9 Great Local Restaurants in Dubrovnik
A Local Guide to Eating in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, now famous worldwide by its other name, King’s Landing, is probably the poshest (and most expensive) holiday destination in Croatia.
Although the city is well over a thousand years old and has long been a popular destination for Croatians and Europeans, it wasn’t until the television series Game of Thrones, which used Dubrovnik as the location to film its fictional capital city of the Seven Kingdoms, that Dubrovnik absolutely exploded in popularity.
With that boom in tourism have come major changes and big price increases. Be aware that these prices have definitively also made their way onto restaurant menus!
Nowadays, most visitors come to enjoy the walled city and beautiful historic center, and also to do guided tours of famous filming locations. Rarely do they venture far beyond the immediate historic center and port area. But there’s much more to Dubrovnik than just TV filming sets and and Instagram photo spots!
Visitors here would be well advised to take note of the city’s glorious history that has long made it a center of Croatian gastronomy. Although technically still part of the Dalmatian coast region, Dubrovnik has a strong identity and culture that is unique to the city. This regional identity can be seen in the city’s culinary scene, with many outstanding restaurants serving up local specialties.
On first glance, Dubrovnik’s restaurant scene seems to be mostly made up of either expensive high end dining, or budget tourist trap restaurants. This is not so! If you go a little deeper down its narrow alleys or up its steep hill, you’ll find a wealth of small taverns, off-the-beaten-path restaurants, and family-run joints serving everything from typical sweet-and-sour meals to fabulously fresh seafood plucked from the nearby coastline.
Read on for my favorite local restaurants where you can experience authentic Croatian and Dubrovnik cuisine away from the crowds!
More Croatia travel info:
If you could use some help planning your Croatia itinerary, schedule a Croatia travel consultation with me!
Plan your itinerary with local help
Planning a great trip to Croatia involves a lot more than just figuring out where to eat!
So if you could use some help putting together a plan for your visit, schedule a Croatia travel consultation with me!
These are one-hour Zoom calls where we can chat about the trip you’re planning and I’ll share my tips and advice, answer your travel questions, and help you perfect your itinerary.
Typical dishes of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik offers both haute cuisine and traditional Mediterranean favorites. The city is located in a very mild climate zone, which makes it perfect for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Nearby, the Pelješac Peninsula produces the best wines of Croatia, while the hinterland boasts some very unique foods that you’ll find nowhere else. And of course, the long coast provides access to abundant fresh fish and seafood!
When in Dubrovnik, do try the following dishes:
Fish – prepared grilled (na gradele), boiled with seafood (buzara), or as a fish stew (brudet)
Octopus salad – a refreshing starter
Vegetables – Dubrovnik area boasts excellent vegetables, including artichokes, eggplants, asparagus, broad beans, zucchini flowers, different varieties of cabbage, and various fruits such as pomegranates, watermelons, melons, figs, jujubes, plums and several types of grapes.
Eel and Frog Stew – a scary but lovely dish from the Neretva Valley
Ston Oysters – favorite seafood delicacy from the Ston Bay
Zelena menestra - meat and cabbage stew
Kontonjata - a cooked dessert made of quince
Mantala - a dessert made of must, carob, and walnuts
Rožata – traditional medieval Dubrovnik cake
Pelješac wines – particularly Dingač (red) and Postup (white)
Malvasija – local white wine produced in Konavle
Korčula wines – Grk, Pošip, and Rukatac are the favorite wines of this island.
Meals and mealtimes in Dubrovnik
Breakfast in Dubronik starts a little later than in the rest of Croatia and can sometimes run until noon if you are eating out. This late start is because most Croatians have breakfast at home, so it’s not really common to eat it in a cafe. A typical breakfast consists of prosciutto, cheese, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. As in the rest of Croatia, most Croatians take a good cup of coffee with their breakfast.
In town, by around 10 most cafes will be open on the main pedestrian street in the Old Town, Stradun. Many now cater to tourists and you can almost always find somewhere open a bit earlier. The main pedestrian zone of Stradun makes for a very pleasant breakfast place for people watching, but be aware that sitting there means spending a very hefty price for your morning coffee.
Brunch aficionados will be happy to know that you can indeed get a good brunch in Dubrovnik (although it may not be exactly what you’re used to)!
Taverns (konoba in Croatian) in the city will open at 11 or 12 (especially in the Old City) for brunch and they will serve it until about 2 pm. If you find yourself hungry before then, head to the port area of Gruž for a brunch of very local food. Always be sure to pick a restaurant that is full, and with locals, as this lets you know that the ingredients are fresh and the cooking good. Good restaurants will close once they run out of fresh ingredients, so if you see somewhere open continuously…
Lunch in Dubrovnik begins at noon and is served until around 3 pm. However, be aware that many restaurants, especially many well regarded ones, do open only for dinner. Others may be closed entirely between November and April, as they cater primarily to foreign guests.
Dinner starts at 6 pm and goes well into the night, particularly in summer. Due to the high numbers of visitors and tremendous demands, make sure to make dinner reservations well in advance, especially if you are choosing popular restaurants or those offering terraces and views.
Many hotels in Dubrovnik also have very decent restaurants of their own and you can can get a lovely meal at them, but they lack the charm and atmosphere of more local places.
Paying at restaurants & tipping
You can pay with a credit card almost everywhere in Dubrovnik – even in the bakeries! However, if you go to the fish market or city market, it would be wise to bring cash, including small bills.
Tipping in Croatia is not required or expected in most places (especially not in the taverns) but it is appreciated. It is normal for Croatians to round up on the bill, often leaving the waiters 20-40 cents. That said, no one will be angry if you don’t tip.
The only exception to this is at fine dining establishments and posh restaurants catering to tourists. In these places, a tip is actually expected, and something between 5-10% is appropriate.
Connect with Primož, our Croatia local expert, for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips for a better visit!
My 9 favorite Croatian restaurants in and around Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is in the far south of Croatia and it’s cuisine is heavily influenced by those of Italy and it’s Balkan neighbors.
For centuries, the city and region was an independent Republic famous for its trading fleet that ventured as far as India. This rich history as a place of trade and crossroads between continents is never more evident than in the plates, pots, and pans of local kitchens!
Rather than give you a list of the “best” restaurants in Dubrovnik, I’ve chosen a mix of some truly outstanding dining options along with a bunch of my favorite local spots where you can have typical and authentic foods without any of the tourist trappings.
Every restaurant on this list is excellent, but their style, atmosphere, and they type of food they serve varies significantly! What they all have in common, however, is that they serve true Croatian cuisine.
For those with a bit more time in the region, the islands and smaller towns around Dubrovnik offer some fabulous food and exciting culinary adventures. The Neretva Valley, Pelješac peninsula, and Korčula island offer particularly good gastronomy.
1. Orsan
Slightly hidden behind the sailing marina in the Lapad area, Orsan is an excellent alternative to the much more famous (and much busier) restaurant of Nautica.
It has a fantastic fish menu, everything is fresh and homemade, and you can get your whole lunch for a good price. Locals love it for the excellent service and their brunch menu. While seafood is the star of the show, they do also offer a number of good meat dishes.
My favorite dishes: seafood platter Orsan, homemade fish soup, fish of the day, grilled beefsteak, rožata.
Find it on Google Maps here.
2. Glorijet
This restaurant right on the waterfront next to the Gruška pjaca (market) is a place where even local fishermen love to eat (always a good sign!).
It is a classic Adriatic tavern, with memorabilia and old photos hung on its stone walls, simple tables, and lots of local humor.
My favorite dishes: glorijet (fish) platter, tagliatelle with shrimp, catch of the day, veal chops, brunch.
Find it on Google Maps here.
3. Pantarul
Pantarul is one of the most modern restaurants in Dubrovnik and offers fantastic food. It was started by a local food blogger, Ana-Marija Bujić, along with her husband Milan Vasić, and their friend Đuro Šiljug.
Milan and Đuro are a well-known duo in the kithen and they honed their craft in the iconic local restaurants of Nautica, Proto, and Orsan. Top quality here is guaranteed.
My favorite dishes: steak tartare, wild herb flatbread, foie gras, fava beans and octopus risotto, slowly roasted lamb, set 5-course meat or fish tasting menu.
Find it on Google Maps here.
4. Dolce Vita
Not a restaurant by any means, but this gelateria definitely has the best ice cream in town! It is truly homemade with rich cream, something you’ll almost never find elsewhere. It’s an absolute treat! Locals particularly like to come here for homemade pancakes filled with the aforementioned rich cream.
My favorite dishes: ice cream cups, pancakes with cream.
Find it on Google Maps here.
5. Buffet Kamenice
This Dubrovnik classic has been in the same location for decades - right on Gundulićeva Poljana, in the heart of the Old Town. Over all thos decades it has remained practically unchanged, which is a good thing!
Modest on the surface, the food is truly excellent. It’s star dishes are the always superb black risotto, small fried fish, octopus salad, and exceedingly fresh oysters. The portions are generous, the fish couldn't be fresher, and the prices are very affordable.
My favorite dishes: octopus salad, scampi or mussels “Buzara”, homemade green tagliatelle with shrimp, brunch.
Find it on Google Maps here.
6. Barba
Located in the very center of town, but hidden along the stairs that intersect the old town lies this little gem. In a somewhat tight space, the menu includes fresh ingredients produce which is selected from the market every day and the morning’s catch of seafood.
It is more of a snack place than a full sit down restaurant, but its prime location and terrific quality make it a great option should hunger strike while you’re exploring central Dubrovnik’s medieval beauty.
My favorite dishes: fried bell peppers, octopus and shrimp burgers, and anchovy and fried calamari sandwiches.
Find it on Google Maps here.
7. Nautika
A very posh restaurant located near the entrance to the Old Town, Nautika boasts a beautiful view of the Lovrijenac and Bokar forts (another King’s Landing site).
The location was once a maritime school, and it now features a spectacular terrace and a team of young and ambitious chefs. A titan of Croatian gastronomy, the prices are up there with the quality. This will not be a cheap meal, but for a real splurge, a meal at Nautika is a memorable experience.
My favorite dishes: trio seafood delicacies, St. Jacob’s scallops, lobster tail (usually caught by the owner himself from the sea near the island of Vis), veal fillet in Dubrovnik Malvasia sauce, Dalmatian style lam; orange meets Prošek, or any of their tasting menus.
Find it on Google Maps here.
8. Kapetanova kuća
This spot is actually located in the small town of Ston, about 53 km north of Dubrovnik. However, “the Captain’s House” as it is called, is a picturesque restaurant beneath the longest fortification wall in Europe. The owners grow their own vegetables and make olive oil. The seafront is a stone’s throw away, and Ston is also home to the Adriatic’s best oysters. It’s worth the trip!
My favorite dishes: oysters, black cuttlefish risotto, homemade pasta with prawns, mussel stew.
Find it on Google Maps here.
9. Villa Neretva
Ok, this one isn’t even remotely “in” Dubrovnik, but it’s a lovely dining experience and the town it’s in makes for a fabulous day trip from Dubrovnuik!
Situated on the banks of the Neretva River in the town of Metković (96 km north-east of Dubrovnik), this restaurant offers guests the option of taking a short river cruise in traditional boats while the cooks prepare some of the most exciting meals you will try in Croatia.
The restaurant is a place for friends and families, with seasoned chefs and an interesting owner who will tell you everything about the famous eel-and-frog stew.
My favorite dishes: green noodles with salmon and shrimps, gried snails, eel and frog stew, brudet neretva.
Find it on Google Maps here.
Food tours in Dubrovnik
If you’re looking to experience the best of Dubrovnik’s cuisine in a single experience, a food tour is a great way to do it.
Lots of companies and guides offer tours, so I’ve selected 4 of the ones that I find most interesting and think offer a good mix for different interests.
Wine, food, & olive oil tour - This is a 3-4 hour walking tour, passing through Dubrovnik’s city center and by the main sights, that includes tastings at a local olive oil producer, wine tastings paired with food at two local restaurants, and an authentic Croatian dessert. The guide, Dom, is an olive oil producer and winemaker with a Master’s in enology (the study of wine) so you get not just hyperlocal insight into the food and culture of Dubrovnik, but also a whole lot of expert knowledge. It’s a group tour, but with 10 participants max.
City center food tour - Also 3-4 hours and encompassing the city center, this is a walking food tour that includes stops and tastings at a host of different restaurants. You get a mix of small bites/appetizers, hearty mains, and some wine tastings too. And dessert, of course! Group sizes are always capped at 8 people, so the tour has a more intimate feel and the guides are good.
Cooking class with dinner - This is for those who want to not only taste local specialties, but also learn how to prepare them! The experience is hosted at the home and farm of a local family in the countryside outside of Dubrovnik. You’ll see their garden, chat with the family, discuss what makes Dalmatian cuisine unique, learn some recipes, and prepare a 4-course meal. Once dinner is ready, you’ll all sit down to the table and enjoy it together!
Dubrovnik countryside day trip - More of a sightseeing tour than a food tour, I still think this is a lovely way to spend a day. Run by a small local company with just a couple guides, you’ll spend the day exploring beautiful natural places, small villages, and picturesque countryside in the Konavle Valley near to Dubrovnik. The tour finishes with a hearty local lunch at a family-run restaurant.
- Chat with a local expert
- 1 hour planning session
- Get pro tips & hidden gems
- Personalized to you
Connect with Primoz
