Zagreb’s Hotel Esplanade once again becomes a gourmet hotspot and the brightest center of the city’s social life this holiday season

15/12/2025

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Zagreb’s Hotel Esplanade once again becomes a gourmet hotspot and the brightest center of the city’s social life this holiday season

This year, FOOLING AROUND by Fuliranje brings the ambiance of the Orient Express to the iconic Hotel Esplanade’s Oleander Terrace, with a premium after work music program and the most exciting street gourmet offerings in town.
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Imagine: tortilla with smoked pork knuckle, hearty fileki with pancetta, crispy salmon sticks, a fantastic beef burger, cult favorite creamy croquettes now featuring Drniš prosciutto, legendary baked Esplanade štrukli, cranberry crumble, apples poached in white wine, creative hot cocktails… At the Esplanade Advent stall, a parade of delicious treats awaits — flavors you simply must try.
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It’s hard to resist the magic of the holiday season at Esplanade — especially when you indulge in the seasonal menus at Zinfandel’s and Le Bistro, enjoy afternoon tea, divine desserts, and signature cocktails at the Esplanade 1925 Bar. It’s a little Christmas fairytale in the heart of Zagreb.
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And for New Year’s Eve, Esplanade is preparing a glamorous evening to remember. With sparkling wine, a red carpet, unforgettable dishes crafted by Chef Ana Grgić Tomić, and the rhythms of the renowned music group Showtime, you’ll step into 2026 with plenty of dance and even more holiday cheer.

With views of the magical fountain and iconic Zagreb skyline, the Esplanade terrace becomes once again the epicenter of Advent magic — where charm, tradition, excellent gourmet offerings, and a relaxed vibe come together for an unforgettable holiday experience. FOOLING AROUND by Fuliranje delivers an excellent music lineup and fun outdoor events throughout December that guarantee a fantastic atmosphere. And for every foodie, the Esplanade holiday hut remains a must visit spot: Chef Ana Grgić Tomić has created gastronomic hits that, without exaggeration, every true food lover will want to taste.

STREET FOOD — BUT ELEGANT. WITH THE SIGNATURE ESPLANADE TOUCH.

The Esplanade Advent stall— a favorite gourmet stop on Zagreb’s Advent trail — once again raises the bar this winter, blending top tier street food, unexpected cocktail twists, and an enthusiastic team of chefs, pastry chefs, and bartenders. Chef Ana Grgić Tomić and renowned mixologist Vjenceslav Madić — Master Kishoni have joined forces again to create a holiday experience that fuses tradition, contemporary techniques, seductive charm, and a touch of carefree winter magic.

A highlight on Ana’s holiday menu is crispy panko crusted salmon with sesame, served with a vibrant beet, carrot, and cabbage salad and a homemade Dijon mustard, honey, and orange dressing, finished with pickled fennel and saffron — crunchy and utterly irresistible. The beloved Esplanade croquettes this year are dangerously tempting, served with Drniš prosciutto, pepper jam, cheese aioli, and fresh arugula — comfort food that never goes out of style.

The buncek tortilla wraps warm winter emotions — with smoked pork knuckle and sauerkraut wrapped in a soft tortilla with house horseradish cream and aromatic herbs — an ultimate favorite. For lovers of traditional cuisine and hearty warm dishes, Esplanade also offers aromatic fileki with pancetta, served with crisp Parmesan crusts — rustic with a hint of chic to warm the soul and palate. The legendary Esplanade burger — juicy and delicious, just as it should be — returns to the Esplanade hut to win hearts again, topped with house onion marmalade, melted cheddar, and pickles. And finally, the timeless classic that needs no introduction — the cult favorite Esplanade štrukli — baked, fragrant, creamy, and crispy all at once — unbeatable in taste and quality. Available upon pre order, they also come in a gluten free version.
Sweet holiday moments are entrusted to Mirjana Špoljar, Esplanade’s head pastry chef. Apples poached in white wine with cinnamon, paired with walnut cream and warm caramel sauce, make a fragrant dessert that embraces you like the most beautiful winter fairytale. Chocolate mousse with winter spices — velvety with notes of wine poached cherries — is pure hedonism melting in your mouth. Cranberry crumble with orange and ginger — juicy, fresh, slightly spicy, romantically winter — alongside vanilla cream and maple syrup — perfectly rounds out the Advent indulgence.

An essential part of Esplanade’s holiday concept is a selection of warm, aromatic cocktails by Vjenceslav Madić — Master Kishoni, crafted as the ideal pairing for winter bites. A standout among them is The Štrukli Affair — an innovative drink combining yogurt liqueur and salted caramel, warm pear juice, and a hint of gin, with a crispy Parmesan disc — an unexpected, warm, and velvety combination inspired by the famous Esplanade štrukli — a true winter fantasy for fans of culinary discoveries. Kishoni’s collection also includes The Golden Bee — a blend of honey wine, whiskey, and winter spices — and Festive Esplanade White & Red Wine, Esplanade’s take on mulled wine with notes of elderberry, blackcurrant, and citrus — Advent favorites you can’t miss. For a touch of exotic warmth, there’s Esplanade Punch — with aromas of coconut, banana, apple, and cinnamon in a warm, tropical winter harmony.

This winter, the Esplanade Advent stall remains the place to be — cozy, chic, and irresistibly delicious — the spot on Zagreb’s Advent where tradition meets modern creativity — where the scents of mulled wine, štrukli, and winter spices create an atmosphere you’ll want to return to again and again.

MAGICAL HOLIDAYS AND A GLAMOROUS NEW YEAR’S EVE 2026 AT ESPLANADE

Hotel Esplanade has always been a symbol of Zagreb luxury, and this holiday season it becomes the true centerpiece of festive joy — the go to destination for family gatherings, Christmas celebrations, and the most glamorous New Year’s Eve in town!

Book your stay in one of the sumptuous rooms or suites with views over Zagreb’s Advent, be at the center of the festivities, and surrender to enjoyment in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar with afternoon tea and a selection of snacks and sweets on a tiered tray. Warm up with a hot cocktail or berry infused hot chocolate, or sample the delicious Esplanade Christmas cake with dried fruit and chocolate. This Advent, gather your family for the traditional Advent brunch at Zinfandel’s — for four Sundays of Advent, enjoy festive vibes, fine delicacies, live piano music, and a welcome glass of bubbly. Celebrate the holidays in the charming Christmas atmosphere of Le Bistro — from December 4, enjoy seasonal cod dishes and holiday sweets. Spend Christmas Day in the fairytale ambiance of Hotel Esplanade. And for the wildest night of the year — the magnificent New Year’s Eve celebration in the Emerald Ballroom and Zinfandel’s with a red carpet, top notch sparkling wine, a six course dinner, live music, and a special children’s New Year countdown — all designed for a glamorous entrance into a new and even better 2026.
This year, Esplanade celebrates its anniversary 100th birthday — and it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy all the wonders it offers — full of holiday sparkle and unforgettable moments. Get ready for the magic of Advent at Esplanade — where every corner shines with special holiday brilliance and unforgettable experiences await you!