Croatia’s cities are full of charming patisseries and cafés where the art of dessert is taken seriously, and winter is the perfect season to indulge. From the historic streets of Dubrovnik and Rijeka to the bustling centers of Split, Zadar, and Zagreb, these cake shops and cafés offer handcrafted treats, rich pastries, and expertly brewed coffee in cozy, inviting atmospheres. Whether you’re seeking traditional recipes passed down through generations, modern reinterpretations of Dalmatian classics, or visually stunning creations worthy of a photo, there’s a sweet escape waiting in every city.
DUBROVNIK
Gainni, Kneza Damjana Jude bb, Dubrovnik
Gianni is a charming pastry shop in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, celebrated for its handmade cakes, pastries, and warm, inviting atmosphere. Using high-quality ingredients and creative recipes, it offers a refined selection of sweets that suit the winter season perfectly. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy a cozy break with dessert and specialty coffee while exploring the city.
Café Festival, Placa bb, Dubrovnik
Located on the main street of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Café Festival offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere where you can indulge in lovingly prepared cakes and pastries made according to time-honored recipes. With its classic décor, friendly staff and live piano music in the evenings, it provides a wonderful spot to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Chokolatin Coffee & Cake, Obala Stjepana Radića 26, Dubrovnik
Chokolatin – Coffee & Cake is a charming boutique café in Dubrovnik’s Gruž district, known for its beautifully crafted cakes, refined desserts, and excellent coffee. With its warm, modern interior and friendly atmosphere, it offers a perfect break from the bustle of the neighborhood. It’s an inviting spot for anyone looking to enjoy a quality sweet treat in a relaxed setting.
RIJEKA
Mon le mie, Slavka Krautzeka 1, Rijeka
Cozy patisserie in Rijeka’s Trsat district, offering a tempting selection of seasonal cakes, rich chocolate desserts, warm pastries, and creamy mousses perfect for winter. Each treat is handcrafted with care, using high-quality ingredients to create comforting flavors ideal for the colder months. With its inviting interior and friendly service, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a sweet break with a cup of Illy coffee while escaping the winter chill.
SPLIT
Tradicija, Bosanska 2, Split
This is the oldest confectionery in town and with grand old age, come grand old recipes. The chocolates, biscuits, cakes and other sweet specialties are all cooked to tradition – just as the name itself!
O'š kolač?, Ćiril-Metodova 4, Split
Oš kolač is paradise for lovers of fine pastries, cakes, pancakes, biscuits and handmade creams. Pastry chef Tea Mamut has served famous movie stars whilst working abroad and now returns home where she combines Dalmatian recipes with a refreshing modern day outlook whilst using a selection of local fresh ingredients. So why not treat yourself to something sweet?
ZADAR
Art Kavana, Bartola Kašića 1, Zadar
If you appreciate excellent, imaginative cakes you really must call into this cake shop. The range is frequently refreshed with new creations to suit the season, there are macarons… the problem is deciding what to choose. Cakes are freshly made and beautifully presented. Coffee and cake, that most indulgent of rituals.
Cukarin, Put Matije Gupca 17, Zadar
If you’re looking for something to satisfy those cravings for all things sweet, look no further than Cukarin. The team here create cakes and sweets of all shapes and sizes, utilising fresh ingredients to leave no sweet tooth disappointed. The coffee is equally fantastic, and the atmosphere alone makes Cukarin worth the visit. Lovely people, lovely coffee, and lovely cakes.
ZAGREB
Jolie Petite Patisserie, Ujevićeva ul. 17, Zagreb
What are we to do when cakes look this good? Take a picture first, of course, but don’t let the aesthetic awesomeness of the work at Jolie Petite Patisserie put you off from devouring these creations. Expertly made and meticulously designed, these are cakes from the heavens. Do they make cake in heaven? We’ll be very disappointed if they don’t. If you need a special cake made, look no further, although feel free to nip in for a bite, whatever your desire.
N'oublie, Ul. Brune Bušića 16, Zagreb
Let your sweet tooth run wild at N'oublie. After all, life is to be enjoyed, right? This patisserie in Središće (Novi Zagreb) creates sweet treats in all the colours of the rainbow (and beyond), from exquisite tarts and tartlets to some of the most vibrant cakes you’ll find in the city. Noublie also makes its own ice cream, perfect for when the sun in the city gets a little too boisterous.
Zdravljak Sršek, Andrije Žaje 43, Zagreb
Their cakes and pite (filo pastry pies with sweet and savoury fillings) are, we reckon, some of the best in town. This little place in the Trešnjevka neighbourhood is also a pleasant spot to sip a coffee along with your victuals.
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