Kastel bistro & bar

Rating: 13.5
Author: Gault&Millau

Zagrad-gaj 5, 47000 Karlovac, Croatia

13.5/20
Chef's Restaurant

5 PHOTOS

Chef: Zvonimir Štefanac
Services: Pets allowed | Private Parking
Style: Casual | Romantic

Gault&Millau's review 2026

In a 13th-century fortress, young and talented chef Zvonimir Štefanac has enriched the local gastronomic scene with his culinary creations. At the restaurant located within Dubovac Castle – just a ten-minute drive from the centre of Karlovac – he blends tradition with modern gastronomy. Chef is especially proud of his slow-cooked beef cheeks, served with a rich potato cream, beef jus, and chives. At Kastel, you’ll also find excellent homemade cured meats, cheeses, and game dishes, various risottos, and vegetable rolls with sweet-and-spicy sauce. For every dish on the menu, they strive to source local ingredients – or at least Croatian ones. One of their trademarks is sourdough focaccia, made with their own starter, and without yeast. It pairs perfectly with Kastel’s chicken liver pâté served with green tomato jam and caramelized onions. Meat-based main courses reflect chefs’ thoughtfulness – whether it’s pork ribs, pork belly, rump steak, a beef burger, or chicken, everything is prepared deliciously and so tender it melts in mouth. Bistro Kastel offers a good selection of sparkling wines and high-quality Croatian wines, most available by the glass, as well as their own craft beer. The guests love that kind of local experience, and the beer is often used as a “seasoning” in their cooking as well.