Konoba Tovar — Restaurant in Grad Zadar

Lucky that there’s no zero star, the waiter who’s on duty at around 20:50 in august 13 is SO SO SO rude and disrepectful. There’s a long queue and we are aware of it and we follow the queue because my kids wanted to eat fish. He keeps on looking with us with a sharp look and suddenly he came closer to our table in which my sister who is breastfeeding her newborn son and my two children are seating. He slammed the table violently and said “WHAT?!” with a loud voice and same sharp gazes and looks. And we ask what is the problem for him to slammed the table and shout what???? And thats when we got into hot argument against this rude waiter. If its your way to ask your clients to stand up and leave the table, then maybe you shouldn’t open a restaurant in a crowded city on the first place. Or maybe you must train well your crew how to handle and respect costumers in a right way.

FYI, we ask the people on the line if its the queue for this restaurant and we follow respectfully, we let our kids sit on the table outside and my sister with the baby while waiting for our turn cause its too hot all day long and they are tired, we are aware and we know when to free the table as soon as there are costumers who’ll going to dine in first. We also told about it on the first person on the line that as soon as they are accomodated by staff they’re going to free the tables and it was all right with them. They nod and smile. So i dont know why this waiter need to act that violently with us. To all tourist who wanna dine in this restaurant, i hope you’ll not experience what we have. What unpleasant incident to finish the supposedly happy...

Authentic Dalmatian Dining at Konoba Tovar – A Hidden Gem in Zadar

If you’re looking for authentic Dalmatian cuisine in the heart of Zadar, Konoba Tovar is a must-visit. Tucked away just a few minutes from the Old Town’s main streets, this charming konoba (traditional tavern) offers a perfect mix of local flavors, cozy atmosphere, and genuine hospitality.

We tried several dishes and were impressed with the quality and freshness. The highlight was the grilled Adriatic fish, perfectly seasoned and cooked over charcoal, served with traditional blitva (Swiss chard and potatoes) and a crisp salad. The portion size was generous, and the fish tasted like it was caught the same morning – incredibly fresh!

Another standout was the homemade fish pâté served with warm bread – a simple dish but full of flavor. We also enjoyed a glass of local white wine and a shot of fig rakija, both made by the owner’s family. You can even buy some of their homemade juices and schnapps to take home – a great touch.

The staff were welcoming, spoke excellent English, and took the time to explain the daily specials and ingredients. You can feel the pride they take in serving honest, traditional food.

The ambiance is rustic and relaxed, with wooden interiors and a terrace that’s perfect for warm summer evenings. It’s not touristy – just real, local food served with care.

💡 Tip: Go early or reserve a table, especially in high season – locals love this place too!

Highly recommended for food lovers, families, and anyone seeking a real taste of...

Tucked away near Goji Square, this little joint, with its mere handful of tables, sticks to a cash-only policy and prides itself on seafood. On the staff’s advice, we went for the squid, small fish, and shrimp. They arrived quickly but, sadly, were all deep-fried—a bit of a blunder if the seafood had been fresh, which it certainly was not.

The shrimp were a particular letdown, soggy and clinging to their shells as if their lives depended on it. The overall greasiness of the meal was overwhelming, even seeping into the dry, stale bread provided for sopping it up. In a hopeful twist, we ordered clams, expecting a lighter touch, only to receive mussels instead. This wasn’t just a minor hiccup—the menu clearly differentiated between the two. These mussels, many of which remained firmly shut, floated in a sauce that could only be described as regrettable.

After such an underwhelming experience, a mate from the UK remarked that we’d have been better off with pre-packaged mussels from Sainsbury’s, suggesting even those would surpass what we had. The service wasn’t much better than the food. It’s a mystery how this place has managed a 4.6 rating. I usually try to keep my reviews upbeat, but I’m sorry to say, this place was a real disappointment. Definitely not recommended, unless you fancy a lesson in how not to...