Where to Eat in Dubrovnik

Food in Dubrovnik is defined by fresh fish and seafood, alongside rice dishes and the essential use of olive oil in cooking. Thanks to Dubrovnik's position in Europe, its cuisine reflects a blend of Austrian, Balkan, and Mediterranean influences.

Greek and Italian dishes are commonly found on many menus throughout the city, complemented by traditional Mediterranean ingredients.

While some Croatian dishes are widely known, the food varies significantly depending on the region—coastal areas focus on seafood, while inland specialties often include roasted lamb or ox, reflecting the local traditions and ingredients.

Typical Croatian Dishes

• Oysters: Fresh Adriatic oysters are Dubrovnik's star dish. The town of Ston, located just 60km (37 miles) from Dubrovnik, is known for having the most delicious oysters in the world. As such, the locals organise a day each year in celebration of their delicious oysters: Oyster Day.
• Pasticada: Pasticada is a recipe that's famous all along the Dalmatian Coast, which consists of a stewed fillet of veal, accompanied by gnocchi and a very typical wine-based sauce.
• Zelena Menestra: This is a very famous dish all around Dalmatia. It consists of a cabbage soup, potatoes and some smoked pork.
• Black Rice: You can find this in many restaurants in Dubrovnik, due to the Italian influence on the cooking here. Black rice with a squid ink sauce is one of the most famous.
• Dalmatian cold meats: Dalmatian cold meats and cheese are famous all around Croatia, as such, don't miss the opportunity to try some on your trip to Dubrovnik. Ham, kulen or Pag cheese are some of the most delicious.
• Stuffed peppers: As its name indicates, this is a dish of peppers stuffed with minced meat, tomato and spiced rice.
• Seafood casserole: Fresh seafood is something you simply must order if you're in Dubrovnik. Casseroles with lobster, mussels, clams and other delicacies are some of Dubrovnik's most popular dishes.
• Odrezak: Vienna-style bread fillet steak.
• Ston Cake: This is a typical Easter and Christmas-time dessert, although, it's an easy find in Dubrovnik, any time of the year. It's made from puff pastry, macaroni, and nuts, and held together by either chocolate or butter.
• Orehjnjaca: A long type of puff pastry filled with walnuts and other nuts. This is a typical dessert all around the country.
• Arancini or limuncini: Strips of dried lemon or orange skins glazed with sugar. These can be found at open-air markets or in souvenir shops.

Best Places to Eat in Dubrovnik

In general, eating out in Dubrovnik is fairly expensive, especially within the walled city. Stradun and the surrounding parallel streets are the best areas to eat in Dubrovnik and the majority of the restaurants can be found here. There's a restaurant on every corner in Dubrovnik, and in the summer the city is full of outdoor terraces to eat at.

The offerings at most restaurants are pretty much the same. If you're looking to save money, our recommendation is to explore areas away from Stradun, where you'll be able to find small, affordable restaurants and even some fast food bars.

Outside the walls, just a few metres from the Gates of Dubrovnik, there are also several restaurants that offer cheaper prices and more typical dishes.