The story
Balon is a Croatian and Mediterranean restaurant at Prisavlje 2a in Zagreb, awarded 16 points by Gault&Millau in 2026. Michelin lists it as Recommended for the same year.
Stipan Iličić runs the kitchen. He trained in well-regarded restaurants in Croatia and abroad. The menu gives meat and seafood equal weight, with game appearing now and then, and it follows the season. Gault&Millau credits the quality of ingredients and precise cooking for the restaurant's steady standing in Zagreb.
Cold starters include Adriatic prawn carpaccio with figs in honey, wasabi and capers. The tuna tataki comes with pickled ginger, wakame and candied cherry tomatoes. Among the mains, look for smoked duck breast and venison rolls served with a porcini and chestnut risotto. Dry-aged ribeye, tomahawk and T-bone are sold by the kilo, depending on availability. Fresh Adriatic fish is sold the same way. Desserts include a chocolate soufflé with an almond crust and apple rolls with vanilla cream.
The interior is minimalist but warm, and the summer terrace is spacious. A display case of dry-aged steaks greets you at the entrance, and a second case holds fresh sea fish. The wine list is extensive, and the sommelier helps guide choices. The restaurant has hosted business lunches and family celebrations for more than twenty years.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location