In Zagreb, the hottest tables are the ones that put Croatian cooking front and center.

The restaurant opened in 2019 in a former stable in the city center.

The experience felt highly personal not least because Sakota serves only 10 to 12 guests each night.

A restaurant bar and seating; a food dish made of vegetables served at Noel Restaurant in Zagreb, Croatia

Noel Restaurant in Zagreb; A dish of carrot carpaccio with sour cream, cumin, and young lettuce sprouts at Noel.Credit:Marina Rendulić/Courtesy of Noel

They always remind me of my origins and of kindness.

A yellow-hued food dish served at Nav in Zagreb, Croatia

A dish made of pumpkin, poppy miso, and cauliflower on the tasting menu at Nav.Courtesy of NAV RESTAURANT

A vegetable food dish served at Nav in Zagreb, Croatia

A dish made of baby swiss chard and fish scales on the tasting menu at Nav.Courtesy of NAV RESTAURANT

A restaurant filled street in Zagreb, Croatia

Strolling Tkalčićeva Street in central Zagreb.J. Duval/Courtesy of Zagreb Tourist Board

A person preparing a restaurant dish

A dish on Noel’s new spring menu.Marina Rendulić/Courtesy of Noel

A lasagna food dish served at Theatrium by Filho in Zagreb, Croatia

Lasagna made from homemade mincemeat, turkey and pickled beets served at Theatrium by Filho.Courtesy of Theatrium by Filho