Restaurant Poljana

Restaurant Poljana is the principal dining venue inside Plitvice Lakes National Park, located at Velika Poljana near Entrance 2 and the Hotels Bellevue and Plitvice. As the only full-service restaurant within the park boundaries, it offers visitors a convenient stop for authentic Lika regional cuisine between lake explorations, with the sound of the Upper Lakes waterfalls as a natural soundtrack.

The restaurant comprises four distinct areas: a bar, a self-service cafeteria seating 120, a traditional national restaurant with an open fireplace seating 100, and a summer terrace. The menu emphasises hearth-cooked Lika specialties — slow-roasted lamb under the bell (janjetina ispod peke), the classic Lički lonac lamb stew with vegetables, grilled lamb, sheep's cheese, škripavac hard cheese, Lika potatoes, sauerkraut, beans, savoury pies, uštipci fried pastries, and homemade apple strudel.

The summer terrace is the highlight, offering views toward the Upper Lakes waterfalls with occasional live music during the warmer months. While the self-service section caters efficiently to tour groups, the sit-down national restaurant provides a more relaxed dining experience around the central fireplace. Open daily from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with reasonable prices for a national park location.

Restaurant Poljana is the most practical dining choice for visitors exploring the southern section of Plitvice Lakes, especially those arriving via Entrance 2. While reviews are mixed on atmosphere — it caters to high volumes — the traditional Lika dishes and unbeatable in-park location make it a convenient and authentic pit stop.