…IDEAL for your Adriatic adventure.
Legendary Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw definitely had it right when he said ‘the faults of the burglar are qualities of the financier’. But nope, we’re not here to talk about bringing down the capitalist system, that’s for another time. Shaw also said that ‘those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik’. That’s what we’re here to talk about. And more specifically, the walled city which gazes out over the Adriatic Sea, and its old town’s (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) brilliant restaurants. This has to be one of the most romantic places to wine and dine anywhere in Europe, and with that in mind, here are 5 of the best restaurants in Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia, IDEAL for your Adriatic adventure.
RESTAURANT DUBROVNIK
Just a couple of minute’s stroll from the gorgeous main street of the old town, Stradun, and close to Green Market, too, Restaurant Dubrovnik is one of the city’s defining eateries. That’s in part down to the beautiful terrace setting, and the candlelit, romantic vibe which falls over the floor in the evening. But it’s the food, particularly the fresh stuff from the Adriatic Sea, which pulls the punters in.
There’s always a cured or marinated fish to start, like smoked eel with red caviar and citrusy mayo, or a ‘Dubrovnik style’ ceviche (local white fish marinated in lemon juice) which is a must order. Follow it up with even more fish, and a great meal is guaranteed. The egregious, energetic owner only enhances this great experience. When visiting Dubrovnik’s old town, this should be your first port of call.
Address: Ul. Svetog Dominika bb, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
RESTAURANT 360
Restaurant 360º is Dubrovnik’s only Michelin starred restaurant, and one of only five in Croatia as a whole. A fantastic, panoramic view (clue’s in the name) of the old port below and Dubrovnik castle behind is a pretty majestic thing to see when you’re eating. If possible, try to bag a seat in the restaurant’s curved terrace (the old town’s battlement); it’s spectacular.
Though the food here is very much ‘modernised’, and the vibe fine dining, there are dues paid to the cuisine and terroir of Dubrovnik. As with the majority of restaurants in the city, seafood is their forte, with Italian influences making any pasta dishes a must order, too. That’s the scallop with fregola pasta for us, then. With a wine cellar boasting more than 6’000 bottles, and prices matching their Michelin tag, this is a place for celebrating. But what a celebration that’ll be.
Address: Ul. Svetog Dominika bb, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
ZUZORI
Another place with a cracking wine list, many of which are regional (Croatian wine is having a real moment right now) is Zuzori. Look for a glass using Plavac Mali (an indigenous grape to the Dalmatian region) to sample what all the fuss is about.
That famous Croatian national pride extends to the name, which honours the avant garde Dubrovnik poet Cvijeta Zuzorić and a menu which is celebratory of the land and sea surrounding. Their octopus black risotto is a signature, but equally fine was a dish of Adriatic bluefin tuna with aubergine. As is obligatory within the old town, try to secure an al fresco dining seat; Zuzori’s are in an attractive alleyway. Nope, that’s not an oxymoron; it’s beautiful.
Address: Ul. Cvijete Zuzorić 2, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
PROTO FISH
We promise we’ll stop talking about the quality of Dubrovnik’s seafood soon. For now, though, one more restaurant; Proto Fish. This place is traditional, down-to-earth, and no less delicious for it, we think. There’s no attempt at ‘refining’ the classics here, no foams, no frippery, just honest cooking with superb ingredients since 1886 (yep, that long). Oftentimes, great fish deserves such treatment. Start with oysters from nearby Ston, and follow with the catch of the day; in places such as this, it’s best to put your faith in the fishermen.
Address: Široka ul. 1, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
NISHTA
Okay, we promised; so we’ll finish with a vegetarian place, Nishta. It’s a compact, cosy affair, with outdoor seating in a tight side street, but the food is excellent; an ever changing cast of global meat free dishes. The menu is divided into cooked and raw, with the latter surprisingly excellent; there are wraps and rolls brimming with freshness and bite. A perfect respite from all that protein, or a place you’ll be visiting perennially should you be committed to the plant based.
Address: Prijeko bb, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Keep travelling, keep clicking; here are 5 IDEAL travel tips for your holiday in Split, Croatia, perfect for your the next leg of your Adriatic adventure.
