Dining at Restaurant Kaštel in Zadar is an experience rooted in local history and culinary culture. Housed in the Hotel Bastion, this restaurant boasts a unique historic setting, nestled in the remains of a 13th-century fortress. Its refined Croatian cuisine, led by chef Marijo Čepek, makes it an address of choice and one of Zadar’s finest restaurants.
In this article, read about our experience at Restaurant Kaštel in pictures, and our review of the establishment.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Why eat at Restaurant Kaštel in Zadar?
We were won over by the chef’s culinary philosophy, which blends Mediterranean tradition with modernity. Restaurant Kaštel makes the most of local ingredients, telling the story of Zadar through every dish. You’ll enjoy an authentic experience, ideal for a romantic Zadar dinner, with a pleasant view from the restaurant’s glassed-in dining room.
Is Restaurant Kaštel worth it? Our review
Without a doubt! Restaurant Kaštel in Zadar clearly stands out as one of the best local restaurants, and has been mentioned in the selection of the famous Michelin Culinary Guide.
- An exceptional historical setting. Housed in the remains of a 13th-century fortress, you’ll enjoy a unique ambience and a view of the sea and the town.
- Refined Croatian cuisine. Chef Marijo Čepek revisits traditional Croatian recipes with fresh local produce, offering you an authentic, modern culinary experience.
- Attentive, professional service. The team welcomes you with care and guides you in your choices.
For us, it’s one of the best restaurants in Zadar.
What you will eat
Kaštel’s menu features traditional Croatian dishes with a twist, using local ingredients sourced within an 80 km radius of Zadar.
We started with an exceptional homemade bread, crisp and soft, accompanied by a delicious truffle butter (truffles being a very common local product in Croatian cuisine), all offered as an amuse-bouche.
The main courses feature fish, which is very much a part of the local cuisine. We opted for sea bass served with a traditional Croatian side dish, blitva (Croatian-style chard and potatoes), which is very common along the Adriatic coast. It is often served as an accompaniment to grilled fish or meat, but can also be enjoyed as a vegetarian main course. We found our dish perfectly seasoned and loved the textures sublimated by the cooking.
The desserts looked appetizing, and we opted for one made with mascarpone and dehydrated fig (another highlight of local cuisine) marinated in prosecco. A delicious, light and original dessert that we thoroughly enjoyed.
We particularly appreciated the freshness of the produce and the generosity of the portions, for a meal that was both simple and refined.
What you will drink
The beverage selection at Restaurant Kaštel is classic yet elegant, with an emphasis on quality local wines. You can accompany your aperitif with a refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail, such as the one with elderflower, lime and sparkling water, perfect for awakening your taste buds.
The team in the dining room will guide you with detailed explanations of the origins and preparation methods of the beverages, for a successful food and wine pairing. You’ll also find a varied selection of wines by the glass, ideal for discovering the flavors of the region without obligation.
The atmosphere of the restaurant
Restaurant Kaštel is located in a quiet side street inside the Hotel Bastion, itself housed in a former defense tower.
The decor is chic and elegant, with subdued lighting creating a cosy, romantic atmosphere. The room is spacious, with good spacing between tables to preserve privacy.
We found the ambience pleasant and the ambient noise moderate, with unobtrusive music accompanying but not distracting from the conversation. The comfortable seating and sea and city views add an extra dimension to your romantic dinner in Zadar.
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What makes Restaurant Kaštel so famous?
Restaurant Kaštel is renowned for its historical roots and authentic Croatian cuisine, brought to life by chef Marijo Čepek.
Housed in the remains of a 13th-century fortress, it offers a setting steeped in history, blending tradition and modernity. The chef’s culinary philosophy is inspired by the traditional Mediterranean, with a constant quest for emotion and perfect food and wine pairings.
This combination of history, quality and attentive service makes Kaštel one of the city’s finest restaurants.
Practical information about Restaurant Kaštel in Zadar
Type of restaurant
Restaurant Kaštel is a traditional yet modern restaurant located within the Hotel Bastion. Its cuisine is inspired by classic Croatian recipes, with a modern twist to enhance the dishes. It clearly stands out among the best local restaurants, and has even been mentioned in the selection of the famous Michelin Culinary Guide.
Schedules
The restaurant is open daily for dinner.
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Where is Restaurant Kaštel in Zadar?
Restaurant Kaštel is located at 13, Bedemi zadarskih pobuna, in Zadar, Croatia, within the grounds of Hotel Bastion.
- 17 minutes’ walk from Zadar city center
- 6-minute drive from downtown
- Close to Zadar’s main attractions,
- Near theOrgue des Mers
How to get there
The restaurant is within walking distance via quiet streets.
Parking
Restaurant Kaštel has no private parking facilities. If you come by car, please note that parking can be difficult in Zadar’s historic center. We recommend the nearest parking lot, ideally located near the picturesque Port of Foša, where the Riva begins. From here, it’s a 10-minute walk to the organ.
For people with reduced mobility
The restaurant is accessible to people with reduced mobility. For further information, please contact the establishment directly.
Is Restaurant Kaštel family-friendly?
The restaurant is distinguished by its elegant setting, not particularly suitable for families with young children. That said, there’s nothing to stop you taking your family there: there’s simply no special entertainment planned for younger guests. Please contact the restaurant directly to confirm conditions.
The bill
Prices are commensurate with the quality of the cuisine and setting. Reasonable value for money for a romantic dinner in Zadar. The restaurant offers à la carte dishes with an excellent balance between tradition and modernity. Payment options include credit card and cash.
Reservation and contact
Reservations are recommended, especially during the high summer season. Reservations can be made by phone at +385912231248 or by email at [email protected].
For more information and online reservations, visit the official Kaštel restaurant website, here.
