Quick answers — eating in Dubrovnik
- Best restaurant overall
- Restaurant 360
- Best value
- Konoba Veranda (€40-70 / $45-75 (à la carte average))
- Strongest cuisines
- Mediterranean, Modern European, Seafood
- Dishes to try
- Black Risotto (Crni Rižot), Peka, Rozata, Grilled Fish (Riba na žaru)
- Booking window
- For MICHELIN-starred or highly acclaimed restaurants, book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during the summer peak season, to secure your preferred date and time.
Booking well in advance, especially for starred restaurants during peak season, is essential. Dress codes typically range from smart casual to elegant, reflecting the upscale dining experience. Tipping around 10-15% is customary for good service. Dinner hours usually commence between 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM, extending into the late evening.
Mediterranean
Best Mediterranean restaurants in Dubrovnik
Mediterranean menus borrow freely across the sea — olive oil, fish, vegetables, citrus — and tend to be the easiest choice for a mixed table.
Nautika Restaurant
MICHELIN SelectedMediterranean · Pile · €110-160 / $120-175 (tasting menu)
Mario Bunda
Commanding views of Lovrijenac and Bokar fortresses from its stunning terraces, Nautika embodies Dubrovnik's grandeur. The kitchen delivers sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine, with a strong emphasis on impeccably fresh Adriatic seafood. The service is polished, and the atmosphere exudes classic, upscale romance, perfect for special occasions.
Order: Fresh Adriatic fish baked in salt crust, lobster medallions
Stara Loza
MICHELIN SelectedMediterranean · Old Town · €70-110 / $75-120 (à la carte average)
Jelena Šimić Valentić
Nestled in the heart of the Old Town, Stara Loza offers a delightful culinary journey across its charming multi-level terraces. The cuisine is a creative interpretation of Mediterranean and Croatian traditions, featuring seasonal ingredients with modern flair. The relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance makes it a popular choice for discerning diners.
Order: Poached egg with truffle sauce, local lamb dishes
Posat
MICHELIN SelectedMediterranean · Pile Gate · €75-115 / $80-125 (à la carte average)
Just outside the city walls with captivating views of the fortresses and harbor, Posat offers a refined dining experience focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their menu champions local seafood and produce, prepared with a classic Mediterranean touch and presented elegantly. The sophisticated setting complements the consistently excellent food and service.
Order: Scampi buzzara, fresh seafood carpaccio
Bowa
MICHELIN SelectedMediterranean · Sipan Island (near Dubrovnik) · €90-140 / $95-150 (tasting menu)
Located on Sipan island, a short boat ride from Dubrovnik, Bowa offers an idyllic 'Robinson Crusoe chic' experience. This exceptional restaurant emphasizes freshness, with catch-of-the-day seafood and garden-grown produce defining its Mediterranean menu. The open-air setting by the sea creates an unforgettable, naturally luxurious atmosphere.
Order: Whole baked fish with herbs, octopus salad
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Dubrovnik
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Restaurant 360
One MICHELIN StarModern European · Old Town · €130-180 / $140-195 (tasting menu)
Marijo Curić
Perched atop the city walls, Restaurant 360 offers an unparalleled dining experience with panoramic harbor views. Chef Marijo Curić masterfully transforms local ingredients into innovative dishes, focusing on seafood with precise techniques and refined presentations. The elegant terrace and historic ambiance elevate the modern Croatian cuisine.
Order: Adriatic tuna belly, scallops with cauliflower and black truffle
Seafood
Best seafood restaurants in Dubrovnik
Seafood restaurants live or die on the day's catch — the shortest menus are usually the best sign, because the kitchen is cooking what actually came in.
Proto
MICHELIN SelectedSeafood · Old Town · €80-120 / $85-130 (à la carte average)
Operating since 1886, Proto is a venerable institution within Dubrovnik's Old Town, renowned for its traditional approach to seafood. Ingredients are sourced daily from local fishermen, ensuring supreme freshness. The elegant, understated interior and a charming terrace provide a refined backdrop for classic Dalmatian flavors and expertly prepared dishes.
Order: Black risotto, grilled fish platter
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Dubrovnik
Pizzeria Tabasco
A local favorite just outside Pile Gate, serving generous, delicious pizzas with crispy crusts and fresh toppings. Expect casual outdoor seating and quick service, perfect for a satisfying, budget-friendly meal. Pizzas range from €10-16.
Dolce Vita
A charming spot in the Old Town known for its incredible homemade cakes, pastries, and ice cream. Ideal for a sweet treat or a light afternoon snack, offering traditional Croatian desserts alongside classic favorites. Prices for cakes and ice cream are around €4-7.
Barba
This tiny, unpretentious seafood fast-food joint in the Old Town offers fantastic, fresh fried anchovies, octopus burgers, and seafood skewers. It's perfect for a quick, tasty, and authentic bite. Dishes are typically €8-15.
Glorijet
A traditional bakery and pastry shop offering a wide array of Croatian baked goods, sandwiches, and coffee. Great for a quick breakfast or a light lunch on the go, providing excellent value and local flavors. Pastries and sandwiches are around €3-6.
Lacroma Restaurant
Located on Lokrum Island, this restaurant offers good quality Mediterranean dishes in a beautiful, relaxed setting. While not strictly 'street food', it provides a more affordable sit-down option compared to mainland fine dining, particularly for lunch. Main courses range from €15-25.
Local dishes
What to eat in Dubrovnik
Black Risotto (Crni Rižot)
A traditional Croatian dish, particularly popular in coastal regions, made with cuttlefish or squid ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor. It's often served with grated Parmesan cheese. You can find excellent versions in most seafood restaurants within the Old Town.
Peka
Peka refers to a cooking method where food (often lamb, veal, or octopus with potatoes and vegetables) is slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid, covered in embers. This technique tenderizes the meat and infuses it with smoky flavors, resulting in a succulent and aromatic dish. It requires advance ordering due to its long cooking time.
Rozata
Dubrovnik's version of crème brûlée, a creamy custard dessert flavored with rose liqueur (rozalin) and topped with caramelized sugar. It has a delicate texture and a subtly floral aroma, offering a sweet and satisfying end to a meal. It's a staple on dessert menus across the city.
Grilled Fish (Riba na žaru)
Given Dubrovnik's coastal location, fresh grilled fish is a must-try. Local catches often include sea bass, sea bream, and sardines, simply seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and parsley, then grilled to perfection. It embodies the Mediterranean diet and the freshness of the Adriatic.
Oysters (Kamenice)
Specifically, oysters from nearby Ston and Mali Ston Bay are renowned for their exceptional quality and flavor, harvested fresh from pristine waters. They are often served raw with a squeeze of lemon, allowing their natural briny sweetness to shine. A true delicacy.
Fritule
Small, deep-fried doughnuts, similar to Italian zeppole, often flavored with citrus zest, rum, and sometimes raisins, then dusted with powdered sugar. They are a popular sweet treat, especially around festive periods, and can be found at local bakeries or street stalls.
Green Pasta (Zelena Menestra)
A hearty, traditional stew from the Dubrovnik region, featuring smoked dried meat (like ham or sausage), cabbage, and potatoes. This robust dish offers a taste of rural Croatian cuisine, particularly comforting during cooler months. It represents the region's rich agricultural heritage.
Dalmatian Pršut (Smoked Ham)
A dry-cured ham, similar to Italian prosciutto, but with its own distinct flavor profile, often slightly smokier due to the Bura wind and specific curing processes. It's typically served thinly sliced as an appetizer, often with local cheese and olives. A classic starter.
How to book a table in Dubrovnik
- · For MICHELIN-starred or highly acclaimed restaurants, book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during the summer peak season, to secure your preferred date and time.
- · Many top establishments may require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for larger parties or peak season reservations, check policies carefully when booking.
- · Consider booking lunch at fine-dining restaurants; often, they offer a more accessible menu and price point, providing an excellent opportunity to experience the cuisine and ambiance.
- · Be aware of cancellation policies. Some restaurants implement strict no-show or late cancellation fees, particularly for tasting menus, so notify them of any changes promptly.
FAQ
Dubrovnik restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Dubrovnik?
Restaurant 360 in Old Town is the benchmark table — Modern European, led by Marijo Curić, one michelin star, around €130-180 / $140-195 (tasting menu) per person. Order the Adriatic tuna belly, scallops with cauliflower and black truffle
Where is the best Mediterranean restaurant in Dubrovnik?
Nautika Restaurant in Pile is the Mediterranean table to book in Dubrovnik (€110-160 / $120-175 (tasting menu) per person). Other strong options: Stara Loza, Posat, Bowa.
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Dubrovnik?
Restaurant 360 in Old Town is the modern European table to book in Dubrovnik (€130-180 / $140-195 (tasting menu) per person).
Where is the best seafood restaurant in Dubrovnik?
Proto in Old Town is the seafood table to book in Dubrovnik (€80-120 / $85-130 (à la carte average) per person).
Where can I eat well in Dubrovnik without spending a fortune?
Konoba Veranda is the best-value table on this list at roughly €40-70 / $45-75 (à la carte average) per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Pizzeria Tabasco, Dolce Vita, Barba.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Dubrovnik?
For MICHELIN-starred or highly acclaimed restaurants, book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during the summer peak season, to secure your preferred date and time. Many top establishments may require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for larger parties or peak season reservations, check policies carefully when booking.
What food is Dubrovnik famous for?
Black Risotto (Crni Rižot), Peka, Rozata, Grilled Fish (Riba na žaru), Oysters (Kamenice) — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. A traditional Croatian dish, particularly popular in coastal regions, made with cuttlefish or squid ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor. It's often served with grated Parmesan cheese. You can find excellent versions in most seafood restaurants within the Old Town.
Planning the rest of Dubrovnik?
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