These are the best restaurants to book on a holiday to Croatia (Image: Getty)For many, holidays to Croatia are about sun, sea and relaxing (or perhaps partying, but also about food. Fresh, locally sourced produce is abundant all along this country’s stunning coastline, so it’s easy to see why so many great restaurants can be found at some of the most popular holiday hot spots. We pick five of the best to look out for on your next trip to the Adriatic. Don Dino, Trogir Don Dino is to be found in a small open-air square a stone’s throw from the ancient town’s harbour. The family run restaurant serves a mix of fresh fish and shellfish, authentic speciality meat dishes and freshly made pasta. We tried their signature dish, monkfish cigars stuffed with sour cherries and a crispy coating and served with a spicy yogurt dipping sauce. To follow we had a delicious cuttlefish black risotto and fresh monkfish. The restaurant is also open for breakfast, including acai bowls and avocado toast, as well as lighter lunches. They have an extensive wine list, but we have to say their house wines were very good. READ MORE: ‘I dived into Croatia’s all-in activity holiday head first – you don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy it’
We loved this family-run restaurant near the harbour
Black Pepper, Hvar Island Black Pepper restaurant is to be found up a steeply stepped alleyway not far from the main harbour in Hvar Town. Every space on the steps is taken up with guest tables, and there’s also a pretty internal courtyard. The menu is limited but delicious. We had a beautifully presented tuna steak served with bulgar wheat and melt-in-the-mouth sea bass with apple fennel and brown butter. Try the locally produced rose petal liqueur as an aperitif – a delicious start to the meal. The desserts are truly inventive. The standout was the ‘camembert’ – a white chocolate case enclosing whipped cheese stuffed with a pocket of cherries and raspberries. Truly unique!
We enjoyed fresh fish including tuna steak at Black Pepper
(Image: Black Pepper)
Lola, Vis Island Hidden down a side road in a private walled garden, Lola is the brainchild of a Spanish/Croatian couple who have successfully blended both culinary cultures to create an exceptional menu in a truly beautiful setting. From fresh seafood and fish – including Adriatic fish stew – to traditional slow-cooked lamb and succulent steaks, there’s something for everyone. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, and the welcoming staff were happy to ‘see what we can do’ to fulfil most requests. We can honestly say the swordfish was the best we have every tasted – fresh, creamy and perfectly cooked – and was accompanied by lightly sautéed potatoes as requested by us.
Lola is located in a beautiful walled garden
(Image: Instagram: @lolavisisland)
Filippi, Korcula Island This Michelin guide-recommended restaurant is just inside the walls of the old town in Korcula and overlooks both the mainland and the nearest islands, with views to die for. The food here is classic with a focus on fish and is offered either as a set three- or four-course menu, as well as a tasting menu. There’s good wine list that features wine from their own vineyard. We shared a trio of cheeses from Pag Island to start, which varied in strength and were accompanied by nuts and fruits. The following course of sea bass carpaccio and sardines were simply superb. The main courses of black cuttlefish arancini and sea bass with Swiss chard and potato were deliciously filling and left just enough room for a small dessert of olive oil and chocolate and a strawberry sorbet.
We loved Filippi’s sea bass carpaccio
(Image: Instagram: @restaurantfilippi)
Restaurant Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik Another Michelin guide recommended restaurant, the Dubrovnik has covered, open air dining and a secret staircase to a secluded rooftop courtyard with it’s famous terrace. Renowned for its lovely atmosphere and welcoming, friendly staff, it’s not cheap but is a dining experience, and hosts some of the best food in Dubrovnik. There’s a tasting menu and an à la carte menu featuring delicacies including turbot with fennel and pumpkin and European lobster with parsnip cream and dried raspberries. Starters feature classics such as foie gras and beef tartare alongside octopus with black truffle and scallops with goats’ cheese and porcini mushrooms. There’s an extensive wine list featuring wines from Spain, Italy, France and Croatia.
Restaurant Dubrovnik’s hidden terrace is a must-visit
(Image: Restaurant Dubrovnik)
* Our trip was hosted by Cruise Croatia who offer 7-night cruises from £1,795 per person including breakfast, lunch, two dinners, private transfers, all excursions and Wi-Fi. Flights are not included. Each guest is also provided with a Privilege Card with 10% discounts at preferred restaurants in key ports. For further information on May to October 2025 departure dates, visit Cruise Croatia or call 0208 004 2345. Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnTravel
