Summer at Le Bistro: Chef Ana Grgić Tomić unveils a new à la carte fantasy of flavours with a seaside twist
Ana’s latest à la carte menu is a celebration of seasonal ingredients brought together in enticing pairings: roasted figs with rosemary, honey and smoked almonds; marinated sardines; wagyu tartare with truffle brioche; zucchini flowers stuffed with Adriatic shrimp; carrot and cardamom ravioli; scallop tartare with apricots and caviar; tuna with tacos; risotto with bottarga and lime; mullet with saffron polenta; steak with asparagus; and a selection of exquisite desserts with hints of honey, lavender and Amalfi lemon.
When temperatures rise in Zagreb and the city slows down, the terrace of Le Bistro at the Esplanade Hotel becomes one of those special places where summer can be felt in every corner: from the view of the lively streets to the freshness of seasonal dishes and the scent of coffee enjoyed in the shade of the terrace. For the summer season, Executive Chef Ana Grgić Tomić has created a new à la carte menu that brings together simple elegance, seasonal ingredients and a touch of imagination – perfect for those wanting to taste summer in every bite.
Fresh, playful starters to awaken the palate
Marinated sardines served with pickled monk’s beard; shallots, raisins and pine nuts ‘in saor’; and crispy tapioca are sure to delight your palate. “This dish perfectly reflects our philosophy: few ingredients, bold flavours”, Ana notes. For a more intense taste of the sea, try tuna marinated in soy and sesame, paired with corn tacos, a spicy tomato and chilli marmalade, basil aioli, and a roasted pepper and fennel gazpacho. A true burst of summer flavours on the plate. If you love shellfish, the scallop tartare with Oscietra caviar, pickled apricot tartare, English celery and elderflower aioli is layered, intriguing and refined. If you prefer vegetarian dishes, be sure to try the roasted figs with rosemary and honey, served with goat’s curd mousse, smoked almond pesto and fig leaf oil – a true showstopper that evokes Mediterranean gardens at the height of summer. For something lighter, the creamy asparagus soup or the signature Esplanade risotto with nettle, tuna bottarga and lime make perfect summer plates.
Familiar ingredients in a fresh new guise
The main courses feature classic dishes prepared with a contemporary touch, with careful attention to detail and seasonal produce. Venison ossobucco is served with homemade corn gnocchi in a herb and wine sauce, while the lamb chops are paired with young peas and broccoli, topped with a mint-infused panko crumble for added texture. Fish is a must in the summer months, so we recommend the succulent, crispy mullet with dried tomato peel, white polenta, and sweet-spicy tomato and chilli marmalade. We also recommend the poached salmon with rhubarb marmalade, wasabi cream and coriander foam. This dish makes use of the whole fish and is a perfect example of just how delicious sustainable cuisine can be.
Each dish tells a story
“This menu is dedicated to summer – it’s light, seasonal, and bursting with flavours that evoke the sea and the Mediterranean. Each dish is designed to offer guests a moment to savour and a reason to return. I believe food should be authentic and prepared with love – just as I’d want to enjoy it myself”, says Chef Ana Grgić Tomić.
Classics that never go out of style
Alongside seasonal new dishes, the menu still features tried-and-true favourites: oven-crisped Esplanade štrukli (including a gluten-free version), steak tartare from hand-cut premium meat, French onion soup made using the original recipe, Caesar salad with chicken, and a true Wiener Schnitzel deep fried in butter, served with creamy mashed potatoes and a mixed leaf salad – delivering that familiar taste that feels like home.
Desserts as the perfect final touch
To round things off, something sweet: charred honey crèmeux with apricots and sparkling wine jelly, a strawberry tart with pistachio and frangipane, and a dessert of marinated figs with lavender, Amalfi lemon and ricotta – all beautifully presented and very, very tasty.
Menu du Jour: a quick and clever choice for every day
From Monday to Sunday, from 12 to 17 hrs, Le Bistro offers a daily Menu du Jour: a three-course meal selected by the chef, served with a glass of wine and coffee or tea, all for €42. It’s the ideal option for anyone looking for exceptional cuisine and a refreshing break in the middle of the day. Le Bistro also serves à la carte breakfast. Every day from 9 to 11 hrs, you can enjoy fresh fruit, Eggs Benedict, avocado toast, croissants, homemade pancakes, and premium coffee in the shade of its terrace.
Your calm oasis in the heart of the city
Le Bistro remains one of Zagreb’s favourite spots to return to every summer. Whether you’re coming for breakfast, a business lunch, dinner with a city view, or simply a place where familiar faces greet you and you can relax with a glass of fine wine, it’s the perfect retreat. The pleasant atmosphere, friendly staff, and the cool shade of the terrace create an experience that’s hard to resist.
Le Bistro is open every day from 9:00 to 23:00 (kitchen serves until 22:30). Book your table by phone at 01 45 666 11 or by email at [email protected]. Find more information at www.lebistro.hr.
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IMAGES (Photo by Esplanade Zagreb Hotel Archive and Lili Bašić): Le Bistro summer menu ljeto 2025
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ABOUT EXECUTIVE CHEF ANA GRGIĆ TOMIĆ
Ana Grgić Tomić, the lady of the Esplanade kitchen, started her culinary journey at the hotel 25 years ago. For more than thirteen years, she has been at the helm of Zinfandel’s Restaurant, known as one of the top dining establishments in Croatia, as well as the delightful French restaurant Le Bistro. In addition, she has skilfully overseen the operations of Esplanade Catering. Throughout all those years, her innovative and creative menus have impressed numerous guests and famous people from the world of showbiz and entertainment, members of royal families like King Charles III, world statespeople and many more. Ana has received numerous accolades for her personality, excellence, and cooking style. Prestigious publications nominated her for Woman of the Year and Person of the Year. Her risotto was included in the famous Guida Gallo guide’s list of the best risottos in the world in 2013, 2016 and 2022. Ana’s style of preparing dishes and her personality have led her to participate as a jury member in the popular TV cooking shows Celebrity MasterChef and Three, Two, One – Cook!. In addition, Ana proudly holds the title of ambassador for the Fish Forward Project in Croatia as part of the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) initiative. She sets an example by raising consumer awareness about the global environmental and social impact of consuming fishery products. Ana was among the first in Croatia to introduce the Food Waste programme into the hotel business in cooperation with WWF. Her commitment to sustainable food preparation has earned Zinfandel’s Restaurant a prestigious Green Michelin star. In 2023, at the European Hotel Awards presentation in Barcelona, the World Gastronomy Organization awarded Ana with a special Étoile Blanche award. In 2022, Ana was crowned Chef of the Year by the guide Gault&Millau Croatia. Additionally, in 2016, she was honoured with the title of Great Chef of Tomorrow. Her culinary virtuosity and creativity have been recognised by the gourmet association Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, which awarded Ana the prestigious title of Chef Rôtisseur. Throughout her years of working at the hotel, Ana has had the opportunity to collaborate with numerous foreign chefs awarded with Michelin stars from France, Italy, Israel, Korea, the UK, and Austria. She is also a regular guest with her team at top restaurants abroad, representing the very best of Croatian gastronomy.
Published: Zagreb, 31 July 2025
