NEW! Zadar: Food Tasting & Old Town Walking Tour

If you’re planning a visit to Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, a food-focused stroll through Zadar’s charming streets might just be your ideal introduction. This new 2-hour guided tour offers a tantalizing glimpse into local cuisine, history, and culture, all served up with the enthusiasm of a knowledgeable local guide. While it’s not a full-fledged feast, it’s a well-curated tasting experience that balances delicious bites with intriguing stories.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is its small-group intimacy and the diverse range of tastings—from fresh fish to craft beer. Plus, the guide’s storytelling brings each stop to life, making it more than just a series of tastings. A possible consideration is that it’s a tasting tour, so it doesn’t replace a full meal, and the focus on alcohol-rich experiences might not suit everyone.

This tour is perfect for foodies, culture lovers, and anyone eager to see Zadar from a local’s perspective while sampling its best flavors. It’s especially valuable if you want a taste of Dalmatian tradition without committing to a full restaurant meal or a longer culinary tour.

Key Points

• Authentic flavors: Sample local fish, prosciutto, cheese, and traditional Dalmatian dishes.
• Cultural insights: Learn about Zadar’s history through engaging stories from your guide.
• Wine and beer pairing: Enjoy expertly paired local wines, craft beers brewed by women, and digestivos.
• Intimate experience: Small group size ensures personalized attention and lively conversation.
• Convenient pace: 2 hours allows for a relaxed, informative, and enjoyable exploration.
• Accessible and flexible: Suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility, with wheelchair accessibility and flexible cancellation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point at Novi Café

The tour begins at Novi Café, a cozy spot where you meet your guide and fellow travelers. It’s the perfect starting spot—central, friendly, and with a relaxed vibe. From here, the guide kicks off the experience with some quick introductions and sets the tone for a friendly, storytelling approach that continues throughout.

Stopping at the Church of St. Simon

Your first glimpse into Zadar’s ancient streets takes you past the Church of St. Simon, a significant historic site. Although only a short stop, it offers a chance to admire the architecture and hear snippets about the city’s religious and cultural past. This location serves as an atmospheric prelude to the tastings ahead and sets the scene with its centuries-old stones and stories.

First Food Tasting at a Local Restaurant

The journey then takes you inside a carefully selected restaurant where you’ll sample fresh local fish prepared by an award-winning MasterChef. We loved the way they explained how fish is traditionally eaten in Dalmatia—simple, fresh, and often grilled or cooked with local herbs. The pairing with a crisp white wine enhances the flavors without overpowering them, making this a highlight for seafood lovers.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring People’s Square and Market Zadar

Wandering through People’s Square and then the Market Zadar, you’ll get a sense of everyday life and the bounty of the region. The market, in particular, is a lively spot, brimming with local produce and delicacies. Your guide shares insights into regional ingredients and how they influence Dalmatian cuisine—an authentic glimpse into local life that adds depth to the tastings.

Second Food Stop with Local Delights

Back inside a restaurant, you’ll taste prosciutto and cheese produced by local families, paired with a glass of red wine. Sitting in a historical setting—an abandoned church that has been repurposed—creates a memorable atmosphere. Several reviews mentioned how charming and atmospheric this spot is, making the tasting feel like a private event rather than a tourist trap.

Roman Forum and Church of St. Donatus

Next, you walk past the Roman Forum and the Church of St. Donatus, two of Zadar’s most iconic landmarks. These stops aren’t long, but they serve to contextualize the city’s layers of history. The guide provides quick stories that weave together the ancient and medieval periods, making the city’s architecture come alive.

Final Tastings at a Local Café

Your last stop is a cozy local café where you sample evapi—small, grilled meat sausages—a Turkish-influenced dish that’s a Balkan staple. These are paired with a craft beer brewed by women, a highlight praised in reviews for its quality and local craftsmanship. This pairing showcases how cultural influences have shaped Zadar’s palate.

Wrap-up and Return to Novi Café

The tour concludes back at Novi Café, where you can reflect on the experience, perhaps enjoy an extra drink if you wish, and chat with your guide and new friends. The small group size and friendly approach make it easy to ask questions or get personalized recommendations for the rest of your trip.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For $53, you receive an immersive experience combining tasting, storytelling, and sightseeing—all with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. The inclusion of four tastings—from seafood to prosciutto, cheese, and evapi—paired with local wines and craft beers makes this a pretty good deal. The fact that each location is handpicked for quality and authenticity adds to the overall value.

The small group size ensures that you’re not just another face in a crowd, and the guide’s storytelling enriches each stop, transforming simple tastings into memorable cultural lessons. Plus, the local, family-produced products highlight Zadar’s commitment to authenticity and supporting local producers.

What to Keep in Mind

While this tour offers a lot, it’s primarily a tasting experience, so don’t expect a sit-down dinner. It’s perfect for those with a moderate appetite who want to try several bites and sips while wandering through the city’s historic streets. The focus on alcoholic beverages might not suit travelers abstaining from alcohol, and the tour’s content includes fish and meat dishes, so vegetarians, vegans, or those with food allergies should consider this.

It’s wheelchair accessible, and the rain-or-shine policy means you should dress appropriately—an umbrella or raincoat can be handy if the weather turns.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for culinary enthusiasts eager to taste Dalmatian specialties in their authentic setting. It’s also perfect for history buffs who enjoy learning about local culture through stories connected to each stop. Travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy and local craftsmanship will find it especially rewarding. Finally, those wanting to combine sightseeing with delicious bites—without a long commitment—will find this tour hits the sweet spot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
No, the tour features fish, prosciutto, cheese, and meat dishes, so it’s not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Does the tour include any transport?
No, it’s a walking tour starting and ending at Novi Café. Expect a lot of strolling through the old town’s streets.

Are the tastings sufficient for a full meal?
While generous for a tasting tour, it’s not a full meal. Think of it as a series of small bites and drinks, perfect for a light snack.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
The tour includes alcohol pairings, so it might not be suitable for those who abstain from alcohol.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs.

How many people are typically in the group?
The reviews suggest small groups, around 10-15 people, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel schedule.

This Zadar food and old town walking tour offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Dalmatia’s culinary and cultural treasures. You’ll walk the historic streets, admire ancient landmarks, and enjoy delicious, expertly paired bites—all with a friendly guide who brings the city’s stories to life. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with tasting, and who appreciate authentic local products in a relaxed setting.

While it doesn’t replace a comprehensive meal or a deep dive into Zadar’s history, it packs a lot into two hours and offers great value for the price. If you’re looking for a fun, engaging way to experience Zadar that combines flavors, stories, and scenic streets, this tour deserves a spot on your itinerary.

In short, it’s a lively, flavorful introduction to Zadar that’s bound to leave your taste buds and your mind happily satisfied.

Sources: https://www.getyourguide.com/zadar-l1328/zadar-walking-tour-sponsored-by-gligora-cheese-and-deli-t477127/

You can check availability for your dates here: