Balon

Rating: 16
Author: Gault&Millau

Prisavlje 2A, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

16/20
Remarkable Restaurant

4 PHOTOS

Chef: Stipan Iličić
Cooking: Modern
Services: Access for people with disabilities | Garden | Pets allowed | Private Parking

Gault&Millau's review 2026

The restaurant Balon continuously maintains the high level of Zagreb gastronomy thanks to the quality of ingredients, precise cooking, extensive wine list, top-notch service and pleasant ambience. The spacious summer terrace is very attractive, while the minimalist but warm interior creates an intimate and elegant atmosphere. Right at the entrance there is a display case with impressive pieces of dry-aged steaks, one of the reasons why Balon is often chosen for a business lunch or for festive occasions. A separate refrigerated display case displays fresh sea fish, a highly sought-after choice among regular guests. The menu equally cherishes meat and seafood dishes, with the occasional presence of game, and it strongly relies on seasonal products. Among the summer cold appetizers, the Adriatic prawn carpaccio with figs in honey, wasabi and capers stands out. The tuna tataki comes perfectly baked – dark red on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside – with pickled ginger, wakame seaweed and candied cherry tomatoes. The excellent steak tartare has a creamy texture and spreads beautifully on freshly baked bread, while the octopus terrine, with thinly sliced legs and olive oil, delights with its simplicity and purity of flavour. Among the main courses, the smoked duck with chanterelles and al dente paccheri and the pulled lamb on Jerusalem artichoke cream with demi-glace sauce and baked radicchio stand out. The chef’s creativity is also visible in the venison rolls stuffed with pistachios, which in the autumn version are served with porcini and chestnut risotto. The desserts such as chocolate soufflé or apple rolls with vanilla cream round off the meal. The exceptionally rich wine list, with the professional guidance of their experienced sommelier, further confirms the excellent reputation of the restaurant.