Bistro Vila Velebita

Bistro Vila Velebita is a traditional Croatian restaurant in the village of Rudanovac near Korenica, operating since 2010 as a popular dining destination near Plitvice Lakes National Park. Ranked #1 of restaurants in Korenica on TripAdvisor with a 4.4-star Google rating from nearly 5,000 reviews, it has earned a loyal following among visitors and locals alike for its generous portions, honest cooking, and warm hospitality.

The kitchen follows a farm-to-table philosophy — 'from local farm to pan' — using fresh, seasonal ingredients from verified local suppliers with no artificial additives. The spit-roasted lamb is the undisputed star, slowly turned over an open fire for hours until impossibly tender with a golden, crispy exterior. Equally impressive is the spit-roasted suckling pig and veal under the baking dome. The menu also features an excellent stuffed beef pljeskavica with cheese and kajmak, trout fillet with almonds, and baked pancakes with local cheese and plum jam.

Vila Velebita offers a spacious dining environment with over 120 seats indoors and a large outdoor terrace — making it one of the largest restaurants in the Plitvice area. The interior features warm, traditional Croatian décor with wooden furnishings, and the terrace provides views toward the Plješivica mountain range. A large parking lot ensures easy access even during peak tourist season.

Open seasonally from mid-March through mid-November (7am–10pm daily), Bistro Vila Velebita Plitvice offers exceptional value in the moderate €€ range. Its location along the main road near Korenica makes it a convenient and popular stop for day-trippers and travellers between Zagreb and the Adriatic coast.