If you’re searching for traditional Croatian restaurants in Dubrovnik, you’ll quickly notice the focus on Mediterranean cuisine. Expect plenty of fish, fresh vegetables, and olive oil. Dining here is a celebration of Dalmatian flavors, perfected over generations.
You’ll find plenty of delicious options, from fresh seafood like grilled tuna steak to hearty risotto dishes that highlight the region’s rich produce. Grilled vegetables and octopus with local herbs are also common. In this article, we’ll share some of our top recommendations.
Must-Try Dishes: Risotto, Octopus, and Brodet
The Mediterranean way of preparing food is deeply rooted in Dalmatian cuisine. Some dishes must be tried when you visit Dubrovnik, and the first one we recommend is the octopus dish. There are a few options, including the popular octopus salad. Please remember to try the baked octopus under the bell. This traditional preparation method yields incredibly tender, flavorful octopus, often served with grilled vegetables.
When exploring Croatian cuisine in Dubrovnik, you will also discover that locals adore risotto variations. From creamy seafood risottos to truffle dishes that highlight the region's earthy flavors, these dishes are a must-try for any food lover. The most popular is, of course, black risotto. It is a seafood rice dish prepared using cuttlefish or squid ink, which gives it a characteristic black appearance and a deep, aromatic flavor. Sip a glass of white wine for a perfect pairing.
Black risotto
Dirty macaroni (Šporki makaruli) is a local favorite. The name comes from the way the rich meat sauce coats the pasta, giving it a messy look. This traditional Dubrovnik dish features beef, red wine, plenty of onions, and spices. It’s a hit with locals, and you’ll likely enjoy it too.
Brodet is a typical fish stew that originated on the Adriatic coast. It is cooked in a single pot and contains various fish, shellfish, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and wine or vinegar. The crucial feature is the use of different fish species to create flavor and texture. Usually, it is served with polenta or crusty bread to absorb the broth. Just as risotto, it is often paired with a glass of white wine.
And for dessert, you have to try rožata, an authentic Dubrovnik custard pudding. It is infused with local citrus flavors and a hint of rose liqueur. This sweet treat is a perfect way to conclude your meal.
Brodet
What are the best traditional restaurants in Dubrovnik?
Since you are planning a trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia, you cannot miss the opportunity to dine at some of the best restaurants that serve traditional Dalmatian-style food. Here we are representing some of the top spots in Dubrovnik's Old Town.
1. Lucin Kantun
Lucin Kantun has a cozy, homey feel. They serve traditional dishes with a modern twist. Try their cold starters, like Dalmatian prosciutto or whitefish carpaccio, and for your main course, go for the baked octopus or Dubrovnik-style dirty macaroni (šporki makaruli). The prices range from 20 to 40 euros per person for the main dish.
Lucin Kantun, image via: TripAdvisor
2. Konoba Dubrava
Konoba Dubrava offers authentic local recipes that were once common dishes but are now difficult to find. Dalmatian peka is on their menu. It is the oldest way of food preparation in the Adriatic, especially in the countryside. It consists of a blend of vegetables and meat (or octopus), cooked in a pot or on a tray, then placed over the embers of a fireplace until it is baked to perfection. The price of peka is around 50 euros per kilo. Since it takes at least three hours to prepare such meals, it is advisable to make a reservation.
Konoba Dubrava, image via: TripAdvisor
3. Dubravka 1836
Located just outside the Old Town walls, this charming restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Dubravka 1836 serves a variety of authentic Croatian and rich Mediterranean dishes, including risotto (15-20 euros) and grilled vegetables. They are also offering pizza and many meat specialties (20-30 euros). Its location is perfect for enjoying drinks with views of the historic fort Lovrijenac.
Dubravka 1836 restaurant, image via: TripAdvisor
4. Proto Fish Restaurant
Proto Fish restaurant is known for its best seafood meals and has been a staple in Dubrovnik for years. The restaurant offers a blend of traditional and modern Dalmatian recipes, making it one of the best places to eat in Dubrovnik for seafood lovers. It is on the pricier side but worth it. Their menu consists of fish and meat options, which you can order for around 75 euros. Other must-tries are oysters from Ston (30 euros), tuna tataki (30 euros), and delicious Adriatic lobster (220 euros per kilo).
Proto Fish restaurant, image via: Trip Advisor
5. Nautika
One of our favorite places is Nautika. It is a Michelin-starred restaurant that boasts a beautiful view of the Adriatic and Lokrum Island. It specializes in seafood and traditional Croatian cuisine, making it a perfect choice for a fine-dining experience in Dubrovnik. Go for a fresh tuna fillet (60 euros), a lobster tail (80 euros), or Dalmatian-style lamb (65 euros). Dine on their terrace to make the most of your ambience.
Nautika, image via: TripAdvisor
6. Posat restaurant
Known for outstanding service, Posat restaurant offers its guests only fresh seafood, which you can pick from a large seawater aquarium. Pick, have a seat, and enjoy. You will surely enjoy a daily catch of white fish (130 eur/kg). One of the chefs' own gardens in a village near Dubrovnik grows the majority of the vegetables they use. Everything else comes from local farmers they know. After dinner, we recommend trying creamy rozata as a dessert.
Posat Restaurant, image via: Trip Advisor
7. Local Dubrovnik
At Local Dubrovnik restaurant, you can enjoy Croatian family-style peka dining. Peka is a beloved local dish, slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid in hot embers. It costs about 50 euros. Located in the heart of Old Town, this spot lets you experience authentic local culture. And besides peka, they are offering some pretty incredible experiences, like cooking classes, Olive oil experiences, or local tours.
Delicious Dalmatian peka
Conclusion
Whether you pick a Michelin-starred restaurant or a cozy spot in the old town, Dubrovnik’s traditional Croatian cuisine promises a memorable dining experience. Local seafood, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables highlight the region’s agricultural roots. Dining here is more than just eating—it’s a journey through Croatia’s diverse flavors, making your visit unforgettable.
