The story
In the heart of Split, within the ancient walls of Diocletian’s Palace, Zinfandel Food & Wine Bistro tells a story that begins in the vineyard. The restaurant’s name pays homage to the Zinfandel grape, a varietal made famous in California but with deep roots in the Dalmatian vineyards just kilometers from the bistro’s door. This connection to the land and its history has been the guiding thread since the restaurant opened eleven years ago.
The space itself is a bright, informal refuge from the Mediterranean sun. A striking central bar anchors the room, and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere welcomes all dress codes (bathing suits excepted). The setting is imbued with the grandeur of the third-century Roman palace, yet the vibe remains quintessentially Dalmatian—comfortable and unpretentious.
The kitchen focuses on modern cuisine that is deeply rooted in Dalmatian tradition. The menu changes with the seasons, using local ingredients executed with elevated techniques. The chefs create dishes that are both familiar and refined, celebrating the flavors of the Adriatic coast.
Wine is the other half of the equation. Zinfandel takes great pride in its selection, offering over 100 bottled Croatian wines and an extensive range of 30 wines by the glass. For those wanting a deeper dive, the bistro hosts acclaimed wine tastings—options like The White Adriatic, The Heritage of Dalmatia, and The Last Stop Zinfandel—each paired with snacks and lasting about 1.5 hours. A shorter wine flight of local white, rosé, and red is also available.
This commitment to quality and authenticity has been recognized by the Michelin Guide, which recommended Zinfandel in 2024. It is a place where the team shares a vision of delivering the best experience for every guest, whether you are stopping in for a glass after the beach or a full evening of elevated Dalmatian fare.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
Zinfandel Food & Wine is located in the very centre of Split, without an outdoor terrace, but with large glass walls opening onto a narrow city street. Tables by the window offer a view of the rhythm of the city, as if from some discreet box in a theatre. The space is modern and unobtrusive, with a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere that befits a restaurant. Zinfandel is not only a restaurant but also a wine bar, which is clearly visible in the extensive wine list, with a large selection of Croatian wines and carefully selected drinks. The casual atmosphere provides an ideal place for a glass of wine and a plate of local cheeses and cold cuts to share and socialize. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As they say: the menu reflects the rhythm of the seasons, and is inspired by the richness of the Dalmatian coast. However, since it adapts to the audience, some international dishes and ingredients are also listed. From tuna tartare, to mussels and octopus stew, to tonnarelli (a type of pasta) with foie gras, beef tagliate and burgers, as well as vegan dishes and a few desserts - there’s something for everyone. We’ll praise the ribeye steak, served with potatoes and a side of truffle, green pepper sauce and strawberry chimichurri (an Argentinian aromatic sauce) - a bit unusual in this palette of tastes. Zinfandel’s cuisine is built on modern, thoughtful flavour combinations, with clear ambitions to maintain the level of good quality, which means that there is always room for improvement.
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