One of the finest examples is Lička kuća, a restaurant that has been preserving the flavours of Lika for more than half a century. Its authentic setting, which perfectly captures the spirit of Lika’s traditions, provides the perfect backdrop for dishes prepared according to recipes passed down through generations. The menu features specialities such as lamb, trout, local cheeses, basa – a traditional cheese from Lika, freshly baked bread and homemade strudels, with many of the products prepared in the restaurant’s own kitchen. The famous lamb cooked under the bell – the peka – is a particular highlight, as is Lički zavežljaj, a modern interpretation of a traditional dish that combines heritage with contemporary presentation in an imaginative way. It comes as no surprise that, in recent years, Lička kuća has regularly ranked among Croatia’s most highly regarded restaurants, attracting guests eager to discover the authentic flavours of the region.

Black River – Steak & Pasta House, located at Entrance 2 to the National Park, offers a completely different yet equally appealing experience. Its modern interior, relaxed atmosphere and carefully curated menu make it an excellent choice for guests seeking a more contemporary dining experience. At the heart of its offering are premium steaks made from meat dry-aged in dedicated chambers for up to 55 days, resulting in the depth of flavour and texture appreciated by discerning meat connoisseurs. The handmade pasta selection and extensive wine list are equally enticing, making this a place where the food, atmosphere and overall experience can be enjoyed in equal measure.

The culinary story of Plitvice Lakes extends well beyond these two restaurants. Kozjak Caffe & Pastry adds a lighter, more relaxed touch and is the perfect place to pause for coffee, cake or a sweet treat after exploring the Park. Meanwhile, the Waterfall restaurant at Hotel Jezero reflects the increasingly ambitious development of hotel dining at Plitvice Lakes. Its menu draws on local ingredients and Lika’s culinary traditions while catering to guests who expect comfort, quality and a complete dining experience within a hotel setting.

There is also Borje restaurant, which has held a special place in the culinary offering of the Plitvice area for many years. Conveniently located along a major route and well known to numerous travellers, it is an excellent choice for a short break during a journey, as well as for organised tour groups. Thanks to its long-standing tradition, reliable service and consistently high quality, Borje remains an essential stop for anyone seeking a tried-and-tested dining experience near Plitvice Lakes.

What unites the culinary offering of Plitvice Lakes is a shared commitment to quality, local ingredients and the preservation of the authentic flavours of Lika. From Lička kuća and Black River to Kozjak, Waterfall and Borje, each of these establishments enriches the visitor experience in its own way and tells a unique culinary story.

Today, Plitvice Lakes are therefore not only synonymous with unspoilt nature and unique landscapes, but also a place where the beauty of the destination can be experienced with all the senses. If you are planning a visit, be sure to set aside some time for a culinary break – because one of the best ways to discover a region is not only through its sights, but also through the flavours that remain in your memory long after you return home.

Objava Where to eat at Plitvice Lakes? pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

From the Plitvice Lakes National Park, the prestigious Gault&Millau gala dinner was attended by the General Manager of the Plitvice Lakes National Park Public Institution Tomislav Kovačević, the head of the hotel and catering branch Nikolina Matijević, and the chef of the Lička kuća restaurant Katarina Bićanić.

Gault&Millau – the international seal of quality

Entry into the printed and online edition of the guide means entry into a prestigious selection of the best restaurants in Croatia that meet strict international quality criteria, but also increased recognition among global travelers who are increasingly choosing destinations based on their gastronomic offer. The inspectors of this guide act independently, evaluating each restaurant according to clearly defined criteria, with the emphasis not only on the taste and presentation of the food, but also on the use of local ingredients, service, atmosphere and a sustainable approach. It is particularly significant that Lička kuća Restaurant and Black River Steak & Pasta House are presented as examples of excellence of the Lika-Senj County, which is increasingly positioning itself on the gastronomic map of Europe.

A local story with a global reach

Lička kuća Restaurant, located in the heart of Plitvice Lakes National Park, combines Lika’s rich gastronomic tradition with an innovative approach to food preparation. Dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, authentic recipes and a warm atmosphere attract visitors and food lovers from all over the world who can taste the authentic essence of Lika here. Black River Steak & Pasta House, on the other hand, in an elegant and carefully designed interior with an emphasis on fine dining, offers a top-notch gastronomic experience with a rich selection of steaks, pastas with a Mediterranean touch and a selection of cured meats and cheeses.

Croatian gastronomy – a blend of heritage and innovation

Among the guests was Tonči Glavina, Minister of Tourism and Sports, who presented Gault&Millau plaques to the best Croatian restaurants and thanked the awardees for their contribution to Croatian gastronomy. While presenting the plaques, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Tonči Glavina, particularly emphasized:

“Your efforts and work have enabled Croatia to become recognized in the world as a destination of top gastronomy, a destination with a unique story. Our gastronomic offer is extremely diverse – from traditional dishes that preserve our heritage to the finest restaurants that represent contemporary Croatian cuisine, and all of this together makes our gastronomy special and allows it to grow year after year. I am especially pleased to see young faces here because they show that we have a new generation of talented people who bring freshness and innovation to our industry. Many of them gain knowledge and experience abroad and successfully apply them here, raising the level of quality of our offer.”

A well-deserved recognition and a new stage

For Lička kuća and Black River Steak & Pasta House, being included in the Gault&Millau guide is not only a recognition for their work to date, but also an additional incentive to continue developing, improving and promoting local gastronomy worldwide. This recognition once again confirms that Plitvice Lakes are not only a natural phenomenon, but also a destination that offers top-notch gastronomic experiences, where every guest can feel the spirit of the region through carefully prepared dishes and friendly service.

The recognizable yellow sticker with chef’s hats displayed at the restaurant entrances means to them: luxury is in quality, not in price!

Objava Lička Kuća and Black River Steak & Pasta House included in the prestigious International gastronomic guide Gault&Millau Croatia pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".