With a majority of Croatians being Catholic, it is often customary to say 'grace' before a meal, only if one knows that everyone would like to join in the prayer. Rather than say 'grace', some families will make the sign of the cross across their chest and say 'amen' before eating.

Before beginning a meal, Croatians almost universally say "Dobar tek!" which is the equivalent of "Bon appétit" or "Enjoy your meal." If you are the one being served, it is polite to respond with "Hvala, također!" (Thanks, you too!). In more formal settings or religious households, you might encounter a brief moment of silence or a short prayer, but "Dobar tek" remains the standard social grace across the country. During the meal, if the food is particularly good, you might say "Ukusno je!" (It's delicious!). When drinking with friends, the most common toast is "Živjeli!" (pronounced ZHEE-vye-lee), which means "Let's live!" or "To life!" as you clink glasses. These phrases are a central part of Croatian hospitality culture, which places a high value on long, communal meals and the enjoyment of fresh, local ingredients. Even a basic knowledge of these terms is highly appreciated by local hosts and restaurant staff, as it shows a respect for the local "gušt" (pleasure) of dining.