Wondering what to eat in Dubrovnik, Croatia? This Dubrovnik food guide shares some of the restaurants and bars that you do not want to miss.
When researching what to eat in Dubrovnik, I read a lot of negativity towards the restaurants in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Many online comments said that everything was overpriced and nothing was authentic. I’m happy to say, that while that is surely true for many restaurants in the area, it is also possible to have authentic, quality restaurants in Old Town Dubrovnik, as well as the surrounding area.
After countless hours of pre-travel research and one week of eating my way through the city, I’m here to share the restaurants and bars I visited — along with my honest opinions on eating and drinking in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
A surprisingly cheap, casual fast-food style restaurant found hidden among many overpriced tourist traps in the Old Town. Just a few steps off Stradun, Buffet Skola serves a variety of local items. The sandwiches are made with fresh-baked bread, so I recommend trying one with prsut — Croatia’s version of prosciutto. // Antuninska ul. 1, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Taj Mahal
With two locations in Dubrovnik, Taj Mahal lets you get a taste of Bosnia without leaving Croatia. Specializing in traditional grilled meats, the restaurant makes an incredibly filling platter that is a perfect meal for two people looking to try multiple menu items.
I am definitely one of those people. The food is delicious, but it was a bit pricier than I expected. The meat platter is about $50. Reservations in advance are highly recommended. // Ul. Nikole Gučetića 2, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Seafood meets street food at Barba, located in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. With limited menu items, this place takes pride in the food and it really shows. The interior is bright, modern and inviting — and the dishes are some of my favorite I had in Dubrovnik.
Knowing that people want to try many of their 12 menu items, Barba created a sampler platter for two, allowing guests to get a taste of everything they have to offer. I LOVED this place! // Boškovićeva ul. 5, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Lady Pi-Pi
Located on the outer edge of the Old Town, Lady Pi-Pi was the most crowded restaurant we visited in Dubrovnik — but for good reason! Classified as a Croatian grill, this is the place to go if you are craving good barbecued meat. If you’re lucky, you might get a seat with an awesome view over the Old Town.
The ambiance here is incredible — an open-air restaurant sheltered by grape vines. Lady Pi-Pi does not take reservations. We showed up 30 minutes before they reopened for dinner and snagged one of the last seats. Go early! // Palmotićeva ul. 39-27, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Pantarul
Located outside of the busy Old Town, Pantarul is the most modern and innovative dining experience we had in Croatia. Using fresh, seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, dishes are served in smaller portions, allowing diners to indulge tapas-style.
If you’re staying in or around the Old Town, you’ll need to catch a cab to Pantarul. It’s worth the ride. This was one of our best meals in Dubrovnik — food and staff are both amazing! // Ul. kralja Tomislava 1, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
This gem is actually located outside Dubrovnik, in a village on the mountain that overlooks the city. Konoba Dubrava is known for serving meat dishes that cook for three hours under an iron bell, known locally as peka.
To enjoy this local specialty, you must order in advance due to the long cooking time. Make time to visit this charming and traditional establishment; it’s easy to get to if you are planning to take the cable car up to Mount Srd.
Tip: Konoba Dubrava allowed me to make reservations and order the peka meat plate via email. Do this a few weeks before you go on your trip. The veal and lamb mix plate is amazing. // Bosanka, 20207, Bosanka, Croatia
The road leading to Konoba Dubrava
The peka meat plate is a must-eat! But you need to call or email the restaurant to order in advance since it takes 2+ hours to prepare.
Konoba Vinica Monkovic
Also located outside of Dubrovnik, this is another restaurant that is a must-try. This is the one restaurant we ate at that I did not research beforehand. We are so lucky that we had two locals recommend Konoba Vinica Monkovic, because it ended up being such a special dining experience.
In the heart of the countryside, this traditional-style restaurant is located on a river — our table was literally inches above the water. The food is delicious and affordable — highly recommended! // Donja Ljuta 44, 20215, Gruda, Croatia
Lokanda Peskarija
With a prime location overlooking the harbor in Dubrovnik, Lokanda Peskarija may or may not be a tourist trap. With reviews ranging from spectacular to worst-experience-ever, I was skeptical. We gave it a try one night while craving seafood and outdoor seating — it has plenty of both.
No major complaints to report on the food, but also nothing to write home about. This place is a safe choice but likely won’t blow you away. Prices are tad high, as you’d expect in a major tourist area. // Na ponti bb, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
While it may not be a restaurant, this open-air market in the middle of Old Town Dubrovnik has plenty to offer. Whether you are looking for fresh produce for dinner, or just want a mid-day snack, this is a great stop. Filled with beautiful, fresh fruits and vegetables, I thought this was the perfect spot to stop for a quick break and enjoy a cup of fruit. // Gundulićeva poljana, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best Bars in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Buza Bar
Cold drinks with the most beautiful view? This might be the most enticing sign I’ve ever encountered. Follow this sign down to a narrow doorway on the side of the cliff — you will exit the Old Town into a bar with a panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea.
With steps leading down to the water, guests can enjoy a swim in between overpriced drinks. But really, just suck it up and pay for the overpriced drinks. The view is worth it.
Looking for breakfast, or maybe a Croatian craft beer? Glam Cafe offers a little of everything, just off Stradun in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. We visited at night for a beverage, so we have no feedback on the food. I had their homemade pomegranate liquor — the best drink I had on this trip! I wish I could have brought a bottle home with me. // Palmotićeva ul. 5, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
D’Vino Wine Bar
Directly across from Glam Cafe in the Old Town, D’Vino Wine Bar has an incredible variety of wines from all over Croatia. Enjoy a beer at Glam Cafe, then cross the narrow street for a wine flight.
This place is adorable and the staff is so knowledgeable and friendly. A must-stop for drinks in the Old Town — especially if you’re a wine lover! // Palmotićeva ul. 4a, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Culture Club Revelin
If you feel like getting really wild, or if you’re just nosy like us, head into Dubrovnik’s popular nightclub for a drink and some bass-thumping music. Vegas-type clubs just aren’t my thing anymore, but I will admit that I was intrigued, as Culture Club Revelin is located inside a 500-year-old fortress. If you’re walking around Old Town at night, you’ll likely be approached and offered free entrance before midnight. That’s ultimately what led us in. // Ul. Svetog Dominika 3, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Before my trip, people I spoke to and reviews I read weren’t really giving much credit to the restaurant scene in Dubrovnik. While it’s definitely not overflowing with high-quality food options like Paris or Rome, I found plenty of top-notch restaurants to keep me satisfied and well-fed throughout my six-day stay.
As with any city, I believe that there are always authentic, affordable, high-quality options out there – you just have to do a little work to find them sometimes. I already miss the standard octopus salad that can be found on every Croatian dining menu!
Great article! I can”t wait to try out all these places next week 🙂