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Food & Dining in Zrće Beach

Good to Know

  • Zrce Beach dining costs significantly more than mainland Croatia—expect to pay €15–€25 for a decent meal at beach restaurants, compared to €8–€15 in Novalja town center.
  • Beach club cocktails and beers are premium-priced (€8–€12 for cocktails, €3–€5 for beer); supermarket shopping is the cheapest option for self-catering.
  • Fresh seafood is abundant and high-quality; roasted octopus and grilled fish are reliable choices.
  • Paški sir (local Pag cheese) is a must-try and widely available at markets and shops.
  • Most restaurants accept card payments, though some smaller venues prefer cash; ATMs are plentiful in Novalja town center.
  • Peak-season prices (June–August) are 15–50% higher than winter/shoulder season; supermarkets near beaches charge more than those at town entrances.
  • Many restaurants offer fresh daily specials during lunch (11 AM–2 PM) at more reasonable prices.
  • The Green Garden restaurant is noted for its peaceful, vegetarian-friendly atmosphere in central Novalja.
  • Hookah lounges and specialty cafés (e.g., News Café, The Monks) offer alternative dining/drinking experiences.

Supermarkets

  • Konzum
    Location
    Multiple locations in Novalja center
    Notes
    Leading Croatian retail chain with fresh produce, meat, dairy, household items
  • Hiper Novalis
    Location
    Novalja entrance
    Notes
    Largest supermarket in area; wide variety of fresh produce, clothing, home, and beach goods
  • Plodine
    Location
    Waterfront area (Novalja town center)
    Notes
    Supermarket with clothing stores, pharmacy, underground parking (free off-season, paid peak season)
  • Tommy Supermarket
    Location
    Waterfront, Novalja
    Notes
    Fresh food and drinks, waterfront location near Bipa drugstore

Budget

  • Timun
    Price Range
    €18
    Neighborhood
    Novalja town center, near marina
    Cuisine Or Dish
    Fresh seafood, Croatian cevapcici, pasta, schnitzel
  • Moby Dick
    Price Range
    €12
    Neighborhood
    Novalja
    Cuisine Or Dish
    Pizza (large selection)

High End

  • Good Food ZRĆE
    Price Range
    €45
    Neighborhood
    Zrce Beach
    Cuisine Or Dish
    Contemporary cuisine with sea views on beach
  • Nomad Cuisine
    Price Range
    €40
    Neighborhood
    Zrce Beach
    Cuisine Or Dish
    Salads, seafood, pork, meat, poultry dishes

Mid Range

  • Hotel Kaneo Restaurant
    Price Range
    €25
    Neighborhood
    Novalja beachfront
    Cuisine Or Dish
    Grilled dishes, salads, seafood with sea views
  • Antonio
    Price Range
    €22
    Neighborhood
    Novalja
    Cuisine Or Dish
    Pizza, seafood, pasta, schnitzel, sea views at sunset
  • Salt Sushi & Steak
    Price Range
    €28
    Neighborhood
    Zrce Beach
    Cuisine Or Dish
    Sushi, steaks, tacos, burgers, bao buns, risotto, seafood

Delivery Services

  • Wolt
    Notes
    Food delivery available in Novalja area; common for restaurants and fast food
  • Uber Eats
    Notes
    Available in some areas; check coverage in Novalja/Zrce

International Cuisine

  • Japanese
    Example
    Tokyo Sushi Bar & Restaurant, Salt Sushi & Steak (sushi, bao buns)
  • Italian
    Example
    Multiple pizzerias and Italian restaurants including pizza-focused establishments
  • International Fusion
    Example
    Beach clubs and casual venues serving burgers, wraps, tacos alongside local fare

Local Must Try Dishes

  • Paški Sir (Pag Cheese)
    Description
    Famous local cheese from the island of Pag, a delicacy to sample at markets or restaurants
  • Fresh Grilled Seafood
    Description
    Octopus, sea bass, mussels, calamari—daily catches from the Adriatic
  • Cevapcici U Somunu
    Description
    Grilled sausages in flatbread, a Croatian classic
  • Roasted Octopus
    Description
    Traditional Adriatic specialty, often featured as a must-try

Local Market

Name
Novalja Market
Hours
Morning hours (opens around 7–9 AM)
Location
Next to marina, Knez Domagoj street
Notes
Fresh produce, fruit, vegetables, local herbs, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts reflecting local culture

Gluten Free Dining

Note
Gluten-free options available at some restaurants (Hotel Kaneo and other establishments offer gluten-free meals upon request), but not a dedicated gluten-free dining scene

Vegan And Vegetarian Dining

Note
No dedicated vegan/vegetarian venues confirmed in Zrce Beach/Novalja; vegetarian options available at general restaurants (Green Garden restaurant noted for vegetarian-friendly atmosphere), but no standalone vegan/vegetarian-only establishments documented
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

These are the sources cited in this food & dining research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

  1. 1.zrce.eu
  2. 2.tripadvisor.com
  3. 3.sandee.com
  4. 4.beachatlas.com
  5. 5.island-hopping.com
  6. 6.novaljalocal.com
  7. 7.sunwell-apartments.com
  8. 8.thetouristchecklist.com
  9. 9.hikersbay.com
  10. 10.winiety24.eu
  11. 11.firebirdtours.com

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.