Pros & cons
PROS
- Dry‑aged steaks and handmade pasta with thoughtful sauces
- Easy stop by Entrance 2 with terrace seating and on‑site parking
CONS
- Pricier than other spots in the Lika region
- Steak selection can be limited outside peak service times
Overview
A polished, park-run dining room just by Entrance 2, Black River leans into two things and does them well: serious, dry‑aged steaks and fresh, handmade pasta. It’s the kind of place that feels tailor‑made for a celebratory post‑trail meal, with a modern lounge vibe inside and a leafy terrace outside. Recognition from Gault&Millau (13.5/20) backs up the buzz.
Menu highlights
- Steaks: premium cuts dry‑aged up to 55 days—think Porterhouse, T‑bone, Rib‑eye, Rump, and Chateaubriand—cooked simply so the meat speaks for itself.
- Pasta: seven fresh shapes paired with sauces from classics like amatriciana and pesto to local‑leaning options such as forest mushrooms with leeks or Mediterranean ratatouille. Fuži and butternut‑squash pairings get frequent love.
- Hearty plates: goulash and an Istrian‑style chicken stew show up as comforting, post‑hike winners.
- To finish: a house tiramisu made with ladyfingers baked in the park’s own pastry shop.
- Drinks: a broad wine list (many by the glass), local Velebitsko lagers on tap, plus cocktails.
Ambiance & seating
About 50 seats indoors and another ~50 on the terrace keep it feeling intimate but not cramped. Inside skews warm and modern; outside is all about that fresh Plitvice greenery.
Price & reservations
Expect mid‑to‑upper ($–$$) pricing reflecting the ingredients, aging program, and service. It’s popular at dinner—reservations are smart in busy periods.
Location & logistics
You’ll find it just off the D429 by Entrance 2, with guest parking on site. Hours typically run daily 12:00–22:00, though they can shift seasonally—worth a same‑day check.
Best time to visit
- For a relaxed meal: arrive right at opening (12:00–13:30) or aim for a late lunch after your loop.
- Evenings, especially 19:00–21:00, are the busiest mid‑week through weekend; book ahead or dine early to skip waits.
Good to know
- Portions are fair and the kitchen prioritizes quality over sprawling choice; during off‑peak or mid‑afternoon lulls, steak cuts can be limited.
- If you prefer tap water, ask for it—just say “voda iz pipe.”
- Terrace tables shine on pleasant days; inside is a cozy fallback when weather turns.
Where it is
44.8799, 15.6228Tips for Black River - Steak and Pasta House
- 01Book dinner—19:00–21:00 is the busiest window.
- 02Arrive 12:00–14:00 for a calmer late lunch between park loops.
- 03If steak is a must, go during full service rather than mid‑afternoon to avoid limited cuts.
- 04Ask for tap water (“voda iz pipe”) if you prefer it to bottled.
- 05Save room for the house tiramisu with in‑house baked ladyfingers.
Amenities
Near Black River - Steak and Pasta House
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayRestaurant PoljanaTraditional Lika fare on a terrace by the Upper LakesFood · Restaurant
0.1 mi awayHotel BellevueSimple in‑park base by Entrance 2 with extended ticket perksLodging · Parking
0.1 mi awayGavanovac LakeEmerald Lower Lake framed by tufa cascades and boardwalksScenic Viewpoint
0.1 mi awayGavanovac Lake ViewpointClassic Lower Lakes canyon views over turquoise Gavanovac and cascadesScenic Viewpoint
0.3 mi awayRoute HFull Entrance 2 loop: Upper + Lower Lakes with boats and shuttlesEasy · 5.5 mi · 5 hr
0.3 mi awayRoute FLower Lakes boardwalk loop with a long boat ride, from Entrance 2Easy · 2.9 mi · 3.5 hr
0.3 mi awayRoute EUpper Lakes loop with boardwalks, a quick boat, and big cascadesEasy · 3.2 mi · 2.5 hr
1.8 mi awayRoute KFull-day circuit of the Upper and Lower Lakes on foot.Moderate · 11.4 mi · 7 hr
