A Weekend at the Hotel Esplanade in Zagreb, Croatia, brings out the luxurious spirit of the famed Orient Express – first class all the way!

The imposing exterior gives way to a very tasteful and modern interior.

And the staff seem to be very much part of a family, more than a work team.

Throughout the hotel, the feeling is fresh and elegant.

But a special and very well-earned recognition must be addressed to the cuisine served at the Esplanade restaurants.

One expects to dine well at a five-star hotel, but very rarely are the restaurant outlets prodigious in leading the way in the gastronomy of a capital city, let alone an entire country!

The Esplanade is a notable exception – the food is absolutely glorious!

In its attention to detail, in its presentation, in its ingredients, in all qualities, actually; but especially in its creativity and playful adventurousness.

And for dessert, how does “Chili cream stuffed marzipan raviolo, campari granita and lemon grass sauce” sound?

Well, I turned my nose up right away!

But, since all preceding dishes had blown me away, and my taste buds were primed for adventure, I gave it a shot.

Nirvana!!! – the imperturbable stillness of mind after the fires of desire, aversion, and delusion have been finally extinguished.

Naturally, traditional favorites are also served to your preferences.

And always with the very best local and international ingredients.

But still that creative prodigy is always there to tease and delight you!

The genius behind the gastronomy is Ana Grgić – and to focus on her individual role as the highlight of a top-class hotel involving the work of hundreds of employees is really a statement to her brilliance – Chef de cuisine Ana Grgić, whose loyal clientele includes top food critics, showcases Europe’s best fine and bistro dining traditions in the city’s most elegant hotel. Allow her to take you on a unique journey of local cuisine at Zinfandel’s – widely regarded as the top restaurant in Croatia – or choose from one of three other destination eateries. Whether you choose grand style or buzzy al fresco dining, prepare for an unforgettable experience.

Here she is – apparently she started work at the Esplanade as a volunteer in the kitchen!

And with consideration for Muslim guests, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel not only offers a dedicated menu, but has received the Halal Quality Certificate.

Besides the accolades for such exquisite cuisine, it must be said that it is a combination of senses that makes the Esplanade work so well – the tastes, yes, but also the locale, the sounds, the feel, the atmosphere, the history, and the plain excellent service, and the fabulous city of Zagreb, which all combine to make an excellent stay unforgettable.

An evening dining on the terrace with live music is a good way to top off a stay at the Esplanade.

One of the world’s great hotels, the Esplanade Zagreb is a monument, a challenge to hoteliers of the world – try and top us if you can!

The Hotel Esplanade in Zagreb, Croatia, is easy to find, here is an interactive map:

View Hotel Esplanade, Zagreb in a larger map and download the GPS track coordinates here.

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel: Hotel booking information‎

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