Butler Gourmet&Cocktails Garden — Restaurant in Grad Zadar

I decided to come to Butler's as it's highly rated and then was serendipitously recommended by my Uber driver. I wasn't disappointed. I came in around 21:30, place was full yet I was able to snag a corner table immediately by the kind (seemingly) manager. I sat in the smoking section as it's elevated and had a slightly better view. No one was smoking and considering it's open air I don't think it would've made much of a difference. It's really mellow Lodi music in the background with people talking in hushed tones. I was a bit surprised but it made for a relaxed meal which I appreciated on a Tuesday night. My waiter was Leonardo who was kind and patient. Per his recommendation I ordered the beef tail and wow, was that succulent. I would definitely recommend it. The meet is fall of the bone tender, the stew it's in is rich and flavourful without being overwhelming and together with the homemade gnocchi make the perfect bite. (I'm a Caribbean gal this "ox tail" is chef's kiss! They said they learned from their grandmas well, nonna would be proud!)

For drinks I first ordered the monkey business. I had mentioned I was a bit hesitant to order it as while I like banana flavour I dislike sweet drinks but was somewhat assured it would be fine. Unfortunately it was cloyingly sweet and it had to be returned. He took it back without issue (I'd literally had 2 sips) I opted for my second choice the morning star. This was delightful and packed a MASSIVE and spicy ginger punch. I loved it but it is definitely not for everyone. I then was graciously offered a different ginger cocktail (I don't know the name) but the barman which was also yummy!!

The only reason for 4 stars as opposed to 5 is because upon receipt of the bill the monkey business cocktail was still present and I felt that was something that needed to have been taken care of behind the scenes. As someone who often doesn't look at the bill before they pay, I wouldn't have appreciated the additional 15€ expense.

Other than that, I'd definitely return. If I had more time i would come back to try the pasticada everyone raves about.

Drink 14€ Beef tail 30€ Could be considered pricey but considering location, size and quality I'd say it's fair.

Last thing to note, while they accept card to pay, they can't accept tips via card, so don't be like me and bring enough cash to...

Individual problems happen from time to time. I’m usually quite forgiving. However, here we had quite a few small problems which added up to a negative experience.

We bought a reasonably decent wine, and they refused to serve tap water because it was “restaurant policy“. Strange how I can get tap water with any cheap espresso at any café, and yet if I spend €50 on a bottle of wine here, then I must also pay for water. Okay, perhaps the restaurant is a bit old-fashioned, perhaps customs are different here- let’s move on.

When the wine arrived, it was not cold. I think it was around 17 or 18°C. You cannot serve this wine at such a high temperature. I asked them to take it and put it in the fridge, or even the freezer for a few minutes. They were unable to do this for me. I was told that the wine had already been kept in the fridge. Instead, they insisted the ice bucket would help. When there’s only 2 inches of water and a small amount of ice in the bottom of a bucket, it’s not going to help! I asked for them to fill the ice bucket, they did - but only half fill. We still had to wait 35 minutes before it was at a reasonably drinkable temperature.

At the very least, you should take the bottle back and get it to the correct temperature if someone complains like this.

As for the food, my seafood risotto was very good. However, my wife’s tuna steak was thin, chewy, and overcooked. Terrible.

I very politely told them about this, but they did not offer to resolve the problem in any way.

Finally, the general atmosphere was synthetic. Fake green wall, generic “relaxing” dance music… Definitely not my cup of tea.

Maybe they were having a bad day, but I’m sorry, you need to be careful when you read reviews of a restaurant when everyone says the same thing, everything is wonderful and amazing… You may have a different experience.

Total bill for a bottle of wine and meal for two (no extras, no bread, single course meal, no starter, no coffee) was about...

Nestled in the heart of Zadar, Butler Gourmet is a hidden gem that promises an unforgettable culinary journey. From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, we were greeted with warm smiles and impeccable service. Our server for the evening, Antonio, proved to be a true connoisseur, offering valuable insights into the gluten-free options available.

Upon his recommendation, we opted for the sea bream fish on a generous bed of potatoes and roasted Mediterranean vegetables, a plentyful sharing dish for two. It was a decision well made. The sea bream was perfectly cooked and seasoned to perfection. As an added touch of culinary finesse, Antonio graciously filleted the fish right at our table, adding a touch of theatre to our dining experience as neither myself or my partner has has this happen before.

The restaurant itself boasts a delightful ambiance, with panoramic views of the charming harbor and boats gently swaying in the breeze. It provided a serene backdrop, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the delights. While the bathrooms may have shown signs of wear and tear, we found ourselves effortlessly overlooking this minor flaw. After all, it is the quality of the food and service that truly matters.

There was an extensive cocktail list and those sampled were tantilizing and nothing short of delight.

Overall, our experience at Butler Gourmet was nothing short of exceptional. The remarkable food, impeccable service, and stunning views combined to create a truly memorable experience. The clientele seemed to primarily consist of British visitors, and while it was comforting to hear familiar accents, it's important to remember that the restaurant's charm extends beyond its patrons. Regardless of nationality, anyone seeking an extraordinary culinary adventure in Zadar will find themselves at home in...