The Best Places to Eat in Dubrovnik, Croatia — Restaurants and More

4 years in the past, I moved from the US to Dubrovnik, a metropolis I cherished for its tradition, historical past, scenic shoreline, and maybe most of all, the native meals scene.

The delicacies in Dubrovnik blends Italian, Balkan, and Mediterranean influences and is all the time primarily based on what’s in season. Eating places in Dubrovnik embrace the idea of “consuming with the seasons,” combining the freshest herbs and components leading to always altering menus that all the time really feel thrilling. 

I’ve taste-tested the most effective eating places round city, which I now share with purchasers via my work as a Croatia travel advisor. At any time when I plan an itinerary for a shopper, I all the time ensure that the meals showcase native specialties like fresh-caught sea bream, black cuttlefish risotto, and Dubrovnik’s conventional “soiled macaroni” (a blended meat and tomato sauce pasta). Nevertheless, I additionally benefit from the metropolis’s Italian-style pizza, sushi, Balkan-style burek pastries, and extra. 

One factor I am going to inform you upfront about eating places in Dubrovnik is that many are open seasonally. The primary vacationer season runs from the start of April to the tip of October, and a few eating places will shut both for all or a portion of the low season from November via March. There are nonetheless loads of eating places open year-round, however ensure that to verify upfront. You possibly can normally verify on Google maps if the restaurant is marked as “briefly closed” throughout the low season or on Mondays.

360

With a main location alongside the Dubrovnik metropolis partitions, I like to recommend 360 for vacationers searching for a fine-dining expertise paired with panoramic views. This Michelin-starred restaurant is thought for intricate tasting menus of contemporary seafood whereas incorporating native components with considerate plating. The educated sommeliers will information you thru wine pairing with every course, simply make sure you ebook upfront, and know that 360 is simply open for dinner. 

Stara Loza 

Stara Loza is one among my favourite eating places within the coronary heart of the Outdated City for its unimaginable views and even higher meals. Situated within the Prijeko Palace, Stara Loza serves quite a lot of Mediterranean fusion dishes at cheap costs. Select between sitting outdoors on the road terrace, within the salon stuffed with eclectic artwork overlooking the Outdated City, or on the intimate rooftop terrace that seats as much as 16 folks (simply make sure you reserve this final possibility upfront). I am keen on the ox cheek or tuna steak, paired with native wine or a cocktail. 

Pizzeria Tabasco 

It is common information amongst my fellow locals that Pizzeria Tabasco has the most effective pizza on the town. Situated simply outdoors of Dubrovnik’s Outdated City, I feel that the down-to-earth vibe makes it really feel such as you’re consuming in somebody’s house. There are a number of toppings and flavors out there, with a number of the hottest being the Dubrovnik, Siciliana, and the Ragusa pizza. You may as well order supply from Tabasco in the event you’re inside the Ploće and Pile space. 

Taj Mahal 

Taj Mahal is a Bosnian eatery with a wide array of genuine Balkan dishes, and it is my favourite place to go when craving any form of meat dish. From connoisseur kebabs to conventional cabbage-stuffed sarma and home made burek pastries, I typically come right here with mates to share a number of dishes. There are two places, one within the Outdated City and one other in Lapad, subsequent to Lodge Lero.

Shizuku & Trinity 

At any time when I am craving sushi, Shizuku & Trinity is my go-to in Dubrovnik. Began by a Japanese couple, I feel it has the most effective sushi on the town. I might come right here on daily basis only for the seared salmon roll. In addition they serve loads of different fusion choices, corresponding to pad Thai, vegetarian dumplings, rooster wok, and extra. The environment is energetic, typically with a DJ, so make sure you ebook upfront for dinner on the weekends, and know that the tables are normally restricted to 2 hours. 

Ludo Extra 

For contemporary, native seafood straight from the Adriatic, I am going to Ludo More in Cavtat. Owned by two fishermen with a well-liked fishing Youtube channel, Ludo interprets to “loopy sea” in English. From monkfish to sea bass and brodet “fish stew,” I can all the time depend on Ludo Extra’s seasonal menu for the freshest fish on the town. It is a bit eliminated, however well worth the trek in my view, particularly if you wish to make it right into a day journey to Cavtat and keep to observe the sundown over the Cavtat Harbor. 

Konoba Vinica Monković 

Konoba Vinica Monković is the place I take guests once they say they need an genuine Croatian eating expertise. Situated within the coronary heart of the Konavle Valley previous the Dubrovnik airport, this traditional-style “konoba”  is an enthralling, family-run restaurant, providing conventional Croatian meals. The situation is shaded by woodlands and sits atop the Ljuta River, making it a tranquil oasis in the summertime warmth. Meat and fish are slow-cooked beneath a cast-iron bell, and if you wish to order one among these dishes, you will have to order it no less than three hours upfront. Additionally, you will must drive or organize a taxi to get right here, as there is not public transport out there. Nevertheless, I feel it is well worth the effort for the scrumptious flavors and dwell music amidst the attractive panorama. 

Orsan 

Nestled alongside the harbor within the Lapad Marina, you will not possible discover this seafood spot except you are searching for it. I come right here once I wish to have a laid-back lunch by the ocean, away from the crowds of the Outdated City and Lapad. Orsan serves quite a lot of native seafood dishes corresponding to black risotto, octopus salad, or salt-baked fish. It is also an important spot to strive oysters from the neighboring city of Ston. E book a reservation and watch the sailboats and yachts go into Orsan Yacht Membership. 

City & Veggie

Most Dubrovnik eating places supply a few vegetarian choices, however Urban & Veggie is without doubt one of the few completely vegetarian eating places on the town. The backyard terrace is a beautiful place to take refuge away from the bustling port of Gruž and the menu consists of the whole lot from veggie burgers and flatbread to acai bowls and smoothies. I additionally come right here for dwell music, which is obtainable usually on the weekends. 

Pantarul 

As one among my favourite eating places in Dubrovnik, Pantarul was based by meals blogger and cookbook creator Ana Marija Bujic. I feel it effortlessly incorporates a medley of recent Dalmatian dishes with components from farmers in Konavle and župa. I just like the relaxed vibe that’s heat and alluring and makes for an important setting for an important day or celebration. I come right here particularly for the ocean bream and white chocolate gluten-free cake. You may as well be taught to prepare dinner these dishes in your individual house if you should purchase the Pantarul cookbook in English here. 

View Insider’s comprehensive guide to visiting Dubrovnik.