Zadar is a city that beautifully blends historic charm, vibrant street life, and delicious Dalmatian cuisine. Its location along the Adriatic coast means you can indulge in fresh seafood, local wines, and homemade olive oils while soaking in scenic views. What makes it stand out for food lovers? Several experiences on our list highlight the region’s authentic flavors—from guided city strolls through bustling markets to speedboat excursions visiting remote islands with organic delicacies. One of our favorites is the Zadar: Guided Speedboat Tour with Food, Oil & Wine Tasting, which combines the thrill of the sea with genuine local tastes. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a mix of adventure and authentic Dalmatian flavors.
If you’re after a more immersive experience, the Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour offers a scenic day in nature with the bonus of sampling regional wines and exploring charming small towns. Or, for a quick but flavorful introduction to Zadar’s culinary scene, the New! Zadar: Food Tasting & Old Town Walking Tour provides a compact taste of local bites, history, and atmosphere. Below, we break down each experience to help you pick the perfect food adventure in Zadar.
1. Zadar: Guided Speedboat Tour with Food, Oil & Wine Tasting
At number 1, this speedboat trip offers a full four hours exploring the Croatian coast and islands in style. The tour includes visits to three scenic islands, where you’ll relax on secluded beaches, snorkel in turquoise waters, and learn about the area’s rich maritime history. What sets this experience apart is its focus on local family-run farms, serving organic seafood, fragrant olive oils, and regional wines directly from the producers.
The tour begins with a scenic ride past the Sea Organ and along the coast, giving you spectacular views of Zadar’s skyline. Highlights include stopping at Galevac island to admire the Franciscan Monastery of St. Paul The Hermit, and taking a break on Osljak island for swimming and relaxing. The visit to Preko and Galovac offers opportunities for sightseeing and tasting fresh seafood, local cheese, and premium olive oil. The trip finishes with a visit to a fishing village for more food tasting.
This tour is particularly suited for travelers who love adventure combined with culinary experiences. It’s excellent for families or groups wanting a private, intimate outing with the bonus of tasting authentic Dalmatian seafood and regional wines. The reviews are glowing, with a 4.8/5 rating from 594 reviews, praising its well-organized itinerary and friendly guides.
Bottom Line: If you want a day of island-hopping, swimming, and tasting seafood in a relaxed setting, this guided speedboat tour offers exceptional value for its price of around $35 per person.
2. Zadar: Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour
For a day that combines natural beauty with culinary delights, the Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour is a top pick. This experience takes you out of the city into the scenic Croatian countryside to visit Krka National Park, famous for its series of waterfalls and lush walking trails. When you arrive, you’ll explore Skradinski Buk—the park’s most famous cascade—and enjoy a boat ride down the Krka River Canyon to the small town of Skradin.
The tour’s highlight is the wine tasting at a local winery, where you’ll sample regional wines, olive oils, and cheeses—perfect for anyone interested in authentic Croatian flavors. Afterward, you’ll have free time in Skradin to stroll, shop, or take a dip in the river. On the way back, the guide shares insights into the area’s history, adding depth to this scenic escape.
This tour is best suited for nature lovers and wine enthusiasts willing to spend a day outside Zadar. It’s a well-rounded experience that offers stunning landscapes, delicious local wines, and a chance to explore one of Croatia’s most beautiful national parks. With a 4.7/5 rating from nearly 500 reviews, it’s a trusted choice for visitors wanting a blend of outdoor activity and regional tasting.
Bottom Line: For around $53, you get a full day exploring waterfalls, sampling wines, and enjoying the Croatian countryside—ideal for those seeking a scenic and flavorful outing.
3. NEW! Zadar: Food Tasting & Old Town Walking Tour
If you’re short on time but still want a taste of Dalmatia, the Food Tasting & Old Town Walking Tour is a compact, two-hour adventure through Zadar’s most iconic streets. Rated a perfect 5/5 by 67 reviews, this tour focuses on local food, history, and hidden gems. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want to explore the city’s culinary scene without committing a full day.
Starting at Novi caffe, you’ll visit historic sites like the Church of St. Simon and the Roman Forum, then stop at various local restaurants and cafes for tastings. Expect to enjoy Dalmatian prosciutto, fresh seafood, and regional wines, plus a visit to an abandoned church turned into a cozy tasting room. The guide provides stories about Zadar’s past and present, making each bite meaningful.
This tour is especially good for foodies seeking a culinary snapshot of the city, with the added benefit of walking through Zadar’s charming streets. It offers a value-oriented experience at just $53 per person, which includes multiple tastings.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a quick, flavorful overview of Zadar’s food scene, combined with sightseeing in a small-group setting.
4. Private Half Day Tour | Food & Drinks | Vrgada
At number 4, this private half-day tour offers a personalized way to enjoy Croatian cuisine aboard a private boat with a local captain. Lasting around 7 hours, it’s perfect for families or friends who want to relax and eat at their own pace. The trip includes visits to Vrgada, a picturesque island with clear waters and natural beauty.
The experience features homemade Dalmatian dishes served onboard, with plenty of time for sunbathing, swimming, and sightseeing. The captain shares stories about the islands, while you enjoy delicious local specialties like fresh seafood and regional wines. The privacy and flexibility make this a favorite for those seeking a laid-back, intimate experience.
With a 4.5/5 rating from 17 reviews, travelers appreciate the personalized service and authentic flavors. It’s especially suited for groups wanting a custom, stress-free day on the water, away from crowds.
Bottom Line: For around $105, you get a full day of private cruising, local food, and island scenery—ideal for travelers craving a bespoke Croatian experience.
5. Good Morning Zadar Food Tour
Finally, the Good Morning Zadar Food Tour provides an authentic morning bite of Zadar’s culinary scene, rated 5/5 from a single review. This tour is perfect for early risers who want to start their day with flavorful prosciutto, cheese, and coffee in a historic setting, like an abandoned church. It offers a combination of market visits, local dining, and cultural insights.
You’ll sample award-winning Pag cheese, enjoy gelato on the bustling main street, and try traditional dishes like cuttlefish risotto and brudet in family-run eateries. The guide’s multilingual skills help bring Zadar’s stories alive, making the experience both educational and delicious.
Designed for those who love food-focused mornings or want a gentle introduction to Dalmatian cuisine, this tour provides a cozy, flavorful start to your day. At $140 per person, it’s a bit pricier but offers a curated, intimate experience.
Bottom Line: This is perfect for early risers eager to taste local specialties and explore Zadar’s vibrant markets and eateries in one go.
How to Choose Your Perfect Food Tour in Zadar
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, available time, and interests. If you love sea adventures and organic seafood, the speedboat tour is unbeatable. For a mix of nature and wine, the Krka waterfalls day trip is ideal. If your goal is a quick city taste, the Old Town walking tour hits the spot. For a private, leisurely cruise, the Vrgada boat trip offers personalized service. And if you’re an early riser craving authentic breakfast bites, the Good Morning Zadar Food Tour is your best bet.
Think about how much time you have—some tours are half-day while others extend all day. Also, match your fitness level to the activity; for example, the boat tours require some swimming and walking, while city tours are more relaxed.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season (June to September), as these experiences tend to fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
Zadar offers a surprising variety of culinary adventures, from adventurous island-hopping to intimate city tastings. The options above cater to different tastes and schedules, whether you prefer a full-day excursion exploring waterfalls and wines or a quick city stroll sampling local flavors. For travelers who love seafood and scenic boat trips, the speedboat tour is hard to beat. If you want a combination of nature and regional wines, the Krka Waterfalls trip is ideal. For those with limited time, the Old Town walking tour provides a memorable snapshot of Zadar’s food and history.
Whatever your choice, book early and prepare for a delicious journey into Dalmatian cuisine, where fresh ingredients and local traditions shine. These tours are designed to give you an authentic taste of Croatia’s coastal charm—so go ahead, indulge, and enjoy the flavors of Zadar.