This area is characterized by its picturesque landscapes, including vast fields, lush forests, and the meandering rivers of the Drava and Danube. The region's history is deeply intertwined with its agricultural roots, making it a significant contributor to Croatia's wine and food production.
At the heart of Slavonia lies Osijek, the capital and the cultural, historical, and economic center of the region. Situated on the south bank of the River Drava, Osijek is a city where history and modernity coexist harmoniously.
The city boasts turn-of-the-century buildings that stand proudly next to the 18th-century Tvrđa fortress, built by the Habsburgs to protect the city from Turkish attacks. Squares, defensive walls and cobbled streets are home to museums, nightclubs and cafés in this elegant town with strong connections to its roots and its past. Osijek is also home to Osječko, one of the oldest breweries in Croatia, as well as to Waldinger, one of the most interesting hotels in the entire region.
The hotel, the first 4-star hotel in the city, is named after the painter Adolf Waldinger, who was born in Osijek in 1843. Standing right in the heart of the city, the century-old Art Nouveau building is a protected and listed cultural monument. Designed by local architect Antun Slaviček, and embellished with ornaments in relief, the building was re-opened in 2004 to coincide with the centenary of the building’s construction, as well as that of the death of the artist after whom the hotel is named.
Furnished in modern style with a cosy, friendly ambience that is enhanced by the professional staff who work here, the Waldinger also boasts a restaurant (of the same name), where guests can enjoy traditional local cuisine.
The menu features strongly flavoured dishes such as pork cheeks from Slavonia black pigs alongside tempting desserts created by the Gold by Waldinger patisserie situated across the street – the Krempita, a speciality made from puff pastry and soft custard, is particularly delicious. And although summer is obviously the best time to dine on the terrace and enjoy the restaurant’s grilled specialities, guests are also drawn here by the freshwater fish (perch and grilled pikeperch served with asparagus), lentils, and smoked goat pâté with pumpkin and chilli pepper, as well as traditional game, beef and pork dishes.
Situated on the hotel’s first floor, the restaurant always serves a seasonal menu that focuses on local ingredients. In addition to the dishes mentioned above, the menu includes specialities from Slavonia such as home-produced ham, kulen, pancetta and soft cheese.
Among the warm appetisers, the stand-out Krpice sa zeljem (cabbage pasta) evokes childhood memories for locals and is accompanied here with black pork lard and beetroot gel. Other tempting main courses include veal breast served with layered potato gratin, sweet cream and veal gravy.
The menu relies on close collaboration with local farmers and producers, which ensures quality seasonal ingredients that well express the rich culinary heritage of the region. They range from the more robust flavours, such as pork chop stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon, to the more mouth-watering flavours of delicious desserts; chestnut praline with crumble and blueberry sauce and apple tart with cinnamon, vanilla cream and lemon zest are among the mouthwatering desserts created by Gold by Waldinger patisserie.
The wine list, which focuses on regional and Croatian wines (including from small-scale producers) and sparkling wines, provides the perfect pairing to the superb cuisine served here.
Slavonia and Osijek offer more than a meal - they offer a unique glimpse into a region steeped in history and rich with tradition, providing visitors with an enriching experience that leaves a lasting impression and a desire to return.
Hero image: Leon Produkcija - Waldinger
