Zagreb Cafes You Need To Try Now: From Specialty Beans To Cat Coffee Magic

EGGSPRESS - All day brunch energy and coffee buzz

EGGSPRESS is riding a serious word-of-mouth wave right now. With a 4.6 rating from more than 2,000 reviews, it has gone from a solid brunch option to a must-visit cafe-brunch hybrid.

Why it is trending:

• Constant review momentum and a strong growth score show locals keep coming back.
• It nails the all day brunch format with eggs done every way, solid espresso drinks, and quick service.
• The vibe is bright and casual, perfect for late breakfast, remote work, or a fuel stop between sightseeing.

Best for:

• Brunch plates with specialty-style coffee.
• A reliable first-day-in-Zagreb stop when you want comfort food and a clear menu.

MapsBuddy tip: Go outside peak brunch hours if you can. Late morning or mid afternoon usually means less waiting and more lingering.

ChiaCups Shop&Coffee Bar - Healthy twists and grab-and-go culture

ChiaCups Shop&Coffee Bar is a compact, health-leaning cafe that has quietly built a loyal fanbase, reflected in its 4.7 rating and steady growth.

Why it is trending:

• It taps into Zagreb’s growing demand for lighter, plant-forward options like chia puddings, smoothies, and alternative milks.
• The shop-and-bar combo makes it easy to grab something quick without sacrificing quality.
• Locals use it as a pre-work or post-gym stop, keeping a steady flow of regulars.

Best for:

• Quick, healthier breakfasts and snacks.
• Travelers who want dairy-free or lighter options without hunting all over town.

MapsBuddy tip: If you are exploring central Zagreb on foot, mark this as your healthy pit stop between museum visits.

Quahwa - Serious coffee for specialty fans

Quahwa is one of Zagreb’s most established names in specialty coffee, with a massive base of over 3,000 reviews and a 4.7 rating to back it up.

Why it is trending:

• It is a reference point for third wave coffee in the city, drawing both locals and coffee pilgrims.
• Consistent quality and barista know-how keep its reputation strong, which shows in its growth score even as a mature spot.
• The atmosphere balances serious coffee focus with a relaxed, social feel.

Best for:

• Espresso-based drinks, pour overs, and trying different origins.
• Coffee lovers who want to understand Zagreb’s specialty scene from a single counter.

MapsBuddy tip: Ask staff what beans they are excited about right now. They often have limited roasts that do not stay on the menu for long.

Melt - Dessert-first cafe culture

Melt pairs cafe drinks with dessert-forward creativity, which keeps it firmly on the radar despite being well known and well reviewed.

Why it is trending:

• A 4.2 rating across nearly 2,000 reviews shows it is a go-to for sweet cravings in the center.
• It leans into Instagram-friendly desserts and ice cream, which keeps younger locals and visitors dropping in.
• The coffee is solid enough to make it more than just a dessert bar, especially in the afternoon.

Best for:

• Coffee with something indulgent on the side, from cakes to ice cream.
• A mid-day or evening treat after walking around the old town.

MapsBuddy tip: Time your visit for golden hour. The combination of light, desserts, and city-center energy makes for great photos and people watching.

Cat Caffe Zagreb - Coffee with feline company

Cat Caffe Zagreb is one of the city’s most distinctive cafe experiences, and its 4.5 rating across more than 4,000 reviews proves the concept works.

Why it is trending:

• It offers a themed experience that is still relatively niche in Croatia, so it stands out in searches and on social media.
• The steady growth score shows that both tourists and locals keep discovering it.
• It combines cozy cafe vibes with the chance to hang out with resident cats, which makes it a memorable stop rather than just another coffee break.

Best for:

• Animal lovers and anyone looking for a playful, relaxed atmosphere.
• A rainy day activity when you want to slow down indoors.

MapsBuddy tip: Check any house rules on arrival, such as not waking sleeping cats. Respecting the space keeps the vibe calm for both animals and guests.

How to use this guide in Zagreb

Zagreb’s cafe culture is about lingering, people watching, and treating coffee as a small ritual. Use these trending spots as anchors in your itinerary, mixing a specialty stop like Quahwa with a brunch at EGGSPRESS, a health-focused break at ChiaCups, a dessert session at Melt, and a quirky visit to Cat Caffe Zagreb.

MapsBuddy helps you spot places that are not just highly rated but also gaining real momentum. Save these cafes, then keep exploring nearby streets to find the next wave of local favorites before they go mainstream.