Bazaar, Zagreb

It is completely clear that the selection of ethnic restaurants in Zagreb is rather poor. The selection revolves mostly around several Mexican and Chinese restaurants. The list also includes “exotic” ones like one Indian, one Greek, two Japanese, but the story more or less ends here. There all those who want diverse ethnic food that is so available in every major European city, we have to make you happy with the news that Zagreb has recently added an Arabic restaurant to its roster (Arabic in the widest possible sense).

 

As it now seems, the owner will take care that the restaurant is not short lived. Bazaar is located in one of the newly erected towers on the crossing of Vukovarska and Heinzelova, in the Zagreb Tower. During the day, the restaurant is some sort of a canteen for the employees in Zagreb Tower and surrounding business buildings, and in the evening, the atmosphere turns a bit more intimate, although the space is very high, open and modern, so it was not possible anyway to create the “Arabic-intimate-1.001 nights” atmosphere.

 

However, the pleasant atmosphere is anyway enhanced by the Arab music for all tastes, incense sticks, full restaurant, and on several days there is also a belly dance performance. As far as menu is concerned, it is not big, includes some of the well known and recognizable dishes of Arab cuisine, making it accessible and not intimidating. Another commendable thing is that the friendly staff will help you choose something from the menu if you yourself are not sure.

 

We recommend you definitely start with one of the cold starters, perhaps with a selection of mezze that includes hummous, tabouleh, babba ganouj, fattoush, moutabel thnia and similar cold dishes from the Mediterranean-Middle East cuisine. If that does not fill you up, there is also the cous-cous with vegetables, lamb or chicken, grilled lamb, beef or chicken tajine, falafel, and several types of Arabic salads.

 

Dishes coming from the kitchen of the young Moroccan chef are delicious and smell of Middle Eastern aromas, and the servings are of decent size. The desserts are particularly interesting, and if you have no experience with Middle Eastern sweets, you will probably be surprised by their unusual flavors.

 

As far as the wine list is concerned, they are currently offering only wines from Herzegovina, Zilavka and Blatina, and expansion of the selection would be good. Many people will be thrilled by Sarajevsko pivo.

 

All in all, we can be satisfied with the first days of Bazaar. Food is tasty and interesting, servings abundant, prices reasonable, staff friendly, and the owner listens to suggestions and criticism in order to keep the high service level. People of Zagreb realized that immediately, so it is welcome to reserve a seat a few days in advance.

General impression: an interesting experience of Arab cuisine in the heart of business Zagreb

Address: Radnicka cesta 80, Zagreb Tower

Phone (and delivery): 01 6187 389

Seats: 80 seats

Open: Mon – Fri noon to 11 pm, Sun noon to 6 pm

Reservation necessary: yes

Specialized in Arabian cuisine