Lika's Lunch in NP Pltivička Jezera

One of Europe’s most popular national parks and a Croatian gem long proclaimed by both domestic and international visitors as a “paradise on earth”, Plitvice Lakes National Park has these days put on its winter attire. The cascades are partially frozen, the walkways await a blanket of snow, and from the restaurants wafts the aroma of food that awakens all the senses. The gastronomy of Plitvice Lakes National Park is so distinctive that it attracts a growing number of food lovers, as well as those who wish to spend their weekends immersed in nature and unique experiences. Surrounded by unspoilt nature and the exceptional setting of the Park, visitors can enjoy dry-aged steaks, desserts made with Lika basa cheese, lamb prepared in a variety of ways, and the very popular Lika Lunch. The offer is diverse and the prices reasonable, and it is worth adding that nowhere else in the world will you enjoy homemade food with views of untouched nature or waterfalls.

“It is an interesting fact that almost 70,000 residents of Zagreb look for inspiration every weekend on where to spend their free time. The same applies to those living in Zadar, Šibenik, Split and beyond. In order to bring this destination and this world-famous National Park closer to domestic guests, we strive to offer the very best – affordable entrance tickets, opportunities for multi-day stays with accommodation within the Park, and gastronomy that is unique in Croatia,” says Tomislav Kovačević, Director of the National Park.

Since 1972, at Entrance 1 of the Park, there has been Lička kuća – a gourmet haven dedicated to authentic cuisine from the Lika region. Here you can enjoy lamb cooked under a bell (“Lika parcel”), river fish, squeaky škripavac cheese, strudels and traditional basa, all prepared using local “Lika Quality” ingredients. Its inclusion in Gault&Millau Croatia 2025 and the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards confirms the care taken over what appears on the Lika plate.

A few kilometres further on, at Entrance 2, is the somewhat newer Black River Steak & Pasta House, offering an excellent selection of steaks aged for up to 55 days, homemade hand-crafted pasta with sauces that blend modern and traditional influences, all complemented by an outstanding wine list. Modern fine dining in the heart of the Park has earned a special place in Gault&Millau Croatia 2025, establishing it as one of Lika’s leading gastronomic addresses.

In the central zone of the Park, a spot you will notice during your visit, the newly opened Kozjak Café has quickly become a favourite among those wishing to add a savoury or sweet note to their day. The beautifully redesigned interior features glass display cases filled with an impressive selection of elegant, richly flavoured desserts made right here in the Park. Lovers of tradition will also find classic Lika strudels, best enjoyed with homemade tea or excellent coffee.

Can you eat something savoury in this café? Absolutely – the savoury display cases offer sandwiches with traditional names but very modern combinations of ingredients. For those enjoying sledging or skiing in Mukinje during the winter, refreshments are available at Vučnica, with an excellent selection of smash burgers and pizza, highly rated by fans of fast yet flavourful food. Finally, for travellers heading south, the Plitvice Lakes gastronomic route ends at the iconic Borje restaurant. Although renovated, this legendary venue still entices visitors with its familiar aromas and flavours, inviting them to stop for a hearty and satisfying meal.

This “Croatian paradise”, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its 16 cascading lakes and numerous waterfalls, which in winter create striking scenery and an immediate sense of closeness to nature. Located about two hours’ drive from Zagreb and slightly less from Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an ideal weekend destination for those wishing to exchange city life for a retreat in nature. Winter walks along the lakes, photographing waterfalls and frozen cascades, and enjoying fresh air without strenuous physical effort make the Park accessible to a wide range of visitors. Well-maintained paths and shorter routes are suitable for all age groups, and a particularly appealing fact is that for nearly half the year entrance fees are just €10 for adults and €4 for children. The ticket price includes panoramic transport and an electric boat ride on Lake Kozjak, enabling a comfortable visit even during the winter months. When snow conditions allow, the offer is further enhanced by a ski and sledging area in Mukinje, making Plitvice a winter destination for all generations.

For visitors wishing to experience Plitvice Lakes at their winter pace, staying within the National Park proves to be the most practical and comprehensive option. Hotel Jezero, currently the only hotel within the Park boundaries, is located beside the largest lake, Kozjak, and truly comes into its own during the winter months thanks to its setting. Guests can stay in immediate proximity to natural attractions without the need for additional transport, and the daily rhythm easily adapts – from walks and outdoor activities to returning to the warmth of the hotel and relaxing in the saunas and whirlpool, enhancing the comfort of a winter stay. As part of its winter programme, Hotel Jezero offers a special and exceptionally good-value package entitled “Winter Ambience at Plitvice Lakes”, designed for those who wish to stay longer and fully experience the Park’s winter atmosphere. Packages are available for one, two or three nights with breakfast or half board, and include a National Park entrance ticket valid for the entire stay. The package also includes free use of the sauna, whirlpool and Turkish steam bath, as well as the fitness room, parking for hotel guests, and complimentary transport to one of the gastronomic destinations mentioned earlier.

For those wishing to dine within the hotel, the Waterfall restaurant offers specialities characteristic of the Lika region – lamb, trout, Lika police potatoes, and the signature Lika Lunch, which follows the seasons and the availability of local produce. In winter, the Lika Lunch highlights the queen of the season, sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls), served with cured meat and mashed Lika potatoes. The Lika Lunch consists of four courses: a cold starter with basa and pork crackling spreads, a hearty soup, refined sarma, and a sweet finale of traditional Lika fritters, featuring plums and plum brandy in the batter, finished with homemade plum jam.

Looking for a unique way to welcome 2026? Here is an excellent idea. A winter stay at Plitvice Lakes becomes even more special with a three-day New Year’s package that combines the Park’s natural setting with an authentic Lika atmosphere. The festive New Year’s Eve dinner on 31 December 2025 at Hotel Jezero offers an elegant ambience, a rich gastronomic menu and a musical programme, with a special highlight being a reprise celebration at the iconic Lička kuća restaurant on 1 January 2026. The first day of the New Year is further enriched with a guided tour of the National Park, a performance by a cultural and artistic society, and an organised lunch at the Poljana restaurant, accompanied by tamburica music and a traditional Lika group.

Photo: Nikola Zoko and promotional material