Black River - Steak & Pasta House

Rating: 13.5
Author: Gault&Millau

Josipa Jovića 15, 53231 Plitvička Jezera, Croatia

13.5/20
Chef's Restaurant

4 PHOTOS

Chef: Gordana Zrilić

Gault&Millau's review 2026

Located in the immediate vicinity of Entrance 2, inside Plitvice Lakes, the Black River restaurant fosters a modern concept in the wonderful setting of Croatia’s largest national park. Lounge music and urban details create the impression of a city bistro, rather than a classic restaurant in the heart of nature. The interior is contemporary and airy, extremely neat and clean, and the open kitchen brings additional dynamics to the space. The menu is focused and clear: steak & pasta. In translation, the emphasis is on top-quality pieces of aged meat and fresh homemade pasta. The selection is not extensive, but it is well thought out and guided by the philosophy of quality over quantity. You can start your lunch with a selection of cheeses from the Lika region and cured meats from local producers. The pasta is homemade and cooked precisely al dente. We tried the šurlice (kind of pasta) with mushrooms and leeks. The sauce was rich with a slightly more intense mushroom flavour, and the portion was a decent size. Almost the same epithets can be used to describe the goulash with fuži (kind of short pasta). The T-bone steak met our expectations, precisely cooked to our liking, with juicy and aromatic meat. The wine list is carefully selected and there is a wide choice of wines by the glass and spirits. For dessert you should ask the waiter about the daily offer. Black River has a clear gastronomic identity that they adhere to. The personnel are mostly professional and pleasant, but unfortunately some waiters lack a bit of finesse in dealing with guests. We didn’t wait long for our food. There is always a place in the free parking lot. The restaurant is open all year round.