Good food in Dubrovnik or looking for fun? Then you've come to the right place. I wrote several articles about this city, each with a different topic. For example, I wrote an article with tips for Old Town Dubrovnik and an article about it the best time to travel to Dubrovnik but also about it most beautiful hidden beach what I've ever seen. However, in this article I focus on good food and drinks in Dubrovnik. These are special dishes, bars and restaurants in Dubrovnik that you should definitely not miss!
About Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is the most romantic and best preserved (and known from Game of Thrones) fortified city Croatia and perhaps in the world. It was not without reason that I returned for the seventh (!) time to this unique, bizarrely well-preserved walled city, where on the one hand it seems as if time has stood still for centuries and on the other hand modern life continues as usual.
Crawling between the groups Game of Thrones fans through narrow streets and small restaurants, I tried to capture all the special places of Dubrovnik with my camera. I now know this city like no other, so it's high time to provide you with the best tips.
Taste local food in Dubrovnik
If there is one thing I like to do abroad, it is tasting local dishes. Croatia has some unique dishes that you can only taste here. Skip the Schnitzel with fries more often and see if during your city trip in Dubrovnik you can find a local dish to try on the menu. Is it not immediately clear what is local? Then ask!
1. Dalmatian Pasticada
How about this Pašticada, for example? Pašticada is a stewed beef dish, cooked in a fragrant sweet and sour sauce. The dish is immensely popular in Dalmatia but also beyond. It is often 'Dalmatinska pasticada' because it originated in Dalmatia, where it is often served at festivities and gatherings.
Granted, it tastes a lot better than it looks. The meal requires long and careful preparation. The meat and accompanying sauce are stewed for at least 24 hours and you can taste it. The large noodles that come with it are in most cases also fresh and home-made. Give it a try!
2. Dried ham, cheese and olives
Experience the beautiful locations of vineyards in the region. Be pampered with the best flavors of Dalmatia during a tasting. That does not mean that you can only do this at a vineyard. Local ham and cheeses can be found almost everywhere in Dalmatia. A glass of wine in the sun with a good snack board full of local delicacies, who doesn't dream of that?
Especially the dried Croatian prosciutto ham (Pršut – more info here), is worth a try. It comes in different varieties from sweet to salty and oily to dry. You can see the different variants above on the drinks board.
3. Croatian Black Risotto
Another dish that tastes way better than it looks. Provided you like fish that is – an important side note. What you see here is one Croatian black risotto. The risotto gets this color from the black ink of squid. More specifically: from the Cuttlefish (wiki here). Usually pieces of squid are also added to the risotto for extra flavor. Anyone who loves fish dishes should definitely try this unique dish. Don't like fish flavors? Then skip it because you won't easily find a stronger fish flavor!
4. Taste Posip
Posip is – by far – my favorite white wine. And I'm not saying this because I happen to be writing a blog about Croatia and this is a local wine... I don't know exactly what it is, but this fresh white grape gives a unique, summery taste to wines that, as far as I'm concerned, no French, Italian, Spanish or Portuguese wine can't be beat. The Pošip grape is unique in a sense and grows almost exclusively in Dalmatia.
For example, during a winery tour I learned that the pošip grape is difficult to cultivate. It is a grape that does especially well on a hard, rocky surface in combination with a mild climate. Exactly what you get in Dalmatia, the region in which Dubrovnik is located. According to local winegrowers, these specific properties make it difficult to grow the grape elsewhere.
Good food in Dubrovnik: my favorite restaurants and bars
I estimate that I have tested around 30 bars and restaurants in Dubrovnik – I usually select them first based on good reviews on Google Maps. Almost every restaurant or bar in my personal top 10 below has been well rated. Still, in my opinion, some stand out because of the location, the food, the experience or a combination thereof.
1. Moskar Street Food
Moskar Street Food (Location here) is the best rated restaurant in Dubrovnik in 2023. It is a small-scale family restaurant in the higher part of Old Town. Here you can taste some real Croatian dishes, such as the Croatian Black Risotto that I mentioned earlier in the article.
2. Buza Bar
Ice Bar (Location here) is in a unique location. It is one of the best bars & restaurants with a view in Dubrovnik. The entrance is somewhat hidden in the city wall and once you get through you will find the Buza Bar on the cliffs, overlooking the sea. This is the place you want to be at sunset!
3. Mama's Pot Tavern
Mama's Pot Tavern (Location here) is also one of the best-rated and most authentic restaurants in Dubrovnik. You can enjoy a range of delicious local dishes here. Make sure you reserve a spot in person in the afternoon and be on time!
4. Lady Pi Pi
Lady Pi Pi (Location here) is one of the best restaurants with a view. The restaurant with a beautiful terrace overlooking Dubrovnik Old Town. I have eaten breakfast and lunch here several times and was surprised every time. Not only do you get a great view of the old city here, the price/quality ratio is also unparalleled. Please note that you cannot make a reservation here and you will probably have to wait a while for a table.
5. Buzz Bar
Buzz bar (Location here) is the place for both local and tourist fun. I walked past here several times and couldn't resist sitting down. I met locals who came for a drink after work in one of the many restaurants, but also tourists from all over the world. From good and affordable beers to delicious cocktails – this is a place where you sit down and probably stick around until closing time.
6. Nautika Restaurant
Restaurant Nautika (Location here) has been one of the best restaurants in Dubrovnik since 1836. Here you are in an A+++ location with a view of Fort Lovrijenac, the fortress where Game of Thrones was largely filmed.
Restaurant Nautika is for the gourmet who has a little more to spend. The Pope, the Royal House of Japan, many celebrities and I (😁) have already gone before you. From incredibly tasty tuna tartare to veal with Malvasija Sauce from Dubrovnik itself.
Here you will be served the best wines and perfectly flavored dishes. I ate a 5-course dinner here including tuna tartare, mussels and veal. In style, a velvet bib was first put on, so that I wouldn't spill the tomato sauce from the mussels on my new white shirt. Eating at Nautica restaurant is a culinary experience that gives your city trip that little bit extra.
More information and the menu can be found on the website: https://www.nautikarestaurants.com/novo/
7. Special beer at Le Petit Belge Pub
Crazy about Belgian beer? Me, too! Le Petit Belge Pub (Location here) is a super little bar in a side street. Pay attention, because you can easily walk past it. Here you have a wide selection of specialty beers from Belgium. Although I like to drink lager when it is warm, I still went back here several times at the end of the afternoon or early in the evening to score a nice specialty beer.
8. Restaurant & Bar Rudjer
Restaurant & Bar Rudjer (Location here) is my favorite restaurant for breakfast and/or lunch. The Avocado-Salmon toast with poached egg is truly divine – you really have to try it. They have special breakfast menus here where you can choose from a number of dishes, such as the avocado-salmon toast with poached egg. You will then receive fresh orange juice, coffee, a croissant, baguette and various spreads. You can eat and drink your fill here for around 12 to 14 euros.
9. Irish Rock Pub The Gaffe
Irish Rock Pub The Gaffe (Location here) is the place if you are looking for fun, a nice beer and finger food. It's a sports bar with lots of screens and rock music. As far as I'm concerned, the perfect combination!
10. Prijeko Ul. (the street with 30 bars and restaurants)
Prijeko Ul literally translated means 'across the street'. This street (location here) runs parallel to the main street (Stradun) of Dubrovnik Old Town. You will not find chains like McDonalds here, every restaurant in this street is unique, small-scale and usually run by a family that has been in the business for years. From street food to fine dining, if you don't know what you're in the mood for, just walk down this street. Success guaranteed!
11. Extra tip: Low Budget / fast food
If you are in Dubrovnik longer and don't want to spend a lot of money on dining every day, or you just love pizzas and burgers, then there are also options in Dubrovnik. However, realize that you will not find chains like Mc on every street corner here. Donald's and Domino's Pizza. I personally love this about Dubrovnik, but it does mean that you have to look a little harder for fast food than you are used to in other cities. Below I have collected some good fast food restaurants for you.
- Burger Tiger - Location here.
By far the best burger joint in Old Town Dubrovnik. Tip: choose the Black Angus Prime burger – you will not be disappointed! - Surf 'n Frisian - Location here.
Sandwiches, chicken wings, fries and other fast food. - Takeaway Dubrovnik - Location here.
Wide range of fast food – from well-filled salads to burgers and wraps. - Pizzeria Tomato - Location here.
Located about 100 meters outside the city walls of Old Town Dubrovnik. Great pizzas for a low price.
Conclusion
There is no shortage of good food in Dubrovnik. What makes Dubrovnik unique in my opinion is that it is still largely free of large, well-known American chains. In Old Town Dubrovnik you will mainly find small family restaurants that serve truly authentic Croatian and Mediterranean dishes. Don't be afraid to try local food, it won't disappoint!
Also read: City trip Dubrovnik | 10x tips what to see and do in Old Town
Are you looking for one? fully arranged city trip to Dubrovnik with flights, transfers and hotel in one? Then take a look at Vakantiediscounter.nl and Prijsvrij.nl. Both websites have a great offer for Dubrovnik, but are very different.
The Holiday Discounter focuses mainly on super low prices, you can book a trip there from 249 euros pp.
Price-free focuses mainly on city trips in combination with luxury hotels of 4 or 5 stars.
Plan your holiday in Europe here
- Cheap deals and last minutes you will find at ANWB, TUI en Corendon
- Train travel through Europe you will find at NSinternational en Opreis.nl.
- Campsites and camping trips you will find at ACSI trips, campspace en allcamps
- Flight tickets for Europe you compare with Skyscanner.
- Hostels, Hotels and Resorts in Europe you will find at Booking.com.
- Rental cars : Sunnycars en rental cars.
- Tours and Activities in Europe you book via GetYourGuide.
- Travel insurance you close with a discount Allianz.
- travel items such as suitcases, bags and more you can buy at Bol.com.
- Parking at the airport you can arrange via Parkos, park care of iParking.
