Best places to eat in Rijeka city center

Looking for the best Korzo restaurants and places to eat in Rijeka city center? Here’s a list of those loved both by locals and travelers from around the world. No matter if you are up for something traditional or modern, Meditarrean or continental, Italian or Croatian, Rijeka offers it all. The city’s geolocation makes it a melting pot which gathers in food from across the entire region. Therefore, enjoy excellent lamb and cheeses which arrives from the nearby family farms on the islands of Cres, Pag and Krk. Make sure to try Mediterranean dishes prepared with fish and seafood caught that day in the Adriatic sea, sprinkled with extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and scented herbs. If you are a fan of Italian cuisine, you’ll love the local pasta with asparagus, as well as local truffles, and an indigenous type of cattle called boškarin. And in case that you are not up for trying something specifically local, you can always grab a burger in tapas bar.

Image source: Konoba Nebuloza Facebook / Jutarnji list

1. Tavern Nebuloza

Konoba Nebuloza, with the view of the River Rječina flowing into the Adriatic sea, has been holding one of top 5 TripAdvisor positions in Rijeka for years. However, this tavern has been serving delicious food for much longer than the Internet exists – over 50 years. The tavern is named after an imaginary boat that never goes anywhere from poem “Nebuloza”, written by local poet and bohemian Ljube Pavešić from Trsat. It’s a perfect place to get your tummies filled with mouthwatering typicly local meals in a traditional setting before hiking up to Trsat castle. Specialities include sous-vide swordfish and baby rump steak with prosciutto and cheese.

Image source: Jutarnji list / Time Out Croatia

2. Restaurant Conca d’oro

Korzo Restaurant Conca d’oro, also known as Zlatna Školjka, is a legendary Rijeka’s restaurant with a history dating all the way back to 19th century. The previous name “Zlatna Školjka” comes from 50s when the restaurant was synonym for first-class fish specialties and wines. Even today the restaurant holds the reputation as one of the best places in town offering excellent Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist. All the ingredients are locally sourced, the day’s catch is displayed on ice, while the pasta and bread are all homemade. Daily specials such as roasted octopus are chalked up on a board.

Image source: Konoba Na Kantunu Facebook / Wolt / Spotted by Locals / Rezerviraj.hr

3. Tavern Na Kantunu

If you like fish and seafood, tavern Na Kantunu is your go to place. Although you might find its setting quite simple and you will definitely find fancier places in Rijeka, the tavern serves some of Rijeka’s best seafood. So, settle yourself at one of the rustic wooden tables and simply point towards the fresh fish waiting for you on ice behind the glass. The cook will do the rest.

Image source: Boonker

4. Boonker

Located on top Rijeka’s spot, with an amazing view of docks and harbor, Boonker offers great pizza and simple dishes, such as fried calamari, small fish and salads. You may even want to come here just for a drink with your friends by the sea. As the sun sets behind the sea, Boonker turns into fun place to spend a night out.

5. Restaurant Gardens

After a long day of sightseeing and shopping, the best place to relax and unwind in Shopping Mall Rijeka is restaurant Gardens. If you’re there during the summer, make sure to sit on the terrace overflowing with flowers, , with the additional perk of enjoying your meal with a view of the sea. Make sure to check out the wide offer of mouth watering cakes and sweets that are available on the menu every day.

Image source: Tapas bar Pet Jedan Facebook6. Rijeka Tapas bar Pet Jedan

If you’re up for something more urban and upbeat, check out Rijeka Tapas bar Pet Jedan at the city’s waterfront. The main inspiration for the interior design of the restaurant was the story of the ship Carpathia which departed from the Port of New York, heading for Rijeka with 700 passengers. The ship received SOS signals from Titanic and headed to help. It reached the place after the ship had sunk and the rescue of the survivors lasted for four hours.

Tapas bar Pet Jedan is known for its meat dishes, such as pork ribs, beefsteaks, rump steaks, chicken wings, tacos and burgers, offered at affordable prices. And if you feel like dancing, the music goes on long into the night.  

FRIENDLY WARNING: Due to COVID-19 restrictions which are changing on almost weekly basis and could affect the organization of events and working hours of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Feel free to contact us if you have any concerns or questions. Also, you can get up to date info on the official Croatian Government dedicated site  and Total Croatia News portal with special section on traveling during pandemia.