It is considered rude to place one's hands below the table. Rather, Croatians tend to keep their hands above the table. In informal settings, the napkin is unfolded and placed on the lap. It is very common for a glass of wine to accompany the meal.

Table etiquette in Croatia is a blend of Continental European traditions and warm, Mediterranean hospitality. When dining, the most important rule is to wait for the host to say "Dobar tek!" (Bon appétit) before you begin eating. If you are drinking alcohol, it is customary to wait for a toast; typically, you look the person directly in the eye, clink glasses, and say "Živjeli!" (Cheers). It is considered polite to keep your hands visible on the table rather than in your lap, but keep your elbows off the surface. If you are invited to a Croatian home, finishing everything on your plate is a sign of appreciation for the cook, though the host will likely insist on giving you a second helping—it is socially acceptable to politely decline after the first refill. Bread is a staple and is usually placed directly on the tablecloth or in a shared basket rather than a side plate. Lastly, lunch is traditionally the most important meal of the day, often consisting of multiple courses, and rushing through a meal is seen as disrespectful to the social nature of the gathering.