The story
Since 1995, Boban has been a fixture in the centre of Zagreb, serving a cuisine that blends Mediterranean traditions with a strong Italian accent. The restaurant’s own words speak of “selected dishes of Italian cuisine that combine homemade recipes with modern techniques of preparation and serving.” Everything from pasta and bread to desserts is made entirely by hand, a commitment that has earned Boban a place in the Michelin Guide Recommended list for nine consecutive years, including the 2026 edition.
The menu changes with the seasons, but the focus remains on carefully executed Italian classics. Among the starters, a selection of cheeses – including buffalo mozzarella, pecorino, and a truffled cow’s cheese – comes with apricot, fig, and orange jam. The homemade pasta section features green ravioli filled with ricotta in a dessert wine sauce with shrimp, and casarecce with turkey, porcini mushrooms, tomato, and pancetta. For mains, the Rustica presents slices of beef sirloin with roasted potatoes, arugula, red radicchio, cherry tomatoes, and a reduced house sauce. Grilled fresh salmon with potato and Jerusalem artichoke purée is another option.
Boban occupies a representative location on Gajeva Street, just steps from the main square. The interior is complemented by two outdoor terraces, perfect for warmer months. A private dining room – equipped with a projector, screen, microphone, and sound system – is available for celebrations, business dinners, and conferences. The restaurant can tailor the space and menu to individual needs. In 2023, Boban opened a dedicated bistro corner, serving savoury and sweet snacks, fresh juices, and a signature coffee blend (Arabica and Robusta, made exclusively for them in Italy). The bistro is open from 10:00 daily, offering a more casual entry point to the Boban experience.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
Easily accessible, but discreetly located in the very centre of the city, in the immediate vicinity of Ban Jelačić Square, the restaurant is recognized for its Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on Italian classics. Accordingly, from starters to desserts, the centre piece of the menu is traditional Italian dishes, with appetizers such as bresaola and San Daniele prosciutto, as well as carefully selected Italian cheeses served with aromatic apricot, fig and orange jams. Consistent with its orientation to Italian cuisine, the restaurant offers a rich selection of exclusively handmade pasta. We highlight the homemade black gnocchi with salmon, prawns and cherry tomatoes, as well as paccheri in deer sauce with plum jam, which successfully combines the intense flavours of game with sweet and sour notes of fruit. Meat and fish lovers will also find some interesting options - we highlight the steak Rustica and the juicy, pink-roasted lamb chops with gratin potatoes. The selection of desserts is diverse and it is not easy to decide between the chocolate mousse cake with raspberry semifreddo, crumble with homemade apples and chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream and almond crumble. The portions are generous, the wine list and the offer of Prosecco and other drinks are at the appropriate level. The personnel are fast, competent and friendly. The atmosphere in the indoor part of the restaurant is always lively and a bit noisy, while the outdoor terrace is discreetly immersed in the hustle and bustle of the pedestrian zone, which fits well with the character of this type of restaurant.
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