With its mix of Mediterranean and Central European influences, Croatia’s cuisine is perfect for autumn, making it an ideal time to explore hearty, comforting meals. If you’re planning a trip to Croatia this season or simply want to try Croatian flavors at home, here’s a guide to the top dishes you shouldn’t miss this autumn.

Istrian Truffle Dishes

Istria, the northern Adriatic peninsula, is world-renowned for its black and white truffles, which are at their peak during the autumn. Truffle hunting is a popular activity in the region, and local restaurants celebrate this precious ingredient in a variety of dishes. You can indulge in fuži with truffles, a type of handmade Istrian pasta served with a creamy truffle sauce. Another must-try dish is scrambled eggs with truffles, which highlights the earthy richness of the truffle.

Where to try: Truffle dishes are ubiquitous across Istria, with restaurants in towns like Motovun and Buzet offering excellent versions.

Pašticada

Hailing from the Dalmatian region, pašticada is a traditional beef stew that is slow-cooked to perfection. Marinated in vinegar and spices, the beef is then simmered for hours with prunes, vegetables, and red wine, creating a rich, sweet, and savory sauce. Served with gnocchi or homemade pasta, this dish is a autumn staple that warms both the heart and the stomach.

Where to try: The coastal cities of Split and Dubrovnik are known for their authentic pašticada, with many family-run restaurants passing down recipes for generations.

Manestra

Manestra is Istria’s version of minestrone, a hearty vegetable soup that’s perfect for the cooler weather. The fall version often includes locally sourced beans, potatoes, and cured meats, such as pancetta or prosciutto. What makes manestra special is the slow-cooked flavor and the use of seasonal ingredients like pumpkins, cabbage, and beans.

Where to try: Visit rural taverns in Istria or the city of Pula to enjoy manestra prepared the traditional way.

Wild Game Dishes

Fall is hunting season in Croatia, making it the ideal time to try wild game dishes such as venison goulash or wild boar stew. These dishes are slow-cooked in rich sauces made with wine, juniper berries, and herbs, and they pair wonderfully with polenta or homemade bread. Game dishes are typically found in the inland regions of Croatia, especially in Gorski Kotar, Slavonia and Lika, where hunting traditions run deep.

Where to try: Head to the mountainous areas around Gorski Kotar and Lika for the best wild game dishes.

Zagorski Štrukli

This beloved dish from the northern region of Zagorje is a baked pastry filled with cheese, cream, or sometimes apples. Zagorski štrukli can be served either savory or sweet, and in the autumn, you'll often find it baked with a hint of cinnamon or other autumnal spices. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days and is often served as a starter or a dessert.

Where to try: Visit Zagreb or the northern region of Hrvatsko Zagorje to experience traditional štrukli, which is often served in cozy countryside restaurants.

Komiška Pogača

This is a savory pie from the island of Vis, made with layers of dough and stuffed with salted fish, tomatoes, and onions. It’s a humble dish with a rich history, often baked in large batches during the autumn. The key ingredient, salted fish (often anchovies), brings a distinct Mediterranean flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the slow-cooked tomatoes and onions.

Where to try: For an authentic Komiška pogača, visit the island of Vis or try it at coastal bakeries across Dalmatia.

Brodet

Croatia's coastline is famous for its seafood, and autumn brings a fresh catch of the day, perfect for making brodet, a classic Dalmatian fish stew. Brodet is made with a mix of white fish, shellfish, tomatoes, garlic, and wine, slowly simmered to create a flavorful dish. It’s traditionally served with polenta, and each coastal town puts its unique twist on the recipe.

Where to try: Coastal towns such as Zadar and Trogir serve some of the best versions of brodet, often made with the freshest catch of the day.

Fiš Paprikaš (Slavonian Fish Stew)

One of the most iconic dishes from Slavonia, fiš paprikaš is a must-try during the autumn season. This spicy fish stew is made with river fish such as carp, catfish, or perch, and heavily spiced with paprika, which gives it its signature red color and bold flavor. It's cooked slowly in a large pot, usually over an open fire, and is often served with homemade noodles or chunks of crusty bread. Fiš paprikaš represents the heart of Slavonian cuisine, combining the region’s love for bold spices with fresh local ingredients.

Where to try: Slavonia’s riverside towns like Osijek and Vukovar are famous for their traditional fiš paprikaš, and many local festivals celebrate the dish with cooking competitions.

Kestenje (Roasted Chestnuts)

While not exactly a dish, roasted chestnuts, or kestenje, are an iconic autumn snack in Croatia. As soon as the weather cools, street vendors start selling them fresh out of the fire. The smoky, sweet aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air in many Croatian cities, from RIjeka to Zagreb to Osijek to Dubrovnik. They're perfect for a quick, warm snack as you explore the city on a crisp autumn afternoon.

Where to try: You’ll find chestnut vendors on the streets of larger cities like Zagreb, Rijeka, and Split throughout the fall.

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Croatia’s autumn cuisine is a celebration of local, seasonal ingredients. Whether you're savoring a hearty stew in the mountains, enjoying a truffle-infused meal in Istria, or warming up with a bowl of soup along the coast, Croatian dishes are a must-try this season.

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