When you discover Zagreb, you'll find its café scene is anything but ordinary, with spots like Botaničar and Caffe Bar Finjak leading the way. Each venue offers a unique experience, mixing ambiance, premium coffee, and creative touches. Whether you're after a cozy place to work, a peaceful retreat, or an Instagram-worthy backdrop, Zagreb's cafés won't disappoint. Visualize sipping your latte surrounded by lush greenery or vintage decor that tells a story. But which café will become your personal favorite? Let's see what makes these 12 quirky spots stand out.
Botaničar
Botaničar, located in the heart of Zagreb, offers a bohemian retreat with its lush, greenery-filled interior and velvet furnishings. Perfect for enjoying a good cup of specialty coffee, this café provides a laid-back atmosphere that invites you to unwind.
The large windows let natural light flood the space, enhancing the serene environment. As you sip your coffee, soothing jazz music plays in the background, adding to the relaxing experience.
Botaničar is a favorite among visitors to Zagreb, known for its cozy, hipster vibe. Whether you're popping in for a quick coffee or planning a longer stay, this spot promises a memorable and tranquil escape in the bustling city.
Caffé Bar Finjak
Caffè Bar Finjak, celebrated as Zagreb's most Instagrammable cafe, enchants visitors with pastel pink cushions, grand chandeliers, and a charming courtyard.
Nestled near Flower Square, this spot combines an art deco ambiance with a luxurious yet relaxed vibe, making it a top pick in the city.
Elegant furnishings and art-filled walls lend a bohemian touch, perfect for a unique, photogenic experience.
While the coffee and croissants could use some improvement, the overall atmosphere makes it a delightful place to unwind.
The outdoor seating offers a peaceful escape from Zagreb's bustling streets, letting you enjoy serene moments and capture stunning photos.
Divas Café Bar
Divas Café Bar captivates with its bohemian charm, art-filled walls, and cozy, funky environment perfect for artistic pursuits. This unique café is one of the best spots in Zagreb for creatives.
The decor, featuring elegant chandeliers and velvet furnishings, creates a relaxed atmosphere where you can lose yourself in your thoughts or projects. Large windows flood the space with natural light, while the outdoor seating offers a view of the National Archives building.
As a standout among coffee shops in the city, Divas Café Bar showcases a variety of quirky coffee options that cater to different tastes. Whether you're writing, sketching, or simply unwinding, the laid-back mood and jazz music make it ideal.
Café U Dvoristu
Café U Dvoristu, nestled in a hidden courtyard, captivates visitors with its cozy and artistic vibe, complete with mismatched chairs. The white-washed walls adorned with artwork create an inviting and relaxed setting.
This cafe serves high-quality Cogito Coffee, renowned for its rich flavors and vegan milk options. The star of the show is the vintage-inspired espresso machine, enhancing the rustic yet elegant decor.
The charming courtyard seating offers a peaceful escape from the busy city streets, making it an ideal spot for coffee lovers and those seeking a serene place to unwind.
This hidden gem combines art, comfort, and top-notch coffee, making it a must-visit destination. You'll love the blend of aesthetics and quality that defines Café U Dvoristu.
Booksa
Booksa is a literary haven where you can dive into a world of books, coffee, and community events.
This club-cafe requires a membership fee, giving you unlimited WiFi and access to an inviting, book-filled setting. It's an ideal spot to work while enjoying fine coffee and loose-leaf tea.
But there's more to Booksa than just beverages; it's a bustling hub for writers and readers. Regular events like poetry readings and open mic nights spark creativity and foster a sense of belonging.
Located just a 10-minute walk from the city center, it's easily accessible by tram. Here, you'll find a welcoming space that celebrates both literature and community.
Cogito Coffee Shop
Nestled in an alley off the main street, Cogito Coffee Shop is a hidden gem for coffee lovers in Zagreb. As the flagship cafe of the Croatian chain Cogito, it's a haven for those who appreciate the third wave coffee scene.
Here, high-quality, locally-roasted beans are meticulously brewed to perfection. The vintage map-adorned interior invites you to relax, while the outdoor seating becomes a summer evening delight.
Beyond exceptional coffee, this cafe also offers freshly-squeezed juices, loose-leaf teas, and light pantry food.
Cogito Coffee Shop is quickly becoming a popular destination, solidifying its reputation among Zagreb's coffee shops as a place where exceptional coffee meets a cozy ambiance.
Dežman Bar
Dežman Bar in Zagreb offers a unique blend of a cozy coffee shop and a trendy bar. It's a go-to spot, especially in the summertime, for people-watching. The covered outdoor seating is always lively, and the friendly staff ensure a memorable visit. While the bar vibe is strong, their coffee is top-notch and worth every penny. The place stands out with its chalkboard paint walls and sophisticated yet quirky atmosphere, making it a must-see.
| Feature | Description | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Quality | High | Worth the money |
| Seating | Covered Outdoor | Popular with locals |
| Atmosphere | Sophisticated, Quirky | Chalkboard paint walls |
| Best Time | Summertime | Ideal for people-watching |
| Staff | Friendly | Enhances the experience |
Otto + Frank
After soaking in the vibrant atmosphere at Dežman Bar, head over to Otto + Frank for a delicious breakfast and a great cup of coffee.
Situated on the main street, this café is the perfect place to kick off your day. It's one of Zagreb's top spots for high-quality brews.
Whether you choose indoor or outdoor seating, you'll love the lively, friendly vibe. Their Nutella-banana French toast is a must-try.
With friendly staff and pop music in the background, it's easy to see why Otto + Frank is a favorite for both locals and visitors. Don't miss out on this gem for tasty coffee and satisfying food.
Amelie
Craving artisanal cakes and pastries paired with high-quality coffee? Amelie offers a cozy, charming atmosphere that'll delight your senses.
It's a haven for dessert lovers in Zagreb. Nestled near the Hendricks Gin Garden and the Museum of Broken Relationships, Amelie stands out among the city's cafes.
Indoor and outdoor seating options cater to all preferences. The outdoor area, adorned with leafy plants, enhances the charm of its private courtyard.
Inside, whimsical decor makes it one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city, perfect for capturing those indulgent moments.
Whether it's raining or shining, Amelie provides a flexible and inviting setting to satisfy your coffee and dessert cravings.
Brokenships Bistro
Nestled next to the Museum of Broken Relationships, Brokenships Bistro offers a tranquil refuge filled with rich hot chocolates, teas, and coffees. It's the perfect spot to unwind after exploring the museum's moving exhibits.
Relax on their wooden chairs or enjoy the covered terrace, making it a cozy place to sip a drink.
Fine artists and creatives often gather here, creating a serene and inspiring atmosphere. With free WiFi and comfortable seating, it's also a handy workspace.
The hot chocolate alone is worth the visit. Whether you're seeking contemplation or creativity, Brokenships Bistro provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of Zagreb.
Velvet Café
Velvet Café, an upscale gem in Zagreb, boasts delectable cakes and an elegant courtyard setting adorned with vintage photos and glass chandeliers. Stepping into Velvet Café, you're immediately enveloped by an atmosphere that's both refined and cozy—an ideal escape from the busy city life.
Known for its mouthwatering baked goods, especially the irresistible pancakes, the café shines more for its pastries than its coffee. While the coffee is decent, it's the high-end pastries and top-quality ingredients that truly make Velvet Café stand out.
For those seeking an elegant, upscale alternative to Zagreb's casual coffee shops, Velvet Café is the perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth.
Monocycle Specialty Coffee
Monocycle Specialty Coffee is where true coffee lovers in Zagreb find their bliss. This charming café is celebrated for its exceptional South American and African roasts. Nestled along an artists' path, it provides a cozy spot with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Monocycle's dedication to manual brews and pour-overs is a testament to the owners' deep passion for coffee culture. Every cup is crafted with care, reflecting a commitment to quality. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 bubbles from 114 reviews, it's clear that visitors leave impressed and satisfied.
Whether you're in the mood for a straightforward black coffee or a nuanced coffee with milk, Monocycle Specialty Coffee delivers. It's a hidden gem in Zagreb's vibrant third wave coffee scene, inviting you to savor every sip in a relaxed, artistic setting.
