What Food To Try in Rijeka and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Rijeka for 2024.
National currency: Kuna, symbol — (international currency code HRK).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Rijeka cafes and restaurants
$13.8
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $7.25
$43.7
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $29
$7
Combo Meal
Starting from $5.79
What to Try in Rijeka
Must-try Dishes
Šurlice - Fresh handmade pasta, typically served with a rich, slow-cooked lamb or tomato sauce. Locals enjoy it as a hearty dinner, often taking their time to savor the flavors with family.Fritaja - A flavorful omelet made with seasonal vegetables, herbs, and occasionally cheese. It’s commonly eaten for breakfast or a light lunch, especially during spring when the herbs are freshest—perfect for enjoying in a sunny garden.
Čevapi - Grilled minced meat sausages, usually made from a mix of beef and lamb, served with onions and often a side of flatbread. A go-to street food option, locals love grabbing these from stalls while socializing in the evenings.
Ričet - A hearty barley stew mixed with various vegetables and meats, perfect for the cooler months. Many locals favor this dish during family gatherings, especially on Sundays when it's traditionally made in larger batches.
Krušak - A surprising combination of pear and savory cheese, often served as a starter. It’s customary for locals to order it before a meal to start conversations, and the sweet-savory balance is always a delight.
Škampi na žaru - Grilled scampi, with a simple drizzle of olive oil, garlic, and lemon, giving it a fresh, zesty flavor. It’s best enjoyed during the summer months, where you’ll often find locals gathering at seafood restaurants along the coast.
Fuži - Traditional Istrian pasta shaped like little tubes, usually served with wild asparagus or truffles for a luxurious touch. It’s a specialty often reserved for festive occasions, celebrated with lively family meals.
Desserts & Drinks
Croatian Coffee - Kava (strong coffee) - A robust and intense brew typically made from freshly ground Arabica beans, often served in small cups. It's a daily ritual for locals, often enjoyed in the morning while catching up with friends at cafes.Homemade Lemonade - Hladna Limunada (refreshing drink) - This zesty concoction is made with freshly squeezed lemons, sugar, and sparkling water, served over ice. Especially popular in the hot summer months, locals sip this at beachside cafes under the sun.
Pale Ale - Pivica (local craft beer) - A crisp beer with a light, hoppy flavor crafted by local brewers using regional ingredients. Often enjoyed in the evenings at taverns, you might find it being paired with social gatherings or simply relaxing after a long day.
Kremšnita - Kremšnita (custard cream slice) - This delightful pastry features layers of flaky pastry filled with creamy custard, often topped with powdered sugar. It’s a hit at local bakeries, especially during celebrations like weddings and family gatherings, offering both warmth and comfort.
Malakrops - Malakropi (cold dessert) - A cool, creamy dessert made from fresh cream, sugar, and berries, often served in summertime. Locals love to indulge in this treat during outdoor festivals or at seaside picnics, enjoying the refreshing flavors while soaking up the sun.
Food and Groceries in Rijeka
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.26 |
| Bananas | $1.52 |
| Oranges | $1.69 |
| Potatoes | $1.02 |
| Apples | $1.42 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.06 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.46 |
| Imported Beer | $1.82 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $6.57 |
| Milk 1L | $1.17 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $11.39 |
| Chicken | $9.48 |
| Cigarettes | $5.09 |
| Rice | $2.12 |
| Local Cheese | $10.19 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Strolling through Rijeka’s vibrant food scene, it quickly becomes evident how mealtime habits reflect the city's rhythm. Locals typically dine later than in many European cities; lunch often begins around 1 PM and stretches until 3 PM, while dinner rarely starts before 8 PM, sometimes later. This is particularly noticeable in the bustling district around the Korzo, where outdoor eateries fill as evening falls. In contrast, you'll find the early-morning crowd at the food market near the port, where locals are already picking up fresh produce and pastries as early as 7 AM.
When it comes to price ranges, Rijeka is quite accessible. You can grab a hearty lunch for around 70-100 kuna in most casual spots, while a fancy dinner in a nicer restaurant might set you back about 250-400 kuna. Interestingly, you might pay 30 kuna less for a similar meal out in the quieter districts compared to those right in the heart of the city. For instance, a simple pizza could be around 80 kuna near the Korzo, while in the less touristy areas, it can drop to 60 kuna.
Payment customs in Rijeka are typically straightforward; cash is king, though you'll find many places accepting cards. However, unlike some bustling cities, it’s good practice to have cash on hand—primarily for street vendors or smaller eateries. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up to the nearest ten kuna or leaving a 10% tip for good service is a kind gesture.
A dining habit that’s surprisingly common is that locals often share meals, particularly in groups. It’s not unusual to see a table filled with plates of different dishes to try a bit of everything together—this communal approach reflects the welcoming nature of the cuisine and culture.
Tourists sometimes mistake the early evening calm for a sign that eateries are closed. In reality, dinner serves start later, so if you arrive prematurely, you might find many places still prepping and not entirely ready for diners until the crowd rolls in after 8 PM.
As for reservations, particularly at popular spots during weekends, it’s wise to book ahead. Most locals know to do this, especially in the warmer months when outdoor seating is in high demand.
Looking ahead, the evolving food scene in Rijeka shows a shift towards local and sustainable dining options as younger chefs incorporate traditional ingredients into contemporary dishes. This trend is exciting and hints at a fresh wave of culinary identities being shaped in our lovely coastal city. Keep an eye on restaurants championing local suppliers, as this is where you’ll find the most authentic flavors coming to life.
When it comes to price ranges, Rijeka is quite accessible. You can grab a hearty lunch for around 70-100 kuna in most casual spots, while a fancy dinner in a nicer restaurant might set you back about 250-400 kuna. Interestingly, you might pay 30 kuna less for a similar meal out in the quieter districts compared to those right in the heart of the city. For instance, a simple pizza could be around 80 kuna near the Korzo, while in the less touristy areas, it can drop to 60 kuna.
Payment customs in Rijeka are typically straightforward; cash is king, though you'll find many places accepting cards. However, unlike some bustling cities, it’s good practice to have cash on hand—primarily for street vendors or smaller eateries. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up to the nearest ten kuna or leaving a 10% tip for good service is a kind gesture.
A dining habit that’s surprisingly common is that locals often share meals, particularly in groups. It’s not unusual to see a table filled with plates of different dishes to try a bit of everything together—this communal approach reflects the welcoming nature of the cuisine and culture.
Tourists sometimes mistake the early evening calm for a sign that eateries are closed. In reality, dinner serves start later, so if you arrive prematurely, you might find many places still prepping and not entirely ready for diners until the crowd rolls in after 8 PM.
As for reservations, particularly at popular spots during weekends, it’s wise to book ahead. Most locals know to do this, especially in the warmer months when outdoor seating is in high demand.
Looking ahead, the evolving food scene in Rijeka shows a shift towards local and sustainable dining options as younger chefs incorporate traditional ingredients into contemporary dishes. This trend is exciting and hints at a fresh wave of culinary identities being shaped in our lovely coastal city. Keep an eye on restaurants championing local suppliers, as this is where you’ll find the most authentic flavors coming to life.