Written by our local specialist SJ Sarah-Jane has actually lived in Croatia for 10+years. SJ, as she is known, has been taking a trip the Balkans & beyond considering that 2000. She now shares her enthusiasm for taking a trip with her partner & kids.
If you’ve been wondering where I have actually been lately, the brief response is: in the kitchen area, behind the bar, on the building and construction website, and almost everywhere else in between– but not taking a trip. Given that late last year, I’ve been working on something absolutely new– something I honestly never ever planned for.
On May 5th, 2025, together with my hubby Mate Begonja and our business partners Tomi and Irene, we opened Pinčo Tapas & Red Wine Bar in the heart of Zadar’s old town.
This was never ever my dream. Mate, on the other hand, has spoken about opening a bar or dining establishment for as long as I can keep in mind. It’s been a slow-burning enthusiasm project of his, and when he and Tomi– who likewise owns Deja Brew Pub– started sketching out a strategy, something simply clicked. I saw the gap in the market too: a relaxed, welcoming location where you could take pleasure in exceptional white wine by the glass and flavor-packed little plates, without breaking the bank.
So I jumped in– first to support the idea, and after that entirely. From September last year, I have actually done practically absolutely nothing else. Style, branding, construction headaches, social media, working with, personnel training, food tastings, you call it. I’ve put every ounce of energy I had into getting this location open.
However I have not done it alone. Our partners brought their own passion and vision to the menu and every element of Pinčo; together, we shaped a food offering that’s thoughtful, fresh, and full of flavor. From house-made sauces to delicate croquettes, nearly whatever we serve is made from scratch utilizing high-quality, in your area sourced components, with Mediterranean impacts from Croatia, Spain, and beyond.
And the red wine? That’s all, Mate and Tomi. They have actually handpicked over 50+ Croatian white wines by the glass, with plans to present Spanish and international options soon. Their focus was on using something various– showcasing red wines you do not generally find by the glass in Zadar, and offering visitors a possibility to taste their way around the nation.
If you’re a cocktail fan, we have actually got you too. Our Delighted Hour runs daily from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., including numerous margaritas and refreshing spritzes, such as Pimm’s and Limoncello, for just EUR6. And house white wines begin at EUR3.50– making Pinčo one of the most available wine bars in town.
So, if you’ve observed a lull on the blog site or less travel guides striking your inbox– I want to say a genuine thank you for your persistence. I have not gone anywhere. I’ve simply been heads down, building something new with my family and friends.
And now that we’re open, I’ll gradually be shifting back to doing what I have actually always enjoyed: assisting you travel deeper in Croatia and the Balkans, finding the very best bites, the concealed spots, and the stories that make this region so unique.
However if you remain in Zadar
— come say hi. Whether it’s for a fast glass of wine, a lazy bite, or a long catch-up over spritzes and cheese plates, we ‘d like to have you.
Pinčo Tapas & White Wine Bar Ul. Mihovila Pavlinovića 6, Zadar pincobarzadar.com Instagram|Facebook [email protected]!.?.!