Where to eat in Dubrovnik? A plate of grilled fish inside the Old Town walls can cost €30–40 per person. Walk ten minutes in any direction, and you'll pay half that for the same quality. Sometimes from the same supplier at the Gruz fish market. That's the reality of dining in Dubrovnik's Old Town and why I'm writing this.
Table of contents
Eating out in Dubrovnik
Over the years, I've watched restaurants in the old town raise prices to match cruise-ship budgets while the places where locals eat remain largely unknown to travellers. This post is about places like that. Best cheap eats in Old Town Dubrovnik.
If you want a broader overview covering all price ranges, check out our complete guide on the best restaurants in Dubrovnik for every budget. This article delves deeper into the best budget-friendly options outside the tourist zone.
Meal at Prova restaurantAffordable Options To Enjoy Dubrovnik
Restaurants in the Dubrovnik Old Town pay some of the highest commercial rents in Croatia. Tourism-zone rents in Dubrovnik are 3–5 times higher than in residential neighborhoods like Lapad or Gruž. Those costs land directly on your plate.
The neighborhoods surrounding the Old Town - Pile, Gruž, Lapad, and Ploče serve locals and year-round residents. Restaurants here depend on repeat customers. That keeps both quality and prices in check.
Spots in Dubrovnik - Near Old Town
Pile - Right Outside the Dubrovnik City Walls
Pile is the western entrance to the old city. And usually the first place most visitors see. The trick is knowing which spots cater to tourists and which are worth stopping at.
The Royal Pizza pizzeria sits just outside Pile Gate and serves Neapolitan-style pizzas. Two people can eat a pizza and a salad for around €32. It is roughly half of what you'd spend for a comparable meal 200 meters inside the walls.
Sandwich Bar Pile is right at the gate entrance with sandwiches in the €4–9 range. There are no tables inside, but portions are generous, and the bread is fresh. Useful if you need something fast before heading into the heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town.
For pastries and a quick breakfast, go to Pekarnica Pile. Try burek, a flaky pastry stuffed with meat or cheese. It's a staple across the Balkans, for only €1.50–3. Eat like a local and grab one before the morning commute.
Gruž - Cheap eats in Dubrovnik Without Spending a Fortune
The main harbor, the open-air green market, and the fish market are located in Gruz. It's a working neighborhood, not a sightseeing stop, which is why restaurants here are affordable.
Bistro Glorijet occupies a converted boathouse right next to the fish market. The seafood arrives from boats that dock meters away. Their fish meals are delicious without breaking the bank. Expect to pay around €24–30 per person for a full meal with wine. You'll see fishermen eating here at lunch - that wraps the story.
Konoba Tabak runs a daily lunch special for €8–10. In Croatian, it is called marenda. They also offer a 20% discount for returning customers. This is a konoba, a traditional Dalmatian tavern, and the food reflects that.
Prova Restaurant, also near the city market in Gruž, serves fish and meat dishes in the €15–25 range with a harbor-side terrace.
Enjoy affordable meal at Prova ResturantLapad - Many Restaurants and Spots to Eat
Lapad is a 15-minute bus ride from the Old Town. Many Dubrovnik residents live there, and the restaurant scene reflects that.
Pantarul is probably the most discussed restaurant in this neighborhood among locals. Their focus is on seasonal Dalmatian produce, prepared with modern techniques: lamb peka and fresh-catch fish. Mains run €20–40. You'll need a reservation, especially from June through September.
Fun fact: they have their own recipe book, with Croatian dishes. What’s Cooking in Dubrovnik? Bring one back home as a souvenir.
Bosancica is a small bakery specializing in Bosnian-style pastries: burek, zeljanica (spinach), and krompirusa (potato). Pastries cost €5 each and are both delicious and affordable.
Fish Bar el Pulpo sits in the center of Lapad. It is one of the best spots for fresh seafood dishes. Mains run €15–25, and grilled squid is a reliable order.
Charming Pantarul RestaurantPloče - The Quieter Eastern Exit
Ploče Gate is the eastern entrance to the Old Town, with slightly calmer restaurants offering views of the old port.
Gusta Me serves modern Dalmatian dishes like black risotto, fish and shellfish, and prawns with homemade pasta. Prices are in the €20–30 range. The terrace overlooks the harbor, and the atmosphere is relaxed.
Gusta me serves Dalmatian dishesPractical Tips For Dining in Dubrovnik From a Local
If you want affordable prices, look for marenda signs. Marenda is the Dalmatian word for a mid-morning or early lunch. Usually, a fixed menu at a fixed price, it is served between 11 am and 2 pm. Konobas in Gruž and Lapad offer satisfying meals for €8–14. It's how working locals eat during the day.
Avoid restaurants with photo menus on the street. This is a universal rule in Mediterranean tourist towns, and Dubrovnik is no exception. If the menu has glossy photos and a person standing outside trying to seat you, the food is priced for the moment, not quality.
Take the bus. Dubrovnik's Libertas bus system connects Pile Gate to Lapad and Gruž in 10–15 minutes. A single ticket costs less then €2. The savings on a single dinner in Lapad compared to an Old Town equivalent will pay for a week of bus tickets.
Check Google Maps ratings but read Croatian-language reviews. Restaurants with strong ratings from Croatian reviewers tend to reflect local quality standards.
Eat seasonal seafood. From May through October, fresh Adriatic fish are at their peak. Ask for "catch of the day" (ulov dana in Croatian). It's typically the freshest and most fairly priced option in Dubrovnik restaurants.
Fish market offers fresh seafood, sourceFrequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to eat at restaurants outside the Old Town walls?
Absolutely. Neighborhoods like Lapad, Gruž, and Pile are safe, well-lit residential areas. Many of Dubrovnik's best-rated restaurants are outside the walls precisely because they serve a local clientele.
How much cheaper is food in Dubrovnik outside the Old Town?
On average, expect to save 30–50% on comparable meals.
Can I walk from the Old Town to these neighborhoods?
Pile is immediately outside the western gate, just a 1-minute walk. Ploče is outside the eastern gate. Gruž and Lapad are a 20–30-minute walk or a 10–15-minute bus ride from Pile Gate.
What is marenda?
Marenda is a traditional Dalmatian lunch concept. Croatian food at a fixed price. It usually consists of soup and a main dish, served between 11 am and 2 pm. It's the most affordable way to eat a full cooked meal in Dubrovnik, typically costing €8–14 per person.
Do I need reservations at these restaurants?
For casual spots like bakeries, pizzerias, and sandwich bars, no. For sit-down restaurants, especially during the summer season, yes. Book at least a day in advance during peak season.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options outside the Old Town?
Yes. Vege Dub and Urban & Veggie cater specifically to plant-based diets. Most traditional restaurants also serve grilled vegetables, salads, and pasta dishes that work for vegetarians.
