Food & Wine
From Zadar Market to the Lostura table
The best villa meals often begin without a recipe: a morning in Zadar, ingredients chosen because they look good, and nowhere else to be for dinner.
Quick answer
Quick answer: From Zadar Market to the Lostura table
Go to Zadar’s green market and neighbouring indoor fish market early enough to browse without rushing. Choose one main ingredient, add seasonal vegetables, bread and something simple for dessert, then let the villa do the rest: prep indoors, move outside to the masonry chimney grill and stay at the table beneath the trees.
Shop for a day, not a performance
A market morning works best when dinner is not over-designed. Zadar’s main market brings together seasonal vegetables, fruit, cheeses and other local produce, while the neighbouring indoor fish market holds the morning catch. The official city guide describes the market as a year-round meeting place, with its richest colour from spring into autumn.
Look once before buying. Ask what is best that day. Choose fish only if you are comfortable cleaning and preparing it, or ask the seller what preparation is available. Cold-chain food safety matters: bring suitable insulated storage and return refrigerated ingredients promptly.
Build the meal around one good thing
Fresh fish needs very little beside it. Tomatoes, peppers or courgettes can share the grill; potatoes, greens or a salad can be prepared indoors; bread turns what remains into lunch the next day. If the catch does not appeal, the same outdoor chimney works beautifully for vegetables or meat.
The point is not to imitate a restaurant. It is the sequence: rinsing produce, opening a bottle, somebody setting the table while somebody else lights the fire. Dinner begins before anyone sits down.
Market in the morning. Fire at dusk. The rest of the day can stay open.
Use the house as the day changes
Villa Lostura has two indoor kitchens, which gives a full house more breathing room for breakfast, snacks and parallel preparation. The main kitchen opens toward the dining space and terrace; the separate second kitchen adds another practical place for families or groups moving at different speeds.
Outside, the preparation area and traditional masonry chimney are genuine cooking equipment. They are distinct from the indoor fireplace, whose role is warmth, wine and conversation when the evening turns cooler.
Follow the visual sequence from kitchen to garden, outdoor fire, long table and an evening by the indoor fireplace on The Mediterranean Table.
When somebody else should cook
A food-led stay also needs nights out. Restaurant Foša is one seafood option in Zadar, while Taverna Diklo offers a more relaxed coastal table. For wine, Kraljevski Vinogradi welcomes tastings in the vineyards above Petrčane.
These are independent businesses. Villa Lostura does not operate their services or make reservations; check their official sites and book directly.
Good to know
Questions, answered.
Does Zadar have both a green market and a fish market?
Yes. Zadar’s main green market is beside a covered indoor fish market. The official tourist-board guide presents them together as a year-round part of the city’s food life.
Can guests cook fresh fish outdoors at Villa Lostura?
Yes. Villa Lostura has a true outdoor preparation area and traditional masonry chimney grill suitable for fish, meat and vegetables, as well as two indoor kitchens. The indoor fireplace is separate and used for warmth and atmosphere, not cooking.
Does Villa Lostura arrange market shopping or a private chef?
No shopping, private-chef or catering service is currently included. The story is about guests choosing ingredients and cooking together. External venues and services are contacted and booked directly by guests.
Where can guests taste local wine near Kožino?
Kraljevski Vinogradi has an official tasting room in the vineyards above Petrčane. Guests should contact the winery directly for current tasting formats, availability and reservations.
Sources & editorial notes
Details were checked against the official sources below on 14 August 2026. Opening times, tours, reservations and seasonal conditions can change; check directly before setting out.
- Zadar City Market & Fish Market Official Zadar Tourist Board guide; verify current hours locally.
- Kraljevski Vinogradi tasting room Independent winery; contact and reserve directly.
- Restaurant Foša Independent restaurant; contact and reserve directly.
- Taverna Diklo Independent restaurant; contact and reserve directly.