me who speaks English. I wasn't very hungry and I know portions in the Balkans tend to be big so I decided that probably the "dish of the day: 5€" would be a reasonable portion since is so cheap. I ask the waiter, who spoke perfect English, what was the dish of the day and he said it's the same as one of the big "goulash/soup" of the previous page (15€). I assumed that since is cheaper that they just will serve a smaller portion and I pointed with my finger on the menu and said "then the dish of the day please". I was served then a huge bowl almost for two people.

When the bill came you can already guess it was the whole 15€. We didn't realize until we left because we paid all together and I wasn't sure what I increased the total price.

To be clear, I'm not complaining for 10€ extra I had to pay, I'm dissapointed that the waiter knew I wasn't hungry, knew that I wanted the dish of the day and went ahead ordering the whole other dish. If, indeed, there is no dish of the day at least he could have told me. I can maybe think it was a misunderstanding but I feel like he took advantage of the situation aware of the possible confusion, and didn't at least clarify I would be ordering literally the same other big dish. Might sound like I could figure it out myself but it's open for interpretation, and the way he looked at me when ordering the cheap one gave away he wasn't happy.

I still put 2 stars because the service in general was good and the food is traditional Croatian dishes and they serve you bread and cheese spread...