Written by our local expert SJ
Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.
If you’ve been wondering where I’ve been lately, the short answer is: in the kitchen, behind the bar, on the construction site, and just about everywhere else in between – but not traveling. Since late last year, I’ve been working on something totally new—something I honestly never planned for.
On May 5th, 2025, together with my husband Mate Begonja and our business partners Tomi and Irene, we opened Pinčo Tapas & Wine Bar in the heart of Zadar’s old town.
This was never my dream. Mate, on the other hand, has talked about opening a bar or restaurant for as long as I can remember. It’s been a slow-burning passion project of his, and when he and Tomi—who also owns Deja Brew Pub—started sketching out a plan, something just clicked.
I saw the gap in the market too: a relaxed, welcoming place where you could enjoy outstanding wine by the glass and flavor-packed small plates, without breaking the bank.
So I jumped in—first to support the idea, and then completely. From September last year, I’ve done almost nothing else. Design, branding, construction headaches, social media, hiring, staff training, food tastings, you name it. I’ve poured every ounce of energy I had into getting this place open.
But I haven’t done it alone. Our partners brought their own passion and vision to the menu and every aspect of Pinčo; together, we shaped a food offering that’s thoughtful, fresh, and full of flavor. From house-made sauces to delicate croquettes, nearly everything we serve is made from scratch using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, with Mediterranean influences from Croatia, Spain, and beyond.
And the wine? That’s all, Mate and Tomi. They’ve handpicked over 50+ Croatian wines by the glass, with plans to introduce Spanish and international options soon. Their focus was on offering something different—showcasing wines you don’t typically find by the glass in Zadar, and giving guests a chance to taste their way around the country.
If you’re a cocktail lover, we’ve got you too. Our Happy Hour runs daily from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., featuring several margaritas and refreshing spritzes, such as Pimm’s and Limoncello, for just €6. And house wines start at €3.50—making Pinčo one of the most accessible wine bars in town.
So, if you’ve noticed a lull on the blog or fewer travel guides hitting your inbox—I want to say a genuine thank you for your patience. I haven’t gone anywhere. I’ve just been heads down, building something new with my family and friends.
And now that we’re open, I’ll slowly be shifting back to doing what I’ve always loved: helping you travel deeper in Croatia and the Balkans, finding the best bites, the hidden spots, and the stories that make this region so special.
But if you’re in Zadar—come say hi. Whether it’s for a quick glass of wine, a lazy bite, or a long catch-up over spritzes and cheese plates, we’d love to have you. Pinčo Tapas & Wine Bar
Ul. Mihovila Pavlinovića 6, Zadar
pincobarzadar.com Instagram | Facebook [email protected]
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