The local dining scene in Dubrovnik offers the culinary quality and variety that should be expected of such a famous tourist destination.
The most popular seafood dishes ordered in Dubrovnik restaurants are octopus salad, fresh seashells, black squid risotto and grilled fish, accompanied by some of Croatia's fine wines. Dubrovnik restaurant prices are generally higher than elsewhere in Croatia, ranging from 8-10 € for a light lunch to over 100 € for a fine-dining menu. However, you can still find budget-friendly options offering simple, delicious meals.
Quick list: where to eat in Dubrovnik
If you only have a day or two in Dubrovnik, choosing where to eat by area and style makes things simpler. Use this quick list as a starting point and always check current menus and reviews on the spot.
- Old Town: Most choice in one place, from simple konobas to fine dining with city wall views. Expect the highest prices, especially on main squares and along the Old Town harbour.
- Pile & Ploče gates: Good for restaurants just outside the walls with slightly calmer streets and sea views, still within a short walk of the Old Town. Read more about Pile Gate.
- Lapad & Babin Kuk: Promenade and beachfront restaurants, many mid-range places that work well for families, longer stays and evening walks along the sea. Read more about Lapad Bay in Dubrovnik.
- Gruž: Near the ferry port and open air market, with a few spots that feel more local and can be better value than the Old Town, especially for seafood.
- Seafood & local dishes: Look for menus with black risotto, octopus salad and grilled fish, plus daily catches written on a board rather than only tourist set menus.
- Vegetarian & vegan: Most restaurants now mark vegetarian dishes clearly; dedicated veggie-friendly places are easier to find around Lapad and Gruž than inside the Old Town.
- Budget options: For cheaper meals, look at bakeries, pizzerias, simple grill bars and places a street or two back from the main Old Town squares.
Top 15 Dubrovnik restaurants (recommended by locals)
Below is a hand-picked list of restaurants in and around Dubrovnik that are frequently recommended by locals and repeat visitors. It’s a mix of fine dining, traditional konobas and casual spots. Always double-check opening hours and make reservations in high season.
- Restaurant 360 (Old Town) - Fine-dining restaurant built into the city walls above the old port, known for its tasting menus, creative takes on Dalmatian seafood and one of the most dramatic terrace views over Dubrovnik’s harbour.
- Nautika (Pile gate) - Elegant Mediterranean restaurant just outside the Pile Gate, with terraces right above the sea and views of Fort Lovrijenac. Expect refined seafood, carefully plated mains and a serious local wine list.
- Proto Fish Restaurant (Old Town) - Historic fish restaurant dating back to the 19th century, a favorite for classic Adriatic seafood: grilled fish, scampi, octopus and traditional desserts like rožata, served on a cozy stone terrace just off Stradun.
- Taj Mahal (Old Town & Lapad) - Despite the name, this is all about hearty Bosnian cooking: ćevapi, baked pies, slow-cooked meat and grilled dishes. It’s one of the city’s go-to places when you want a break from seafood but still eat regional food locals actually enjoy.
- Barba (Old Town street food) - Tiny, casual spot famous for octopus burgers, fried calamari, shrimp rolls and other seafood street food. Great for a quick, good-value lunch or snack between sightseeing rather than a long sit-down dinner.
- Nishta (Old Town) - Dubrovnik’s pioneer vegetarian/vegan place, tucked in a narrow lane near Prijeko. Rotating plant-based dishes, colorful bowls and curries make it the obvious choice for vegans and anyone wanting a lighter, veggie-forward meal.
- Gradska Kavana Arsenal (Old Town main square) - Grand café and restaurant overlooking the old harbor and Luža square. Locals use it for everything from morning coffee and cakes to seafood lunches and sundowner drinks with a view of the boats.
- Panorama Restaurant & Bar (Srđ hill, cable car top) - Restaurant at the upper cable car station, mainly Mediterranean dishes and grills, but people come above all for the sunset view over the Old Town and islands. Prices reflect the location; reservations for a rail-side table are essential in summer.
- Konoba Dubrava (Srđ/Bosanka) - Traditional family konoba above town, known for peka dishes (meat or octopus slow-cooked under the iron bell), grilled meats and hearty sides. You usually need to pre-order peka hours in advance; it’s a classic “escape the center and eat where locals go for a proper feast” place.
- Pantarul (Lapad) - Modern bistro in Lapad with a “feels-like-home” atmosphere. Seasonal, local ingredients, creative but unfussy plates and friendly service make it one of the most talked-about neighborhood restaurants with both locals and visitors.
- Restaurant More (Lapad Bay) - À la carte restaurant of Hotel More with a sea-view terrace over Lapad Bay. Focus on Mediterranean and international dishes, nicely done fish and meat mains, and it pairs well with a pre- or post-dinner drink at the famous Cave Bar More downstairs.
- Yacht Club / Restaurant Orsan (Lapad / Gruž harbor) - Relaxed fish restaurant by the sea in the Lapad marina, surrounded by boats. Known for black risotto, grilled fish and simple Dalmatian dishes, with lots of outdoor seating right on the water and a more local, everyday feel than Old Town spots.
- Bistro Glorijet (Gruž market area) - Traditional seafood bistro by the Gruž fish and farmers’ market. People come for straightforward, fresh local dishes like fish soup, grilled daily catch and simple sides, in a setting that still feels like a neighborhood place rather than a tourist trap.
- Levanat (Lapad promenade) - Long-running seafront restaurant on the Lapad walking path, popular for sunset dinners overlooking the rocks and sea. Menu leans Mediterranean: pasta, risotto, grilled fish and meat, with a relaxed holiday vibe.
- Gverović-Orsan (Zaton, just outside Dubrovnik) - Classic family-run seafood restaurant in Zaton Bay, set in a former stone boathouse right on the water. Famous for its black risotto and traditional Dalmatian recipes, it’s a favorite “out-of-town” dinner trip for both locals and returning visitors. Restaurant Kasar is also an excellent option, located at the opposite side in Zaton Bay.
Restaurants by area in Dubrovnik
Choosing where to eat by area makes it easier to match restaurants to your budget and plans. The Old Town has the biggest choice but also the highest prices, while areas like Lapad and Gruž can feel more relaxed and better value. Names and reputations can change, so always check up-to-date reviews and menus before you decide. Here are some of my personal recommendations.
Old Town
Inside the city walls you will find the widest range of restaurants in one compact area, from simple konobas in side streets to refined places with tasting menus. Places like Restaurant 360, Proto Fish Restaurant, Taj Mahal, Barba, Gradska Kavana Arsenal and Nishta also regularly appear in guides and review sites as good options for seafood, meat dishes, Bosnian specialties or vegetarian food in and around the Old Town core.
- Best if you want to combine sightseeing and a meal without leaving the historic center.
- For fine dining or a special occasion, Restaurant 360 and Proto focus on creative plates and quality local ingredients.
- For simpler, faster meals, Barba, pizzerias and snack bars in the side streets are usually better value than the main squares.
- Vegetarians and vegans often look at places like Nishta, which build their menus around plant-based dishes.
- Make dinner reservations in high season, especially for terrace tables with views.
Pile & Ploče gates
Just outside the main gates on either side of the Old Town you will find a mix of cafés, bars and restaurants with sea or fortress views. Around Pile Gate, Dubravka 1836 and Nautika are long-established spots, consider them for the combination of beautiful City Walls views and classic Dalmatian dishes. Closer to Ploče Gate and above the town, Panorama Restaurant and places such as Ezza Steak & Cocktail Bar and Restaurant 360 (linked with the Ploče side of the walls) are often mentioned for their outlook over the Old Town and harbor.
- Useful for a meal before or after walking the city walls, taking the cable car or joining a tour.
- Sandwich bars and smaller grills around Pile can be a cheaper option than sitting down on the main terrace fronts.
- Tables with the best views usually have the highest prices and book out around sunset.
Lapad & Babin Kuk
Lapad Bay and the Babin Kuk peninsula have a long seaside promenade lined with hotels, cafés and restaurants. The atmosphere is more relaxed than the Old Town, with many mid-range places that work well for families and longer stays. Restaurants such as Pantarul, Orka, Restaurant More, Levanat and El Pulpo Fish Bar are regularly recommended in recent guides and reviews for good value, friendly service and reliable food, from grilled fish and meat to more modern fusion menus.
- Many menus mix pizza, pasta, grilled fish and meat, making it easy to find something for everyone at the table.
- Prices are often a little lower than in the Old Town, especially a row or two back from the very front of the promenade.
- Cafés and bars like Cave Bar More are popular for a drink or light snack with a sea view rather than a full sit-down meal.
- Ideal if you are staying in Lapad or Babin Kuk and do not want to go back into the center every evening.
Gruž
Gruž is the harbor district where ferries arrive and where Dubrovnik’s main open-air market and fish market are located. Restaurants and simple konobas here tend to feel more local, with menus that follow what is available at the market that day. Places that are often mentioned by locals and repeat visitors include Yacht Club Orsan, Mezzanave and a few smaller bistros and street-food spots near the port.
Gruž is also where I personally like to eat marenda at the local konoba Tabak. Marenda is a traditional Dalmatian late-morning meal, somewhere between an early lunch and a hearty brunch, usually eaten from around 9:30 until midday. It is as much a social break as a meal, friends and colleagues meet to chat over simple cooked dishes, which can range from lighter snacks to filling plates like bean stews or tripe. On the coast you will often see fish and seafood on the marenda menu, while inland places lean more towards meat and vegetables. At Tabak there is usually a short list of daily marenda dishes alongside a proper grill, so you can get grilled fish and meat at very fair prices for the quality and portion size, a good way to eat well without paying Old Town restaurant prices
- Good choice for lunch or an early dinner after visiting the market or before catching a ferry.
- Daily fish dishes and grills can be better value here than in equivalent Old Town restaurants.
- The area is easily reached by local bus from the Old Town and Lapad, and many spots are within a short walk of the bus stops and port.
What to eat in Dubrovnik
Menus in Dubrovnik usually mix classic Dalmatian seafood with Mediterranean and Central European influences. You will see a lot of grilled fish, simple meat dishes, pasta and risotto, plus a few traditional sweets that are closely linked to the region.
- Fresh grilled fish and seafood: Sea bream, sea bass, scampi, calamari and mussels are common, often simply grilled with olive oil, garlic and herbs and served with blitva (chard and potatoes).
- Crni rižot (black risotto): A rich, savory risotto made with cuttlefish or squid and colored with ink. It is one of the most typical Dalmatian dishes and a good choice if you like seafood and strong flavors.
- Octopus salad: Light and refreshing, usually made with boiled octopus, olive oil, vinegar, onions and parsley. Often served as a starter or small plate to share.
- Peka: Slow-cooked meat or octopus baked with potatoes and vegetables under a metal lid covered with embers. Many restaurants require you to order peka in advance because it takes several hours to prepare.
- Pašticada: A slow-cooked beef dish marinated in vinegar and spices, then braised in a rich sauce and served with gnocchi. It is more common on special menus, Sundays and holidays.
- Local cheeses and pršut: Air-dried ham and semi-hard cheeses from Dalmatian islands and inland regions often appear on cold platters, sometimes with olives and anchovies.
- Rozata: A traditional Dubrovnik custard pudding similar to crème caramel, flavored with local rose liqueur or citrus. It is one of the most typical desserts on local menus.
- Croatian wines: Look for white wines from Pelješac and Korčula (such as Pošip and Rukatac) and reds like Plavac Mali, which pair well with grilled fish and meat dishes.
If you enjoy cooking, you can also look up traditional recipes and try making some of these dishes at home. For ideas, see the collection of Croatian recipes on Absolute Croatia recipes. For a clearer overview of local varieties and regions, you can also read more about Croatian wines on Absolute Croatia.
Typical prices
Food prices in Dubrovnik are higher than in most other parts of Croatia, especially inside the Old Town and in restaurants with the best views. Areas like Lapad, Babin Kuk and parts of Gruž are usually a little more moderate. Menus are normally displayed at the entrance, so you can always check prices before sitting down.
- Inexpensive mains: In simple konobas, grills and pizzerias outside the very centre, most main courses are roughly in the €12–20 range per person, depending on portion size and ingredients.
- Mid-range restaurant meals: In typical sit-down restaurants, a main course and drink often comes to around €25–40 per person, with Old Town and seafront locations at the upper end of that range.
- Seafood and steaks: Fresh fish sold by weight and good cuts of meat are among the more expensive options. It is easy to reach €35–50 per person or more if you choose whole fish, starters and dessert in a popular Old Town restaurant.
- Pizza, pasta and risotto: Pizza and simple pasta dishes are usually among the cheaper sit-down choices, often somewhere between €10 and €18 depending on the area and toppings. Seafood risottos tend to be priced higher than basic pasta dishes.
- Coffee and drinks: A coffee in a regular café is commonly around €2–4, while places on Stradun and other prime terraces can charge closer to €5–6. A draft beer or a glass of house wine is often in the €4–8 range in central tourist areas.
- Desserts and ice cream: Desserts in restaurants and ice-cream cups in central locations are usually moderately priced compared with main courses, but you still pay extra for front-row views of the Old Town or the sea.
Note: These are only general ranges based on recent seasons. Prices can change from year to year and even between neighboring streets, so always use the posted menu on the spot as your final reference.
How to choose a restaurant
With so many options in Dubrovnik, it helps to have a simple checklist before you sit down. Looking at the menu, location and a few basic details will usually tell you if a place matches your budget and what you feel like eating.
- Check the full menu and prices: Most restaurants display menus at the entrance. Take a moment to look at prices for main courses, drinks and any “cover charge” or bread charge, so there are no surprises on the bill.
- Avoid only picture menus on the busiest streets: In the very center, places that rely mainly on large photo boards and aggressive hosts can be more tourist-focused and offer weaker value than restaurants in nearby side streets.
- Look for daily specials and fresh dishes: Boards listing the day’s catch, stews or seasonal dishes are often a good sign that the kitchen adjusts to what is available rather than serving the same tourist set menu all year.
- Check recent reviews, not only ratings: Overall scores on major review sites can stay high for years, so it helps to read a few recent comments to see if service, quality and value are still consistent.
- Think about timing and reservations: In high season, popular restaurants in the Old Town and by the sea often book out for dinner. If you have a specific place in mind, reserve ahead or plan to arrive early in the evening.
- Match location to your plans: For long sightseeing days, it can be easier to eat in or just outside the Old Town. If you are staying in Lapad or Babin Kuk, having dinner near your hotel saves you travelling back after a late meal.
- Check what is included in the bill: In Croatia, a service charge is not always added automatically. If it is, it will usually be indicated on the menu or receipt. If not, leaving a small tip for good service (around 5–10%) is common but not obligatory.
- Consider dietary needs in advance: If you are vegetarian, vegan or have allergies, scan the menu for clearly marked options or contact the restaurant ahead of time. Many places can adapt dishes, but it is better to check before you sit down.
Spending a few minutes on these checks before you choose a table usually leads to a better experience and a bill that matches your expectations.
Food tips for Dubrovnik
A few simple habits can make eating out in Dubrovnik easier, especially in the busier months. These tips help you plan meals, avoid crowds and understand common local practices.
- Eat slightly earlier or later: Dinner peaks between 19:00 and 21:00 in high season. Going earlier or after 21:00 can mean shorter waits and calmer streets.
- Carry some cash: Most restaurants accept cards, but smaller bakeries, snack bars and market stands sometimes prefer cash, especially for small amounts.
- Tap water is safe: Dubrovnik’s tap water is drinkable, so you can ask for a jug of water instead of bottled if offered.
- Check bread or cover charges: Many restaurants add a small charge for bread or a basic cover service. It is usually written on the menu or explained by staff.
- Watch for sun and heat: Outdoor tables in sunny spots can get hot at lunchtime. Shady terraces or indoor options are more comfortable on very warm days.
- Portions can be generous: Many restaurants serve large mains, especially grills and risottos. Sharing starters or ordering one course at first can be more practical.
- Expect busier service on cruise days: When multiple cruise ships arrive, popular Old Town streets and restaurants fill very quickly. Planning meals in Lapad, Gruž or just outside the gates can help avoid the biggest crowds.
- Allergies and dietary notes: If you have allergies or specific needs, mention them when ordering. Most places can adapt dishes, but it is better to confirm before food is prepared.
Gastronomy of Croatia
The cuisine of Dalmatia and the islands follows the trend of modern nutritional norms. The brief thermal preparation of foodstuffs (mainly boiling or grilling) and plenty of fish, olive oil, vegetables and self-sown herbs found near the sea is why this cuisine is considered to be very healthy.
Dalmatian wines, like olive oil and salted olives, have been highly esteemed since ancient times, which the present names of some of the indigenous grape sorts reveal (Grk : Greek, from the island of Korčula; Prc from the island of Hvar). Famous wines include Dingač and Postup from the Pelješac Peninsula, then there are Pošip and Grk from Korčula; Maraština from the island of Lastovo, and also Prošek (a sweet dessert wine), the very strong grape (loza) and herbal brandies (travarica, grapes with medicinal herbs).
Although even today every area has its own way of preparing certain dishes, the cuisine of the islands represents a separate world, their distinguishing features having been discovered only recently, such as the cuisine of the islands of Hvar, Korčula, Brač (vitalac, a dish made from lamb offal wrapped in lamb gut and spike-roasted), Vis (spike-roasted pilchards, as during the Ancient Greek period; flat cake with pilchards from Komiža and Vis, related to the modern-day pizza).
Fresh sea fish (dog's tooth, gilt head, sea-bass, grouper, mackerel, pilchards) grilled, boiled or marinated; then there are mollusks (squid, cuttlefish, octopus), crustaceans (shrimps, lobsters) and shellfish (mussels, oysters, date-shells) boiled in a fish stew or as a risotto.
Of the meat dishes, prosciutto is unarguably unrivaled - pork leg smoked and dried in the bora (from Drniš), served with dry, mostly sheep's cheese (famous sorts of cheese are those from Pag and Dubrovnik) and salted green and black olives, capers and pickled onions. Lamb is also very highly valued, especially boiled or baked on an open fire (Franjevačka begovica from Visovac, or lopiz from the island of Iž); also, dried mutton (kaštradina), roast beef, Dalmatian stew (pašticada) with gnocchi, offered by many restaurants.
Lightly boiled vegetables are also favorite dishes (Swiss chard with potatoes, tomato sauce) often a mixture of cultivated and self-sown vegetables, spiced with olive oil and wine vinegar, or served with meat (manestra - pasta with minced meat; arambašići - stuffed vine leaves).
Regions with an abundance of fresh water are famous for their frog, eel and river crab dishes (the Neretva valley, Trilj and the Cetina basin). Typical Dalmatian desserts win the heart with their simplicity. The most usual ingredients include Mediterranean fruit, dried figs and raisins, almonds, honey, eggs (rafioli, mandulat, smokvenjak, the gingerbread biscuits from the island of Hvar - rozata).
source: Croatian National Tourist Board
Interested in whipping up some tasty Croatian dishes at home? Check out these Easy-to-Make Croatian Recipes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dubrovnik expensive for eating out?
Yes, Dubrovnik is one of the more expensive places to eat in Croatia, especially in the Old Town and at restaurants with views. Prices are usually lower in Lapad, Babin Kuk and parts of Gruž, where you can find more moderate menus.
Where do locals usually eat?
Locals often choose smaller konobas and simple grill places outside the busiest streets, especially around Gruž, Lapad and residential neighborhoods. These areas usually offer better value and daily dishes based on what is available at the market.
Do I need reservations for dinner?
In high season, reservations are recommended for popular Old Town restaurants and any place with a sunset view. For casual meals in Lapad or Gruž you can often walk in, but tables still fill quickly during peak evenings.
Are vegetarian and vegan options available?
Yes. Many restaurants mark vegetarian dishes clearly, and several places inside the Old Town and in Lapad offer vegan-friendly menus. For the best choice, check menus online or look for dedicated veggie options before you sit down.
What dishes should I try in Dubrovnik?
Typical local dishes include black risotto, grilled fish, octopus salad, pašticada, seafood pasta, pršut and local cheeses, plus the classic Dubrovnik dessert rozata. Many restaurants also serve daily specials based on fresh seafood from the market.
Is tipping expected in Dubrovnik?
Tipping is not obligatory, but leaving around 5–10% for good service is common. Some restaurants add a small service or bread charge, and if so, it will appear on the menu or receipt.
Are menus and prices displayed outside?
Yes, almost all restaurants display menus at the entrance, and many also show prices clearly. It is always worth checking the full menu before choosing a table, especially in the Old Town.