Where to Eat in Dubrovnik: Local Favs to Culinary Finery

Dubrovnik is not only known for its historic walled Old Town and beautiful rocky beaches scattering the coastline, this Southern Dalmatian paradise has an incredible food scene. 

Whether you hope to try local Croatian dishes or devour the fresh catch-of-the-day, there are many incredible restaurants in Dubrovnik that will satisfy your palate. This detailed Dubrovnik food guide covers where to eat in Dubrovnik, including my recommendations for the best restaurants serving local cuisine, fresh seafood, and quick bites.

Local Foods to Try in Dubrovnik

Peka

Meat or Octopus Slow-cooked Under the Iron Dome

Sizzling, seared, spectacular. If there’s one local dish you try in Croatia, make it Peka – traditional, slow-cooked meat (lamb or veal) or octopus roasted to perfection under an iron dome.

Peka is not just a meal to be shared…it’s a culinary experience where you get to discover traditional roasting practices and indulge in the region’s best dish. Make your Peka reservations IN-ADVANCE because this Croatian culinary delight takes 3-5 hours to roast.

Read on to discover the best Peka restaurant in Dubrovnik – a family-owned restaurant so incredible, I returned multiple times to devour Peka!

Crni Rižot

Black Cuttlefish Risotto

Known for its striking black color and subtle seafood flavor, black cuttlefish risotto is a delectable dish worth trying when you visit Dubrovnik. Made with the dark ink of the cuttlefish, crni rižot (black cuttlefish risotto) combines the creaminess of risotto with the rich, umami flavor of the sea creature that gives it the black color.

Brudet

Dalmatian Fish Stew

Dubrovnik’s proximity to the Adriatic Sea makes it the best place to enjoy fresh seafood. Brudet, Dalmatian fish stew, is a signature dish that features the fresh catch-of-the-day and other local fish, in a rich, flavorful broth made to be sopped-up with fresh bread or polenta.

Šporki Makaruli

“Dirty” Macaroni

Many global cuisines have their variation of noodles with beef sauce. Croatia’s Šporki Makaruli, “dirty macaroni”, gives Italy’s pasta bolognese a run for its meat sauce.

Dirty macaroni, believed to have originated in Southern Dalmatia, features aromatic spices, rich, chunky meat sauce and traditional Croatian noodles. The pljukanci noodle – a handmade spindle-shaped noodle – usually adorns this handmade Croatian beef sauce.

Pašticada

Traditional Slow-cooked Beef

When you allow an already-tender hunk of beef to marinate in acidic red wine, tart fruits, starchy root vegetables and aromatic spices, you’ll inevitably cook a tender, mouthwateringly delicious culinary masterpiece. Pašticada is a traditional, slow-cooked beef usually served with gnocchi. Many Dubrovnik restaurants offer this local culinary delight!

Rožata

Traditional Caramel Custard Dessert (MY FAVORITE)

As I write about one of my favorite desserts (ever!), a delicate, caramel custard pudding with the essence of rose, my mouth begins to water.

Rožata, a flan-adjacent creamy caramel custard, is a traditional Croatian dessert that gets its name from the local rose petal liqueur, Rozulin. Not many chefs can master this artistic culinary delicacy, so when you find a restaurant in Dubrovnik that offers it, don’t hesitate! You’ll thank me later (or curse me for suggesting something so delectable, yet so impermanent).

Where to Eat Croatian Food in Dubrovnik

Konoba Pjatanca

One of the best places to eat Croatian food in Dubrovnik is a family-owned establishment steps away from the Ploče Gate called Konoba Pjatanca.

Serving the best slow-roasted traditional Croatian peka and a collection of other local flavors and fresh seafood, this Dubrovnik restaurant should be the first restaurant you visit when you travel to Dubrovnik.

If you plan to order peka – mouthwatering, tender meat cooked traditionally under the iron bell – call at least three hours in advance to allow the chef time to prepare the dish. This was my FAVORITE restaurant in Dubrovnik…I loved the peka so much, I visited several times over the duration of my eleven-day trip!

Dubrovnik Eat With Locals

In the heart of Dubrovnik Old Town is a culinary experience that showcases the incredible Croatian cuisine in a local-approved setting. Dubrovnik Eat with Locals (Local Dubrovnik) is a family-friendly “Peka experience” where you’ll indulge in traditional Croatian cuisine, discover exactly how this traditional dish is made, and share experiences with locals and other travelers. Local Dubrovnik is the only Peka restaurant in Dubrovnik Old Town.

Veranda (Orašac)

After an incredible spa day at the luxurious Sun Gardens hotel in Dubrovnik (only €35 for a day pass!), I walked around the hotel grounds in search of a delicious Croatian meal. Veranda in Orašac is a family-owned restaurant serving Balkan classics (Uštipci – fried bread with clotted cream) and unique delicacies (like frog legs!).

Best Seafood Restaurants in Dubrovnik

Bota Šare

Adjacent to the warm waves of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is one of the best places to indulge in fresh-caught seafood. Located steps away from the Buža Gate is a family-owned oyster and sushi bar serving up fresh Mali Ston oysters and delectable sushi handrolls. Bota Šare masters the art of raw fish, securing its spot as one of the best seafood restaurants in Dubrovnik. Bota Šare also has locations in Ston, Zagreb and Split.

Starra Lozza

Starra Lozza is among the many Michelin-guide restaurants in Dubrovnik. Situated in the heart of old town in the restored Prijeko Palace, this elegant, modern eatery serves traditional dishes and fresh seafood with a luxurious flair.

Starra Lozza has multiple dining areas. Guests can decide between a-la-carte menu items in the artistic salon or bustling street terrace, or enjoy the exclusive rooftop terrace offering incredible views of Dubrovnik and a multi-course menu. Every dish I ordered had me wanting more!

Konoba Moby Dick

It’s not often you get to SEE the fresh-caught fish before it comes to you sizzling on a platter. Konoba Moby Dick is one of the best affordable seafood restaurants in Dubrovnik specializing in fresh caught fish, served by the kilogram. This restaurant is a fun, ship-themed eatery perfect for every traveler!

Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Dubrovnik

Gradska Arsenal

Whether you plan to visit for American-style brunch classics, or indulge in local dishes for dinner, Gradska Arsenal knocks it out of the park for every meal.

Situated on the banks of Dubrovnik Old Town harbor, with scenic outdoor views of St. John’s Fort and the historic city walls, Gradska Arsenal is an “everything restaurant” open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

I visited twice while in Dubrovnik, once for breakfast to devour a classic omelette, and once for dinner to enjoy local dishes, including black cuttlefish risotto (Crni rižot). Dinner reservations for Gradska Arsenal fill quickly, so make sure to book your reservation in advance, especially if you plan to visit Dubrovnik during peak season.

Taj Mahal

Specializing in the rich flavors of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Taj Mahal is a culinary Mecca for Eastern European cuisine. This is one of the most popular fine dining restaurants in Dubrovnik so make sure to book your recommendations early! I recommend starting with a few vegetarian appetizers (try the roasted pepper with kajmak!), indulging in the grilled meat “cigars”, and enjoying a slow cooked meat, prepared traditionally.

Restaurant 360

Dubrovnik’s only Michelin-starred restaurant is Restaurant 360, an elegant, multi-course dining experience offering incredible views of the historic stone walls and Dubrovnik Old Town harbor. Restaurant 360 integrates the rich flavors of Croatia and Eastern Europe, with refined French cooking techniques to deliver guests an unforgettable meal in a breathtaking location.

EZZA Steakhouse

If STK (an American steakhouse) had a European cousin, it would be EZZA Steakhouse. Featuring a collection of fine steaks and meat cuts from around the world, and a variety of small bites to indulge a creative palate, EZZA is a great place for a romantic date night in Dubrovnik. Located just outside the Ploce Gate, with beautiful patio views, this steakhouse is a must-visit fine dining restaurant in Dubrovnik.

Best Restaurants with a View in Dubrovnik

Restaurant Nautika

Located just steps away from the Pile Gate is Restaurant Nautika, a spectacular seafood restaurant with views of Fort Bokar, Fort Lovrijenac and the Dubrovnik West Harbor. This restaurant cherishes traditional Mediterranean recipes while delivering a local flavor using fresh ingredients. Named one of the most romantic restaurants in Dubrovnik, Nautika is a great place for a date night in Dubrovnik.

Panorama Dubrovnik

At the top of Srd hill, a scenic viewpoint that offers incredible views of Dubrovnik Old Town and Lapad, is a fine eatery offering fresh seafood and regional flavors. The scenic Panorama Restaurant is a beautiful place to watch the sunset while indulging in regional wines and local dishes.

Dubravka 1836

Dubravka 1836 is the sister restaurant to Nautika, and offers similar views of Fort Bokar and the city walls. If you don’t want to pay premium prices for candlelit seating and fresh seafood, you’ll find similar flavors at Dubravka 1836 for a more affordable price.

Best Restaurants in Dubrovnik – OVERALL

Trattoria Carmen

Not many restaurants in Dubrovnik will have a snaking line out the door. Trattoria Carmen, a family-owned restaurant serving Croatian classics like Pašticada and “dirty macaroni”, is always busy. And it’s no surprise why.

This is one of the BEST restaurants in Dubrovnik – a pocket-sized reprieve from the bustling Dubrovnik Old Town that feels like you’ve stepped into the dining room of a Croatian family. I visited Trattoria Carmen for a late lunch and enjoyed every bite of the traditional dishes recommended by the chef, especially the creamy, melt-in-your mouth Rožata, a classic caramel custard flan-adjacent. Trattoria Carmen is worth the wait.

Rudjer Dubrovnik

After walking in circles through the narrow, cobblestone alleys on my first night in the historic Dubrovnik Old Town, I stumbled upon Rudjer restaurant.

Located at the top of the famous Jesuit Staircase (a noteworthy Game of Thrones filming location in Dubrovnik), Rudjer restaurant delivers a variety of dishes for every palate, from pizza to arancini to black cuttlefish risotto. This is a great “everything” restaurant to visit if you don’t know where to eat in Dubrovnik, or forget to make a dinner reservation.

Best Affordable Eats in Dubrovnik

Holy Burek

Burek is a sword-shaped, flaky, layered pastry filled with meat or cheese. Holy Burek is THE place to go for this crispy, savory Balkan snack. There are few places in Dubrovnik where you can get an affordable meal. Holy Burek, at the heart of Dubrovnik Old Town, is one of them. I visited this street food eatery several times for lunch, each time savoring the crispy delicacy more than the last. To this day, I still think about the veal “sword” from Holy Burek.

Studenac Supermarket

When in doubt (or out of money), visit a local supermarket for snacks or makeshift meals. Studenac is Croatia’s supermarket chain, offering a variety of local snacks, fresh fruit and cold cuts.

If you reach a point in your trip where you don’t want to spend $20-30 USD per person for a meal, visit a supermarket and enjoy guilt-free “girl dinner”. I frequented the Studenac market in Dubrovnik Old Town for local beers, each time carting my bounty out of Old Town toward the rhythmic waves of Blackwater Bay (Dubrovnik West Harbor) – the best place to watch the sunset in Dubrovnik.

Where to Get Gelato in Dubrovnik

Peppino’s Gelato

I don’t want gelato, said no one ever. If you’re looking for gourmet-gelato, the kind with REAL ingredients they keep hidden beneath the counter in metal tubs, look no further than Peppino’s Gelato. Offering authentic gelato, not those towering piles of artificial colors and unhealthy additives, Peppino’s is an amazing place to get gelato in Dubrovnik.

AROMA Gelato

Dubrovnik’s wide, cobblestone main street, Stradun, has a collection of gelaterias. Among the best is AROMA gelato, an authentic Dubrovnik gelateria, offering a variety of delectable flavors.

Gelateria Gianni

Steps away from Dubrovnik Old Town harbor and Trattoria Carmen is an artisanal gelateria called Gelateria Gianni. Created by the Restaurant 360’s talented pastry chef, Gianni is known for its high-quality ingredients and delectable treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Answers to Common Questions