Place · 0 mi away
Overview
Once the park’s historic Kozjak Restaurant (built in 1949 by architect Ivan Strižić), this space now operates as the Kozjak café bar—a stylish, 140‑seat lounge designed for year‑round use that mainly runs seasonally. It sits between Hotel Jezero and Hotel Plitvice, just a few steps from Entrance 2, making it the easiest place to flop down, cool off, and refuel without straying from the main hub.
What to Expect
Think quality pick‑me‑ups over heavy meals: well‑made coffees, fresh juices, wines and cocktails (yes, espresso martinis), Croatian beers, ice cream, and an eye‑catching case of cakes and pastries—cheesecake and even gluten‑free chocolate cake have earned praise. Service is quick and friendly, and the indoor space is comfortably air‑conditioned with soft seating; there’s also a family‑friendly terrace for a breather between lakes.
Location & Logistics
It’s right by Entrance 2—handy at the start or end of a route. One nice perk: the café sits before the ticket controls, so you can use it even if you’re not entering the paid trail network. Expect slightly higher park‑zone pricing and a casual, café‑bar format (dine‑in; no takeout).
A Bit of Backstory
The venue’s roots go back to 1949, when the original Kozjak Restaurant was built to serve the growing flow of visitors. Over time it expanded, and today’s refreshed café‑bar keeps the social heart of that spot alive—more about relaxing with a drink and dessert than a formal sit‑down meal.
Best Time to Visit
Hours run roughly 9 AM–5 PM daily, so plan it as a mid‑morning coffee stop or a mid‑afternoon dessert break rather than dinner. Entrance 2 can surge late morning and early afternoon; slipping in right at opening or after the peak helps you snag a seat and avoid a queue.
Pros
- Steps from Entrance 2 and the hotel zone—perfect mid-hike pit stop
- Excellent coffee, artisan desserts, and cocktails
- Air-conditioned indoor lounge plus a relaxed terrace
Cons
- Closes early (around 5 PM), so not a dinner option
- Prices are on the higher side, as expected inside the park
Tips
- Use it before or after your route—it's just by Entrance 2.
- Plan for a daytime stop; it closes around 5 PM.
- On hot days, head inside for the air‑conditioned lounge.
- Treat it as a coffee‑and‑dessert break rather than a full meal.
- No park ticket needed—the café is before the ticket controls.
