Where to eat in Zagreb: Market Bistro continues to innovate

(Photo credit: Luka Hrvatić for Wolt)

The past 14 months have been tough for the restaurant industry but Market, a bistro serving traditional Croatian dishes with a twist, has continued to innovate throughout.

Market Bistro owner Fran Ćurković opened the restaurant at the end of 2019 in Zagreb’s city centre at Gunduliceva 13 after operating the successful T&T house, which served street versions of traditional Croatian dishes like sarma, pašticada and buncek in bread rolls.

Since opening, Fran says the main goal has been to be innovative and exciting so that the customers can have a unique experience and Market has delivered, offering up seasonal menus based on local produce.

Fran Ćurković (Photo credit: Nika Mokos)

This spring, Market Bistro has more surprises in store and for the first time they offer Ricotta Gnudi in homemade salsa sauce with rocket pesto on the menu. Gnudi are ‘dumplings’ made from ricotta cheese, parmesan, and vegetables. With homemade salsa sauce and rocket pesto, each bite can be a special story.

Ricotta Gnudi in homemade salsa sauce with rocket pesto (Photo credit: Luka Hrvatić for Wolt)

The most innovative dish on the menu is a strudel made of slow-roasted pork ribs and vegetables served with burnt cream sauce and a salad. 

“A real gourmet dish that will never leave you indifferent. My warm recommendation,” Fran says.

Strudel made of slow-roasted pork ribs and vegetables (Photo credit: Luka Hrvatić for Wolt)

On the spring menu, they also have one classic that people like regardless of their age, and that is meatballs with mashed potatoes in salsa sauce. 

Meatballs in salsa sauce and mashed potatoes (Photo credit: Luka Hrvatić for Wolt)

“The dish is based on a well-known combination, quality ingredients, and excellent preparation. A classic that we all love, on a higher level.”

Market is known for its ingenious risottos, and this spring they have prepared a risotto that has character, consisting of juicy turkey to which they add chicken stock, peas, and finally pickled onions which gives a note of freshness.

Turkey risotto (Photo credit: Luka Hrvatić for Wolt)

The soup, as before, remains related to the daily/seasonal offer on Zagreb’s famous Dolac markets and the inspiration of head chef Goran Stanisavljević.

Chicken and salad are always a great choice for anyone who likes to eat something light or watch what they eat, ideal for spring days. Marinated chicken breast with bulgur and vegetable salad and roasted paprika cream is just such a dish. The chicken breast meat is soft, juicy, and full of flavour that is not expected of chicken breasts. Bulgur salad, in addition to bulgur, also consists of cherry tomatoes, asparagus, and dried apricots. All of the above with roasted pepper cream creates a note of freshness and subtle character.

Chicken salad (Photo credit: Luka Hrvatić for Wolt)

On the spring menu, they also have one ready-made keto dish. Pork loin with pea puree and roasted carrots. Pork loin is sous-vide and baked, which leaves it juicy inside and baked outside. Pea puree and roasted carrot round out this dish and give this dish a note of lightness.

Pork loin (Photo credit: Luka Hrvatić for Wolt)

“As before on our menus, this spring menu also includes fish dishes. Salmon fillet with beluga lentils, asparagus, and white dill sauce is here for all fish lovers. This dish with its flavours and colours creates an explosion of flavours in the mouth,” Fran adds.

Salmon and asparagus (Photo credit: Luka Hrvatić for Wolt)

The dessert will change as well as the daily soup.

In cooperation with Mojati, a young Croatian brand, Market has made a Market tote bag that they sell for 30 kn and is available at the restaurant. 

Behind the Mojati brand is a creative trio consisting of Jelka Margarita Bogdanić, Ira Pećarević and Karlo Jelić. The brand stood out by making bracelets with Zagreb motifs, and the one with the Zagreb Cathedral is especially striking. The mentioned Zagreb Cathedral after the bracelet was a big hit after the earthquake that hit the city in March.

“There is no profit from the sale of tote bags, but by making checkers we want to connect with our guests and strengthen the Market brand because we plan to stay on the Zagreb gastro scene for a long time,” says Fran.

Risotto (Photo credit: Luka Hrvatić for Wolt)

In addition to the above, Market still offer fine cocktails in jars with lids 2 Go. Everything is also available to order through Wolt and Bolt food delivery applications, and for pick up at Gundulićeva 13 with which you get a 10% discount.

“Due to the measures, we can’t hold our ‘Reopening’ parties on Friday nights, so we switched the festivities to Saturday from noon. On a sunny day in front of the Market there is direct sunlight from noon to 5 pm, where, with all the measures in mind, guests relax with a nice coffee or one of our cocktails.”