Nova

Located on Ilica Street you will find a restaurant called Nova. It is one of the few restaurants in Zagreb that try to cater to vegetarians and vegans, but meat eaters will enjoy the fair here too.

The Regent Esplanade

Right next to the Zagreb train station (Glavni Kododvor), one of the stops on the Orient Express, you will find The Regent Esplanade.  The Regent Esplanade is a 5 star hotel rich in history and tradition, but also home to Zinfandel's, one of the 4 gourmet restaurants located in within the hotel. Zinfandel's is where California meets the Mediterranean. The dishes here are just as rich as the Croatian culture. This restaurants is one of the finest and most expensive in Zagreb, but if you are looking for the perfect dining experience - look no farther.

Boban

owned by the former AC-Milan football legend Zvonimir Boban, Enjoy a drink upstairs in the bar area, or head to the basement for superb pasta, cave-like atmosphere, or to rub shoulders with Zagreb's finest. The Italian food is good, service is so so, and qualities are large. Some may find this spot a little on the pretentious side. Fans will enjoy however.  

Pinguin Sandwich Bar

If you are looking for a quick bite, or a fantastic sandwich for lunch try Pinguin Sandwich Bar located on Nikola Tesle 7. The Sandwich bar is extremely busy, but worth the wait.  The menu is entirely in Croatian, but the staff do speak some English. The sandwiches are made to order, but my advise is to ask what is good and take a chance. The subs can be messy with all the condiments, but delicious when accompanied with a beer. 

Pod Grickim Todom

You will find traditional Croatian fare at Pod Grickim Todom on Zakmardijeve stube 5. The locations is quite nice, and the setting is intimate. In this traditional style restaurant you have your choice of Croatian pate, blitva, shrimp risotto, or fresh grilled seafood of the season. The menu changes from time to time, but the execution remains on par with the finest restaurants in Zagreb. The food is amazing, but the price matches.