Sitting on the Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik is full of charm and is a stunning place to take a trip for several reasons, including the food, which is not to be missed. For a small city, with a population under 50,000, there are 9 Dubrovnik restaurants in the Michelin guide and 1 Michelin star restaurant, highlighting the quality of the food scene in the area. The cuisine in Dubrovnik is primarily that of the Dalmatian coast, which is rich in fish and seafood, but some staples of more national Croatian cuisine are still very prominent in the area. With such a high quality of local food, it can make knowing what to eat in Dubrovnik difficult! And with over 350 restaurants to eat in, you’ll be hard-pressed to miss out on trying some of the local cuisines, so here’s our top 10 list of what Dubrovnik food and Croatian food to try when in the city and the best restaurants in Dubrovnik to sample them in.
1. Bruschetta with Anchovies
Once you’ve tried this tasty dish, you will be wondering how you ever settled for a standard tomato bruschetta. The salty anchovies are layered over juicy, freshly diced tomato and placed on top of a piece of soft toasted bread, with some local olive oil splashed on top. Great for a snack, light lunch or as a starter, this is a dish that shows appreciation for simple local flavours and produces. We recommend trying this dish at Ala Mizerija, which is approx a 1min walk from Fort Lovrjenac and situated on the cliffside with views over the sea. They have a small menu which also includes fried fish and salads and their prices are very reasonable.
2. Mussels/Seafood Buzara
A traditional dish which is served along much of the Adriatic coastline, using local shellfish and fresh ingredients to produce wonderful flavour. The word ‘buzara’ means ‘stew’ in Croatian and explains the concept behind this dish. Most commonly mussels, but various types of shellfish as well, are stewed in a pot with wine, olive oil, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs and sometimes tomato. The result is a deliciously simple dish which, as a plus, is also healthy. This dish is very popular throughout the Adriatic and can be found at many restaurants in Dubrovnik, so you will have no problem getting your hands on it. To try it in one of Dubrovnik’s oldest restaurants then head to Dubravaka which is situated just outside the Pile Gate.
3. Black Risotto
This seafood rice dish can be found all over Croatia but is particularly tasty near the coast, where the cuttlefish is caught fresh. It has a very rich seafood flavour and is made with squid ink, which creates the black colouring. The rice is usually cooked al dente and chunks of cuttlefish, and sometimes calamari, are complimented with garlic, onion, butter and sometimes, parmesan cheese. You can try this dish at many restaurants in Dubrovnik including at Mamas Pot Tavern, located in the Old Town, which specialises in traditional Dalmatian cuisine.
4. Brodet
This fish stew is a traditional Dalmatian dish and a great way to have some local seafood. The dish usually consists various types of fish stewed with spices, vegetables and red or white wine. The simple preparation method of this dish, being made in one pot, is an important factor. It is commonly served with polenta, which soaks up all the flavourful fish broth. Trattoria Carmen, one of our favourite Dubrovnik Old Town restaurants, specialises in fish and seafood dishes and is the perfect place to try a traditional Dalmatian Brodet.
5. Šporki Mararuli (Dirty Macaroni)
Don’t let the name of this traditional dish fool you, there’s nothing dirty about it. It’s a hearty, ragu-style pasta dish which has been given its name due to the meat and meat sauce which gives it a dirty look. You’ll see this beef dish all over Dubrovnik, especially on the day of the Patreon Saint of Dubrovnik, St Blaise. To try this local Dubrovnik food, head to Lucin Kantun, located in the Old Town, a restaurant well known for great food.
6. Grilled Fish
With its ancient city walls teetering on the edge of the Adriatic coast, it’s no wonder that fresh grilled fish is a speciality in Dubrovnik. Fish such as sea bream and sea bass are plentiful throughout restaurant menus in the city. The fish is fresh and flaky with crispy skin and is commonly served with swiss chard and potato. Restaurant Portun is a high-quality restaurant located in the Old Town and serves up great fresh fish with local sides.
7. Pašticada
A braised beef dish, which is local to Dubrovnik and Dalmatia, and cooked in a fragrant sweet and sour sauce. It is commonly served at large gatherings and involves slow cooking the meat until it is beautifully tender. The sauce is made up of wine, vinegar, cloves and prunes and is a hearty, delicious plateful. The stew is usually served with gnocchi. Kopun, located in the Old Town is a well-known restaurant and serves up a delectable portion of Pašticada.
8. Burata
This dish isn’t strictly from Dubrovnik, or Croatia for that matter, it is an Italian product but is very popular in Croatian cuisine. This creamy cows milk cheese is made from cream and mozzarella and has a solid cheese outer casing with a creamy centre. The result is a unique creamy cheese that goes well with vegetables or fruits and can taste dessert-like. Head to Trattoria Carmen, a firm favourite in the Old Town, to try this dish with prawns and fruits. It sounds a little odd, but trust us, it’s truly delicious!
9. Rozata
This dessert has been named a Croatian culinary heritage dish and is found along much of the Croatian Adriatic coastline but particularly in Dubrovnik. The dish, similar to creme brulee, is made from eggs, milk and sugar and covered with caramel. It has a light texture and delicate taste. If you’re looking for something sweet to try, that is also local, but are not sure what to eat in Dubrovnik then be sure to try this dessert. The restaurant Ragusa 2, located in the Old Town, specialises in local Croatian and Dalmatian cuisine and serves up a great Rozata.
10. Arancini
These traditional, homemade sweets are popular with locals in Dubrovnik and are made using dried orange peel, which is sugar coated. The sweets are commonly prepared and eaten at Christmas and New Year.
If you would like more information about Dubrovnik, Croatia including how to get into the city, how to get around, what to see and do and tips on where to stay then read our compact Dubrovnik travel guide and our Dubrovnik travel articles, which can be found on our travel guide page. Heading to the capital Zagreb too? Then check out our Zagreb travel guide.
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