The cuisine of Dalmatia is a mix of French and Italian cuisine and it is considered to be very healthy. The food preparation is mainly boiling or grilling with plenty of fish, olive oil, vegetables and self-sown herbs found near the sea. Although almost every area has its own way of preparing certain dishes, the cuisine of the islands is our favourite. Try Scampi Buzara - a delightfully messy dish based on local scampi (prawns) mixed with three more types of fish, all stewed in a tomato and white wine sauce.
Another delight of the region is Dalmatian wines, like olive oil and salted olives, the wine has been produced since the ancient times as some of the indigenous grape sorts reveal – Grk (Greek), from the island of Korcula. Other wines include: Dingac and Postup from Peljesac, Vugava and Plancic from Hvar and Marastina from Lastovo. The Vinoteka Terra in Split, located close to the hotel Park in the area of Bacvice has probably the best selection of the local wines, highly recommend for those who wish to sample some of the local wines.
Below, you will find a selection of restaurants and taverns, all sampled and tested by our team. Some restaurants might appear scruffy and the service is rather slow, but we can promise the food served is great.
Restaurant Vinoteka, Split
The best selection of the local wines in the region.
Restaurant Nostromo, Split
Close to the fish market, serves fresh fish, reasonable prices but the service needs to be improved.
Cuisine & Pop Lounge Gil’s Dubrovnik
Excellent location and service, however it is one of the most expensive places in Dubrovnik.
Restaurant Toto, Palmizana
Beautiful location, the restaurant has a terrace that overlooks the bay. The restaurant is run by a well known local artistic family Meneghello so expect loads of colours and bohemian decor. The atmosphere is very relaxing; you can book a table for the whole day and have a swim between meals.
Restaurant Proto, Dubrovnik
Located in the Old Town, just off Stradun, this is the best fish restaurant in Dubrovnik. There is a lovely terrace on the second floor. Try grilled Squid with ‘Blitva’ (type of Spinach).
Restaurant Lokanda Peskarija, Dubrovnik
Next to the fish market, the place looks very scruffy but the food is great. The meals are served in the black pots - very old and traditional way of serving the food.
Restaurant Konoba Varos, Split
Local tavern (Konoba), you will see a lot of the locals in this place. The atmosphere is very cosy, with fishnets displayed on the walls. Varos has an extensive wine list, unusual for konoba. Try lamb from ‘Peka’.
Restaurant Triton, Island Lastovo
Owned by a local guy who grew up on the island and is the best person to talk to about the island history. The house specialty is Black Risotto – highly recommended.
