The Puntijar family from Gračani has been nurturing a rich hospitality tradition since 1581. In 1838, Ivan Puntijar, great-great-grandfather of today’s owner Zlatko Puntijar, opened the first family inn, marking the beginning of six generations of dedication to fine dining and warm hospitality.

Over the years, family recipes have been perfected, wines carefully selected, and every detail on the table thoughtfully arranged to create an unforgettable experience.

For 168 years, the Puntijars have upheld the belief that, as in all great restaurants, two hearts beat together—one in the kitchen and the other in the wine cellar. That is why Stari Puntijar serves historic specialties inspired by recipes from the largest private collection of cookbooks in Europe, housed in the St. Vid Museum of Gastronomy.

Our wine selection of over 400 labels is a point of pride, and our expert staff will be happy to recommend the perfect pairing. For a truly unique experience, enjoy the saber-opening of sparkling wine in our private cellar, where the finest vintages rest in perfect tranquility.

Welcome

Embark on a Journey
Through the History of Croatian Cuisine

We invite you to take a journey through the history of Croatian national cuisine, from long-forgotten recipes to timeless dishes that continue to delight today!

Nestled within Stari Puntijar Restaurant, the Museum of Gastronomy is a true treasure trove of culinary history. Here, visitors can explore historical kitchen artifacts, from antique cooking utensils and cutlery to a remarkable collection of over 2,000 original cookbooks, 1,000 menus, and nearly 500 vintage travel guides.

The passion, dedication, and enthusiasm of Mr. Puntijar for gastronomy and hospitality have made him a proud collector and the owner of one of Europe’s largest private cookbook collections. Among the 2,000 titles, you will find not only Croatian cookbooks but also editions from Germany, Austria, Italy, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Sweden, France, England, the United States, Slovenia, Bosnia, Serbia, Macedonia, Israel, China, Russia, Korea, Egypt, the Netherlands, and many more nations.

One of the most remarkable editions is the “Wiener Kochbuch”, the smallest cookbook in the world, printed in Vienna around 1905. According to research, only four copies are known to exist. Its uniqueness lies in its tiny dimensions of just 2×2 cm, yet within its pages are an astonishing 100 recipes.

A Taste of History

The Museum of Gastronomy takes visitors on a culinary journey through Croatia’s past. Along the way, you will:

Step into the court of Count Nikola Zrinski and experience the richness of 16th-century noble cuisine.
Explore the "Hunting Cookbook of Count Erdödy" from 1715.
Discover the first cookbook written in the Croatian language, published in 1813.

Highlighted Historical Cookbooks

"Nova zkup szlozena zagrebachka szokachka kniga" – The First Croatian Cookbook (1813)

Originally written by Ivan Birling, a canon of Kaptol, this book is the first cookbook ever printed in Croatian. Influenced by Austrian and Northwestern Croatian cuisine, it features 554 recipes. Beyond its gastronomic significance, the book holds great cultural and linguistic value, as it was written in the Kajkavian dialect.

To make these historic recipes accessible, Zlatko Puntijar’s reprint includes:

A faithful reproduction of the original text in Old Croatian
A modern Croatian translation
An English translation

🍽 Dishes from this cookbook are available at Stari Puntijar Restaurant:
✔ Veal in Lemon Sauce
✔ Bavarian Steak
✔ Apple Dumplings in Red Wine Sauce

"Cookbook for the Red Cross of Croatia and Slavonia" (1916)

Written during the hardship of World War I (1914-1916), this humanitarian cookbook was originally published in German by the head chef of the Red Cross Hospital in Zagreb.

For the first time in 90 years, Zlatko Puntijar has released a Croatian translation of this unique book.

📜 A sample wartime recipe for an economical yet delicious meal:
"Sauté cabbage with small pieces of bacon and onion. In a fireproof dish, layer cabbage, rice, ham (if available), or thinly sliced bacon, repeating layers until the dish is full. Cover with cream. Mix butter, flour, salt, and egg to form a thin dough, cut into strips, and arrange in a lattice pattern over the dish. Brush with egg and bake in the oven."

This resourceful recipe, born from wartime necessity, remains relevant even today.

"The Free Art of Austrian Cooking" (Early 20th Century)

Written by J.F. Beutel, a renowned chef from Opatija who gained international acclaim in Vienna, Frankfurt, and other European cities. This book showcases Opatija’s status as a leading culinary destination at the turn of the century.

What makes this cookbook special?

Beutel personally illustrated the book, emphasizing not only flawless preparation techniques but also the importance of presentation and plating.
His approach was groundbreaking at the time, but it later became a fundamental principle of modern fine dining.

Zlatko Puntijar’s edition includes a Croatian translation, making this classic more accessible to contemporary readers.

"Food and How It Is Prepared" (1908)

Written by Miroslav Galović, this charming cookbook stands out for its unique approach to measuring cooking time. Instead of using minutes, some recipes instruct the cook to recite prayers, a reflection of the time-honored tradition of housewives praying while preparing meals.

Vinotheque & Wine Tasting Experience

We are also proud of our private wine cellar, an exclusive space for wine tastings and pairings. Our welcoming staff will guide you through our rich and diverse selection of wines, answering any questions you may have.

One of the most unique experiences we offer is the saber-opening of sparkling wine, performed in the tranquility of our cellar, where the finest vintages age to perfection.

Our team will gladly recommend the perfect wine pairing for each dish, ensuring a complete gastronomic experience.

We are honored to preserve the rich history of Croatian cuisine and share it with you. Welcome to Stari Puntijar – where history, tradition, and exceptional flavors come together.