Hotel Esplanade again the city’s gourmet hotspot and place to be this Advent

by croatiaweek
November 27, 2025
in Entertainment

The iconic Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is once again set to become one of the city’s most popular festive spots, unveiling a refined Advent programme that blends heritage, contemporary flair and gourmet creativity.

This year, Fooling Around by Fuliranje brings an air of Orient Express nostalgia to the Oleander Terrace, complete with an elevated after-work music programme and some of the most enticing street-gourmet offerings in Zagreb.

Esplanade’s much-loved Advent hut returns as a must-visit spot for food lovers, presenting a polished take on street food crafted by Executive Chef Ana Grgić Tomić.

New to this year’s menu is crispy panko-coated salmon with sesame, paired with a colourful beetroot, carrot and cabbage salad and a fragrant Dijon, honey and orange dressing.

The hotel’s cult croquettes make a festive comeback, this time enriched with Drniš prosciutto, pepper marmalade and cheese aioli.

Classic winter comfort shines in the hearty buncek tortilla with horseradish cream and herbs, as well as aromatic tripe with pancetta and parmesan crustine.

The beloved Esplanade burger also returns, alongside the hotel’s legendary baked štrukli, available in a gluten-free version with prior order.

Pastry Chef Mirjana Špoljar completes the experience with indulgent seasonal desserts, from apples cooked in white wine with cinnamon and walnut cream to a velvety chocolate mousse with winter spices.

A cranberry, orange and ginger crumble adds a vibrant, warming finish to the sweet offering.

Festive cocktails curated by renowned mixologist Vjenceslav Madić – Master Kishoni set the tone for winter evenings on the terrace.

Highlights include The Štrukli Affair, an inventive blend of yoghurt liqueur, salted caramel, warm pear juice and gin, served with a parmesan crisp.

His collection also features the honey-infused Golden Bee, signature mulled wines and a tropical-winter Esplanade Punch.

Beyond its outdoor magic, the Esplanade offers a full programme of indoor festive experiences: seasonal menus at Zinfandel’s and Le Bistro, afternoon tea in the Orient Express spirit, and a selection of cakes, small bites and warming drinks in the Esplanade 1925 Bar.

Advent Sundays bring a lavish brunch accompanied by piano music, while Christmas Day and the weeks leading up to it promise a full ambience of tradition and elegance.

The celebrations culminate in a glamorous New Year’s Eve gala, complete with red carpet, sparkling wine and a six-course dinner accompanied by live music.

Marking its centenary year, the Esplanade invites guests to experience a festive season filled with charm, sophistication and unforgettable moments.