The Esplanade invites you to embark on a culinary journey through the stations of the Orient Express with the elegant tradition of afternoon tea
As part of this experience, you will receive a charming, beautifully designed booklet showcasing the hotel’s rich history, along with a postcard that the staff will gladly send to an address of your choice
In the year of the Esplanade’s magnificent 100th anniversary celebration, Zagreb’s iconic symbol of sophistication and style is reviving the spirit of the golden age of travel with a limited-edition Afternoon Tea inspired by the Orient Express.
For a full century, the Esplanade has served as the central hub of Zagreb’s social life. It is a meeting place for artists, intellectuals, businesspeople, travellers and lovers of timeless charm. This is where big decisions were made, life’s milestones were celebrated, and iconic Hollywood scenes were filmed. Even today, this bar exudes the same cosmopolitan spirit. Its iconic Oleander terrace, nestled in the shade of fragrant olive trees and surrounded by pink blossoms, offers a view of the park and fountain. It invites you to relax and enjoy the perfect fusion of past and present with an elegant afternoon tea ritual. Every carefully crafted bite by Executive Chef Ana Grgić Tomić takes you on a culinary journey through the stations of the legendary Orient Express – from Paris to Venice, through Zagreb to Istanbul.
Afternoon tea, as a tribute to the elegance of a bygone era, is enjoyed slowly and with appreciation for every bite and sip. It is served on an elegant tiered stand for two. This limited-edition offering presents a refined selection of snacks that reinterpret the classics with a touch of modern luxury. Experience Paris with mini brioche with foie gras and pear marmalade, then take a culinary journey through Venice with the flavours of burrata, dried tomatoes, sardines, raisins and pine nuts. Make a quick stop in Zagreb for a taste of home with oven-roasted crispy, creamy and delicious Esplanade mini štrukli. Continue your journey towards the flavours of Istanbul with za’atar, hummus, yoghurt and mint. Finish off your trip with a sweet taste of Italy by indulging in a tiramisu cube with strawberries and prosecco. Experience the flavours of France with crispy macarons with lemon cream and choux with rum, chocolate and candied orange. And for a touch of the Orient, savour a dessert made of kadaif, pistachios, and rose water, along with Turkish delight with dried rose and walnuts that simply melts in the mouth. Step back in time to another era, where elegant gatherings feature a selection of premium teas and snacks that evoke memories and awaken new senses.
Enhance the experience with a glass of chilled Croatian bubbly, Italian prosecco or premium French champagne. Raise a glass to friendship, history, travel and gourmet experiences in the ambience of the Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar.
Along with this limited-edition Afternoon Tea, you can also expect a special memento of the Esplanade’s centenary – a stylised booklet about the hotel’s history and a postcard that the hotel staff will gladly send to the address of your choice.
Afternoon Tea is served daily from 12:30 to 18:30 in the Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar or on the Oleander Terrace. The price is just €45 and includes a platter with a selection of snacks and desserts for two, mini oven-crisped štrukli per person, and tea for two of your choice served in a teapot with lemon and honey.
Check out the limited-edition Afternoon Tea menu at the link. Book your table by calling 01 45 666 33.
Exclusive collection of signature cocktails marks the Esplanade’s centenary
If you haven’t already, be sure to bring friends and try the excellent mixes created by the renowned Esplanade mixologist Vjenceslav Madić – Master Kishoni. They’re sure to impress! Each cocktail in the collection of ten signature drinks is designed as a tribute to each decade of the Esplanade’s illustrious history. It is a selection that reflects the spirit of the era, the sophistication of taste, and visual artistry, perfectly fitting into the ambience of the Esplanade 1925 Bar. Each cocktail at the Esplanade is crafted using top-quality, carefully selected ingredients, some of which are exclusive to the hotel, and the latest mixology techniques to create a memorable blend of taste, aroma and overall impression. Ingredients such as Hennessy cognac, saffron, Green Chartreuse, XO rum, or Dom Pérignon are combined in creations that delight not only with their taste, but also with their attractive presentations – from smoke effects to bubbles dancing above the glass. The Paradise Garden cocktail features notes of Brazilian coffee, sherry and honey, while the Esplanade Royal offers a sumptuous blend of noble drinks in a single sip of history. The collection also includes intriguing mocktails, such as the Smoked Margarita and Green Bloody Mary, as well as ACALA for those preferring alcohol-free options.
Delicious timeless classics
In addition to cocktails and spirits, the Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar always offers premium champagnes and sparkling wines by the glass, selected spirits, craft beers, freshly squeezed and cold-pressed juices, as well as fine teas and Illy premium coffee.
For a complete gourmet experience, we suggest you try salty and sweet snacks from the kitchen of Esplanade’s Chef Ana Grgić Tomić. Delicious beef burger with cheddar and chili fries, crispy porcini pie with arugula and shavings of Pag cheese, crispy croquettes of dried tomatoes and smoked shrimps with sweet potato cream, a croissant with smoked salmon, tataki tuna with avocado cream, or timeless classics like Caesar salad, the iconic steak tartare, and a delicious Club Sandwich, all guaranteed to be the best in town, and should not be missed. If you are in company, try the Sharing Menu, offering bite-sized portions of our enticing classics. Add oven-crisped Esplanade štrukli (also available gluten-free), along with selected tempting desserts or simply fresh cut fruit – it doesn’t get any better than that!
100 years of style, 100 years of stories
The Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar, which still exudes art deco charm and sophisticated energy, is the central gathering place for all those who know how to recognise the true value of the moment. Impeccable service, dedicated staff, and a classy yet welcoming atmosphere make every visit special. The celebration of the Esplanade’s 100th anniversary revives the spirit of the past in the most sumptuous form, with unforgettable aromas, tastes and ambience.
And best of all
The Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar is open daily from 8:30 am for as long as until 2:00 am. Food is served from 12:00 noon until 12:30 am. Explore the menu at www.esplanade1925.hr. Come to the Esplanade 1925 Bar with your friends and experience true refreshment in the heart of Zagreb!
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DOWNLOAD:
- PHOTOS (Esplanade Zagreb Hotel’s Archive): Orient Express Afternoon Tea & Cocktails
About the hotel
The Esplanade Hotel is the most renowned and most luxurious hotel in Zagreb and the surrounding region. Over the years, its charm, elegance, and sophistication have only grown. It was opened back in 1925 to attract passengers of the famed Orient Express on the Paris–Istanbul route. The hotel nurtures its high quality thanks to its dedicated staff and team. Today, it remains an elite hotel and a top tourist destination in the city of Zagreb and the whole of Croatia. Always synonymous with opulence, it is the site of Zagreb’s main gatherings, frequented by famous guests such as Josephine Baker, Leonid Brezhnev, Charles Lindbergh, and others. After a renovation, the hotel preserved its signature art deco charm, reopening even more beautiful and captivating than before. It is considered a star among hotels in the entire region and beyond.
Published: Zagreb, 15 May 2025
