The new à la carte menu at Le Bistro brings an array of fantastic seasonal flavours, signed by Chef Ana Grgić Tomić
Inspired by the season and the lightness of enjoyment, Le Bistro’s new menu offers a subtle interplay of freshness and creativity. Each dish is thoughtfully composed, with an emphasis on purity of flavour and harmony of textures, while the overall experience is rounded off by warm, seductive notes that linger long after the last bite. Once again, it is a fusion of local ingredients and French cuisine, with a strong focus on sustainability, all bearing the signature of Chef Ana Grgić Tomić.
In the heart of Zagreb, where Parisian chic meets the rhythm of a modern city, the iconic Le Bistro at the Esplanade Hotel once again confirms its status as one of the most desirable destinations for fine dining. Whether you choose the vibrant terrace overlooking the bustling streets or the charming interior with its glass-enclosed winter garden, Le Bistro offers an experience that goes beyond a meal—it is a ritual of enjoyment in every moment. With this new menu, Chef Ana Grgić Tomić remains true to her recognizable philosophy: seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, clean flavours, and creative touches that make each dish unique. “The new menu is conceived as a light yet layered gastronomic story. I play with textures, combine familiar ingredients in new ways, and highlight their natural flavours. It’s important to me that every dish has balance, follows sustainability principles, and delivers pleasure from the first to the last bite,” Ana explains.
A Start You Don’t Want to Miss
Begin with cured salmon trout tartare—fresh, vibrant, and full of character, enhanced by citrus aioli and lightly smoked cream. Seafood lovers will enjoy the creamy crab with apple and baby spinach, offering an unexpectedly perfect balance. Vegetarian options such as confit tomato and stuffed zucchini flower impress with their simple yet powerful flavour combinations. Don’t miss the roasted asparagus with mini ricotta gnocchi, enriched with brown butter and truffle foam—a true comfort dish with a twist. For those seeking bolder flavours, homemade wild garlic pasta with smoked clams and lemongrass velouté delivers a layered, aromatic, and irresistible experience.
Soup with Character & Risotto with a Twist
Warm up with a creamy asparagus soup served with goat cheese quiche—rich in fresh flavours with a refined French touch. For something more adventurous, the Italian-style risotto with young nettle, coconut and mango gel, and caramelized mango with chili offers an unexpected, exotic combination that pushes the boundaries of tradition – Ana’s signature on a plate.
Sea or Land – You Can’t Go Wrong
Choose from carefully curated seafood and meat dishes that balance flavours and textures beautifully. Smoked amberjack with potato foam and dried bonito offers deep, rounded aromas, while crispy mackerel with roasted peppers and smoked sweet potato delivers richness in every bite. Meat lovers will enjoy guinea fowl piccata with pea and mint cream – light, fresh, and full of character. For a heartier option, veal chop with porcini mushrooms, caramelized shallots, and caper sauce provides a bold, layered, and perfectly executed dish.
A Sweet Ending to Remember
Save room for dessert—you’ll be glad you did. The combination of tonka bean and vanilla with strawberries, elderflower, and lime delivers freshness with aromatic depth. Peach and basil dessert with yogurt namelaka offers balance and delicate, clean flavours. For lovers of modern classics, carrot and orange sponge with ricotta cream and chocolate crémeux with mint and sour cherry promise an intense, playful finale with a true wow effect.
Timeless Classics You’ll Always Return To
Alongside new creations, Le Bistro’s beloved classics remain: the famous Esplanade baked štrukli (also available gluten-free), freshly hand-cut steak tartare seasoned to perfection, crispy Caesar salad, and the iconic Wiener schnitzel fried in butter, served with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh salad—timeless favourites that never go out of style.
Indulgence That Lasts
The experience is completed with a carefully curated wine list, featuring excellent Croatian and international wines by the glass, along with relaxed, warm, and professional service that keeps guests coming back.
For those seeking a quick yet refined gourmet break, the Menu du Jour offers a three-course chef’s selection with a glass of wine and coffee or tea, priced at EUR 55.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, indulge in a selection of irresistible desserts by Esplanade’s head pastry chef Mirjana Špoljar, perfectly paired with coffee or prosecco. Start your day in style with a five-star breakfast – French toast, eggs Benedict, fresh fruit, and crispy croissants – simply choose your favourite.
Families are also welcome, with a dedicated children’s menu offering delicious, homemade, and nutritious dishes – so you can relax without worrying about cooking.
Le Bistro is open daily from 9 AM to 11 PM. Reservations are available by phone at +385 1 45 666 11 or via email at [email protected]. Whether for breakfast, coffee, a light lunch, or dinner with a glass of wine, Chef Ana Grgić Tomić’s new menu is yet another reason to pause, unwind, and enjoy a unique blend of flavours, ambiance, and top-tier service. More information at www.lebistro.hr
MEDIA DOWNLOADS
MENUS:
• Le Bistro à la carte menu (with allergens marked)
• Le Bistro drinks list
• Le Bistro children’s menu
• Le Bistro breakfast menu
ABOUT CHEF ANA GRGIĆ TOMIĆ
Ana Grgić Tomić, the leading lady of the Esplanade kitchen, began her culinary career at the hotel 25 years ago. For more than fourteen years, she has headed Zinfandel’s – one of Croatia’s finest restaurants – as well as the charming French restaurant Le Bistro, while also successfully leading Esplanade Catering. Her innovative and creative menus have impressed numerous guests, including celebrities, members of royal families such as King Charles III, world leaders, and many others. Ana has received numerous awards recognizing her personality, excellence, and culinary style, and has been nominated for Woman of the Year and Person of the Year by prestigious publications. Her risotto was included in the renowned Guida Gallo list of the world’s best risottos in 2013, 2016, and 2022. Her culinary style and personality have also led to appearances as a judge on popular cooking shows such as Celebrity MasterChef and Three, Two, One – Cook!. Ana is also a proud ambassador of WWF’s Fish Forward project in Croatia, promoting awareness of the environmental and social impact of seafood consumption. She was among the first in Croatia to introduce a Food Waste program in collaboration with WWF, helping Zinfandel’s earn a prestigious Michelin Green Star for sustainability. In 2023, she received the Étoile Blanche award from the World Gastronomy Organization at the European Hotel Awards in Barcelona. In 2022, she was named Chef of the Year by Gault&Millau Croatia, and in 2016 she received the Chef of Tomorrow award. Her culinary excellence has also been recognized by the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, which awarded her the title of Chef Rôtisseur. Throughout her career, Ana has collaborated with numerous Michelin-starred chefs from France, Italy, Israel, Korea, the United Kingdom, and Austria, and has represented the pinnacle of Croatian gastronomy through guest appearances at top international restaurants.
PRESS RELEASE
Zagreb, April 15, 2026
