A gourmet December in Zagreb: Le Bistro unveils Chef Ana Grgić Tomić’s new menu

by croatiaweek
December 4, 2025
in Food & Wine

(Photos: Lili Bašić/Arhiva hotela Esplanade)

Le Bistro at Zagreb’s iconic Esplanade Hotel has unveiled a new à la carte menu, and it arrives at the perfect moment, just as the city settles into its festive rhythm of gatherings, long lunches and elegant December dinners.

In a space where Parisian charm blends seamlessly with Zagreb’s relaxed everyday atmosphere, Executive Chef Ana Grgić Tomić once again pushes the boundaries of bistro cuisine.

Her latest menu highlights bold flavours, seasonal ingredients and a refined signature style that has become instantly recognisable to Le Bistro’s loyal guests.

The experience begins with smoked prawns paired with quince and chilli, a vibrant opener that immediately raises expectations.

Smoked prawns (Photo: Lili Bašić)

Autumn woodland flavours come through in porcini croquettes, elevated with a sunflower seed pesto, thyme and an unexpected, yet irresistible, crunchy pork crackling crumble.

Croquettes (Photo: Lili Bašić)

The line-up of starters continues with snails infused with anise, served alongside an orzotto enriched with herbal pesto, an airy foam, parsley powder and crisped oats.

Snails infused with anise (Photo: Lili Bašić)

Scallops arrive nestled in a silky pumpkin and orange velouté, complemented by cauliflower cream, pumpkin seed pesto and a delicate pumpkin tuile.

Scallops (Photo: Lili Bašić)

Creamy risotto with golden chanterelles (Photo: Lili Bašić)

For true winter comfort, the creamy chestnut soup with hazelnut mousse and chestnut carpaccio offers warmth in both aroma and flavour.

Creamy chestnut soup (Photo: Lili Bašić)

“Seasonality is always the best guide,” says Chef Grgić Tomić. “In colder months, I focus on clarity of flavour, on textures that give character, and on techniques that showcase the quality of each ingredient. I love when a dish looks simple yet carries a great deal of thought.”

Tuna marinirana (Photo: Lili Bašić)

The new mains highlight Ana’s skill in balancing complex winter flavours.

Her cuttlefish ragout blends aromatic herbs, sautéed kale, a velvety smoked sweet potato and honey sauce, and crisped sweet potato for added texture.

Cuttlefish ragout (Photo: Lili Bašić)

A standout is the baked cod fillet with a fragrant herb crust, served with white beans spiced with paprika and chilli, and rounded off with a cod broth, a dish that promises to be a guest favourite.

Baked cod filet (Photo: Lili Bašić)

For meat lovers, the venison fillet with smoked cherries and a luxurious juniper berry sauce delivers a rich, indulgent winter experience.

Venison (Photo: Lili Bašić)

Crispy rolls with duck confit (Photo: Lili Bašić)

Of course, Le Bistro’s beloved classics remain on the menu: the iconic Wiener schnitzel, hand-chopped beef tartare, the ever-popular baked štrukli (also available gluten-free), the traditional French onion soup, and the crisp and comforting Caesar salad.

Štrukli (Photo: Arhiva hotela Esplanade)

The sweet finale offers three beautifully composed treats. The walnut mousse with poppy seed sponge, ricotta cream, caramelised apples and crunchy walnuts brings a perfect harmony of autumn flavours.

For something deeper and more intense, the warm banana and coffee brownie with tahini, caramelised banana and brown-butter crumble is the ideal winter indulgence.

Warm brownie (Photo: Lili Bašić)

Those preferring something lighter will enjoy the blackberry semifreddo with blackberry ganache, hazelnut–tonka sponge and a fragrant basil syrup.

Blackberry semifreddo (Photo: Lili Bašić)

Alongside the new à la carte selection, Chef Grgić Tomić is also presenting a special holiday menu available from 4 December, featuring traditional favourites with a modern touch.

The classic cod pâté served with homemade herb brioche is an instant highlight, while traditional cod on white and cod on red remain essential festive staples.

Guests can also try cod-filled ravioli with sun-dried tomato cream and a rich tomato–basil velouté, or smoked cod croquettes paired with roasted okra in aromatic olive oil, a familiar dish reimagined with fresh flair.

No festive menu would be complete without desserts. The walnut ice cream with crisp brioche, smoked plum gel and rum-poached plums is a true winter treat.

Chestnut crémeux (Photo: Lili Bašić)

A gingerbread tart with mandarin sabayon, cinnamon sponge and spiced apple marmalade brings the nostalgic flavours of home, while Esplanade’s own traditional Christmas cake offers a luxurious combination of chocolate, spices, nuts and dried fruit.

Whether for a leisurely breakfast, relaxed lunch, romantic dinner, a glass of chilled sparkling wine, a fine bottle, or simply something sweet, Le Bistro invites guests to enjoy moments worth remembering.