NEW! Zadar: Food Tasting & Old Town Walking Tour

Key Points

• Duration: 2-hour guided tour exploring Zadar’s Old Town
• Price: $53 per person, includes four tasting stops
• Highlights: Local fish by an award-winning MasterChef, prosciutto and cheese in a historic setting, and evapi paired with craft beer brewed by women
• Guide: Certified sommelier and food enthusiast leads with engaging storytelling
• Start & End Point: Near the Roman column at Novi caffe
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible and suitable for most guests, excluding pregnant women, children under 18, vegans, vegetarians, and those with food allergies or intolerances

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the Flavors of Dalmatia in Zadar

This food tasting and Old Town walking tour offers a rich snapshot of Zadar’s culinary and cultural scene for just $53 per person. Over two hours, the tour guides you through charming streets and historic sites, providing detailed stories alongside tastings of local dishes and drinks. It’s perfect for food lovers and culture seekers alike, with an emphasis on authentic Dalmatian flavors and regional history.

The tour departs from Novi caffe near the Roman column, making it easy to find. Each stop is carefully selected to showcase local specialties, from fish prepared by a renowned MasterChef to prosciutto and cheese in a former church setting. The pairing of each dish with local wines and craft beers adds a memorable dimension to the experience, all led by a certified sommelier.

While the tour is rich in culinary and historical insights, it is a tasting experience—not a full meal—and involves walking through the Old Town. Guests should be prepared for a total of four tasting stops with short sightseeing visits at key landmarks. The overall pace is relaxed, with plenty of opportunities for chat and explanations.

The Historic Old Town as a Culinary Backdrop

The tour begins at Novi caffe, then moves on to several historic sites including Church of St. Simon, People’s Square, Market Zadar, Roman Forum, and Church of St. Donatus. These locations are not only significant sights but also serve as atmospheric settings for tasting sessions.

Each stop offers a different aspect of Zadar’s heritage. For example, sampling prosciutto and cheese takes place inside a former church, adding a unique ambiance. Visiting the Market Zadar allows for a glimpse of the local produce, pairing fresh ingredients with the culinary stories shared by the guide. The Roman Forum and Church of St. Donatus provide scenic backdrops to the walking tour, enriching the tasting experience.

The tour concludes back at Novi caffe, giving guests time to discuss their favorites or ask additional questions. The short sightseeing segments are brief but meaningful, helping travelers connect each taste with its cultural roots.

Savoring Dalmatian Fish and Regional Meats

A key highlight is the fish dish prepared by an award-winning MasterChef, paired with crisp white wine. This experience emphasizes the Dalmatian way of eating fish, often cooked simply to highlight freshness, paired with regional wines to enhance flavors.

The tour also features prosciutto and cheese, sourced from local families, providing a taste of traditional Dalmatian charcuterie. These are served in an enchanting setting, giving an authentic feel of the local culinary approach. Other offerings include evapi, a Turkish-influenced meat dish, served alongside craft beer brewed by women, showcasing the diversity of Balkan cuisine.

Guests can expect to encounter both fish and meat options during the tasting stops, with delicious pairings that reflect regional influences. The local craft beer and wines are carefully selected to complement each dish, giving a true taste of Dalmatian gastronomy.

The Guide’s Expertise and Storytelling Style

The guides are described as knowledgeable and friendly, with some reviews praising guides like Dina and Zina for their storytelling and local insights. They share stories about Zadar’s history, culture, and culinary influences, making each stop more meaningful.

The certified sommelier leading the wine tastings enhances the experience, offering expert insights into the wines and beers served. Guests appreciate the relaxed, engaging atmosphere, where conversation and questions are encouraged. The guides’ passion for local culinary traditions**—including the influence of the Turks and the Morlaccs—adds depth and context to the tastings.

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The Unique Setting of the Culinary Stops

Many tastings take place in atmospheric locations like former churches and historic squares. These settings create a special ambiance, making the experience not just about food, but also about connecting with Zadar’s history.

For example, the prosciutto and cheese are served in a beautiful, historical space, enhancing the sensory experience. The small group size (around 14 participants) ensures a personalized, intimate atmosphere, allowing guests to interact closely with the guide and other participants.

What’s Included in the Price

The $53 fee covers a two-hour guided experience led by a local gourmet and storyteller. It includes four tasting stops at handpicked restaurants and bars, each offering local fish, prosciutto, cheese, evapi, wine, and craft beer.

Guests also receive authentic wine and beer tastings, a traditional digestif made from local herbs, and a wine glass holder as a gift. The tour offers a deep dive into Dalmatian cuisine, combined with stories about the area’s cultural evolution. The small group size makes for a relaxed, engaging experience.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The meeting point is near the Roman column at Novi caffe. The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most participants, though it excludes pregnant women, children under 18, vegans, vegetarians, and individuals with food allergies or intolerances.

This is a rain or shine activity, so guests should dress appropriately for weather. Since the tour involves alcohol, it’s not recommended for those abstaining from drinks, and it is not suitable for gluten or lactose intolerant guests.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most

This food and history tour appeals especially to those interested in local cuisine, regional history, and authentic cultural experiences. The informative guides and carefully curated tastings make it ideal for adventure-seeking foodies and curious travelers wanting to deepen their understanding of Zadar.

The experience is best suited for adults who enjoy guided walks, storytelling, and tasting regional dishes, with an appreciation for small group intimacy. It’s less suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or guests with dietary restrictions related to gluten or lactose.

The Sum Up of Zadar Food & Old Town Walking Tour

This 2-hour guided tour offers a well-balanced mix of historic sightseeing and culinary delights within Zadar’s Old Town. For $53, guests enjoy four carefully selected tasting stops, local wines and craft beers, and stories that bring the city’s past and flavors to life.

The expert guides, especially those with certified sommelier credentials, make this experience both educational and enjoyable. The settings—from ancient churches to lively squares—enhance each tasting, creating a memorable atmosphere.

While not suited for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten/lactose intolerant guests, the tour provides a rich, authentic taste of Dalmatia that food lovers will appreciate. It’s a compact, engaging, and delicious way to explore Zadar’s culinary heritage and cultural landmarks in just two hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women due to alcohol consumption and dietary considerations.

What is included in the $53 price?
The price covers a two-hour guided experience, four tasting stops, fish by a MasterChef, prosciutto and cheese, evapi with craft beer, wine and beer tastings, and a local herbal digestif.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins near the Roman column at Novi caffe and ends there as well, making it convenient to access before or after other sightseeing plans.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

How many stops are there, and what are they like?
There are four main tasting stops at handpicked restaurants and bars. Each location has a unique setting, such as historic churches and local markets, adding atmosphere to the tastings.

What kind of food and drink can I expect?
Guests enjoy Dalmatian fish dishes, prosciutto and cheese, evapi, as well as local wines and craft beers, paired thoughtfully to enhance flavors.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
No, the tour includes fish and meat dishes, so it is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Would I enjoy this tour if I like history and storytelling?
Absolutely, the guides share engaging stories about Zadar’s history, cultural influences, and culinary traditions, making it as informative as it is delicious.

What should I wear or prepare for this tour?
Dress appropriately for weather, as the tour takes place rain or shine. Be prepared for short walks and standing at various stops.

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