Croatian cuisine is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean, Slavic, and Austro-Hungarian influences, but it’s the Italian heritage that stands out the most on the Dalmatian coast. And for good reason—Venice dominated the Republic of Ragusa (modern-day Dubrovnik) for two centuries, leaving behind not only stunning palaces and bell towers but also a deep culinary tradition. Today, restaurants in Split, Dubrovnik, and the Dalmatian islands celebrate these flavors with generous, comforting dishes. Here’s what to eat in Croatia to truly experience the country’s culinary gems during your stay in Dalmatia.
The must-try dishes of Dalmatian cuisine
Seafood specialties
On the coast, fish and seafood take center stage. Expect to see sea bream and flavorful John Dory on almost every menu. And if you’re an oyster lover, you’ll be in heaven with the plump, meaty ostrea edulis, farmed in Mali Ston Bay. Where’s the best place to taste them? Mandrac, right by the water!
For a true dive into Dalmatian culinary tradition, two dishes are absolute musts:
- Brodetto: A rich seafood stew made with fish, shellfish, tomatoes, wine, and spices, often served with polenta. A hearty, flavorful dish—perfect after a day of wandering Dubrovnik’s charming streets.
- Risotto al nero: A striking black risotto made with cuttlefish ink. Its dark color may surprise you, but its delicate briny flavor and creamy texture will win you over.
A top spot to enjoy these specialties? Proto, in Dubrovnik, famous for its ultra-fresh seafood and refined takes on traditional dishes.
Where to eat the best oysters in Croatia
If you love oysters, Mali Ston Bay, just north of Dubrovnik, is the place to go. It’s home to the famous ostrea edulis, known for their exceptional texture and briny depth—arguably the finest oysters in the Adriatic.
For a truly authentic tasting experience, head to Mandrac, a waterfront restaurant offering spectacular views of the bay.
The best meat dishes in Dalmatia
Not a seafood fan? No problem—Dalmatia also has some incredible meat specialties!
- Dalmatinska pašticada: A slow-cooked beef stew, marinated for hours in prošek (a traditional Croatian sweet wine) before being braised to tender perfection. Looking for a scenic spot to enjoy it? L’Aroma in Split serves it with a spectacular sea view.
- Peka: In Konavle, a rural region south of Dubrovnik, lamb and veal are cooked under a cast-iron dome, slow-roasted over embers with potatoes, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This dish alone is worth the trip to Ljuta, where Vinica, a rustic and photogenic restaurant, serves one of the best pekas in the area.
The must-try Croatian dessert
And let’s not forget the best dessert in Dalmatia: rozata! A caramel and almond flan-like pudding, infused with a hint of rose liqueur. Originally from Dubrovnik, it’s light, fragrant, and the perfect way to end a meal.
Wine tasting in Croatia
A trip to Croatia wouldn’t be complete without sampling Dalmatian wines, which are gaining international recognition for their quality and unique character.
The bold red wines of the Pelješac Peninsula
Located 60 km north of Dubrovnik, Pelješac Peninsula is famous for its rich, full-bodied red wines, made from the plavac mali grape—often compared to California’s zinfandels (unsurprisingly, they share the same genetic origins!).
Visiting a Pelješac winery is an experience in itself—locals will often serve plavac mali with a plate of pršut (Croatian prosciutto), local cheese, and freshly baked bread.
A Croatian proverb
Want to drink like a true Croatian? Keep this local proverb in mind. Safe to say—a glass (or two) is in order!
He who drinks too much won’t live to old age; he who doesn’t drink at all is already dead.
Korčula’s iconic white wines
Just across the water from Pelješac, the island of Korčula is known for producing posip, one of Croatia’s finest white wines. This golden-hued, crisp, and refreshing wine pairs beautifully with seafood and fish dishes.
White wine lovers should also try grk, a dry, mineral-rich wine grown exclusively in Lumbarda, a small village on the island.
Prošek, Dalmatia’s sweet elixir
For the perfect digestif, sip on a glass of prošek. Produced in Dalmatia and Istria for centuries, this sweet dessert wine is considered by locals to be an energizing pick-me-up.
Given all the food and wine Croatia has to offer, you’ll probably need it!
The best culinary experiences to have in Dalmatia
🍽️ Enjoy black risotto by the sea – At Proto, in Dubrovnik.
🦪 Savor freshly harvested oysters – In Mali Ston, at Mandrac.
🥩 Try a traditional peka – At Vinica, in the village of Ljuta.
🍷 Tour the vineyards of Pelješac – And sample Croatia’s best red wines.
🍮 End your meal with rozata and a glass of prošek – In a traditional konoba.
