Vinodol

The story

Vinodol Zagreb Review: Croatian Cuisine with Horse Heritage

From stables to the table

Vinodol anchors the gastronomic scene at Teslina 10 in Zagreb, serving indigenous Croatian cuisine with roots stretching back to the 1940s. The structure originally functioned as a stable for the horses that pulled trams and mail coaches for Dr. Vladimir Nikolić, whose family owned the property in the late 19th century. Sculptures of these coaches, created by artist Hrvoje Dumančić, greet guests at the entrance, honoring the site's equestrian past. The name Vinodol derives from Novy Vinodolski, the birthplace of Nikolić's daughter Vera. Operations began here under the name Bijelo janje before adopting the current identity in 1965. The kitchen maintains its legacy of home-style dishes while refreshing the entire menu every seven days.

Seasonal weekly rotations

The culinary program prioritizes seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers, resulting in a complete menu overhaul each week. Recent tastings featured a cream of porcini soup with intense flavor, followed by a tarte of fresh porcini resting on soft cheese and shortcrust pastry. Delicate trout appears in a hazelnut crust accompanied by cauliflower cream, while wild deer goulash pairs with crispy balls of Roman gnocchi and a fennel gremolata. Traditional Croatian favorites rotate alongside these innovations, including Zagorje štrukli filled with cottage cheese and eggs, and fuži pasta prepared with fresh black truffles. Desserts reflect similar regional adaptations, ranging from elderflower mousse with basil oil to Međimurska gibanica layer cake.

Brick arches and the arboretum terrace

Dining spaces accommodate crowds of over two hundred guests across a hall defined by exposed brick arches and a roofed courtyard terrace. The courtyard operates as a dense arboretum featuring cascading walls and tall monsteras, with heaters installed to maintain comfort during winter months. A separate salon provides privacy for groups of up to twenty people, suitable for business meetings or family gatherings. The wine list complements the rotating dishes with selections from Istria, Slavonia, and coastal islands, emphasizing regional Croatian cooking. Each week spotlights a leading Croatian winemaker with special pricing available by the glass.