Dubrovnik, Croatia’s glittering “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is not only a feast for the eyes — it’s also a paradise for food lovers. Behind those medieval walls and marble streets hides a rich culinary scene blending Dalmatian tradition, Mediterranean flavors, and a modern creative touch. Whether you’re craving an elegant seafood dinner by candlelight or a simple local meal by the harbor, there’s a table waiting for you.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best restaurants in Dubrovnik, from upscale dining experiences to affordable hidden gems that locals love.
Fine Dining in Dubrovnik: A Taste of Elegance
1. Restaurant 360 Dubrovnik – Michelin-Starred Excellence
If you’re searching for luxury dining, Restaurant 360 is the crown jewel of restaurants in Dubrovnik. Nestled within the city walls, overlooking the Old Port, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers both breathtaking views and world-class cuisine.
Chef Marijo Curić crafts modern Mediterranean dishes using seasonal Croatian ingredients — think Adriatic lobster with citrus, lamb confit with rosemary, or delicate truffle pasta paired with local wine. Every plate is a work of art, and the service matches the view: sophisticated yet warm.
Location: Sv. Dominika 4
Price range: $$$$
Highlight: Michelin-star tasting menu with wine pairing on the terrace above the harbor.
Reservations are essential here — the terrace seats are limited, and dining under the stars with the sound of waves below is an experience you won’t forget.
2. Nautika Restaurant – Where the Sea Meets History
Another iconic fine dining address is Nautika, located just outside Pile Gate, where the city walls meet the Adriatic. It’s often named among the most romantic restaurants in Dubrovnik.
Overlooking the Lovrijenac Fortress, Nautika serves elegant seafood dishes that celebrate the region’s maritime heritage — from fresh oysters and sea bass to grilled octopus and lobster tail. The menu also includes Dalmatian meat specialties, all beautifully presented and paired with Croatian wines.
Location: Brsalje 3
Price range: $$$$
Highlight: Sea-view terrace perfect for sunset dinners.
Even celebrities and royals have dined here, but the real star is the view.
3. Proto Fish Restaurant – Historic Charm and Fresh Seafood
For a mix of tradition and refinement, Proto has been serving seafood in Dubrovnik since 1886. Its vintage charm, white-linen tables, and focus on fresh Adriatic catch make it a must-visit.
Try the black risotto, grilled scampi, or fish carpaccio — all local favorites. The terrace upstairs offers a lovely breeze and a view over the busy streets of the Old Town.
Location: Široka ul. 1, Old Town
Price range: $$$
Highlight: Elegant seafood in the heart of the Old Town with a long local heritage.
Mid-Range & Casual Dining: Authentic Dalmatian Flavors
4. Taj Mahal Dubrovnik – A Bosnian Twist in Dalmatia
Don’t let the name fool you — Taj Mahal isn’t an Indian restaurant but one of Dubrovnik’s most beloved spots for Bosnian cuisine. If you’re craving hearty comfort food at reasonable prices, this place delivers.
The menu features juicy grilled meats, stuffed peppers, and traditional ćevapi served with somun bread and kajmak. The warm hospitality and cozy interior make it feel like dining in someone’s home.
Location: Two branches – one in Old Town (Nikole Gučetića 2) and one near Hotel Lero
Price range: $$
Highlight: Flavor-packed Balkan dishes with generous portions.
5. Konoba Dubrava – Local Food with a View
If you want to escape the crowds and eat like a local, head up to Konoba Dubrava, located on Mount Srđ above the city. This traditional tavern specializes in Dalmatian “peka” — meat or octopus slow-cooked under an iron bell with potatoes and herbs.
The view over Dubrovnik’s rooftops and the Adriatic below is spectacular, and the atmosphere is rustic, friendly, and authentically Croatian. You’ll need a taxi or car to get there, and it’s best to order the peka dish a few hours in advance (it takes time to prepare).
Location: Bosanka village (about 15 minutes from Old Town)
Price range: $$
Highlight: Authentic peka meal and panoramic views of Dubrovnik.
6. Barba Dubrovnik – Seafood Street Food Done Right
If you’re exploring the Old Town and want something quick, affordable, and delicious, Barba is a local favorite. This tiny seafood bar is famous for its fried calamari cones, shrimp burgers, and octopus sandwiches — fresh, casual, and full of flavor.
It’s ideal for lunch or a light dinner after sightseeing, with fast service and outdoor seating on a quiet side street.
Location: Boškovićeva 5
Price range: $
Highlight: Fast, high-quality seafood in the center of the Old Town.
Budget-Friendly Eats in Dubrovnik
7. Pizzeria Tabasco – For Pizza Lovers on a Budget
If you’re traveling on a budget but still want a satisfying meal, Pizzeria Tabasco near Ploče Gate is a great choice. It’s known for big, crispy pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven — perfect for sharing after a day of walking the walls.
The outdoor terrace has a relaxed vibe, and you’ll see both locals and tourists enjoying a beer and a slice.
Location: Ploče Gate area
Price range: $
Highlight: Best-value pizza in Dubrovnik, generous portions.
8. Barba or Glorijet Tavern (Gruž Port)
If you venture beyond the Old Town to Gruž Harbor, you’ll find Glorijet Tavern, a cozy local spot serving daily fish specials at affordable prices. It’s a favorite among residents and taxi drivers — always a good sign.
Order grilled sardines, seafood pasta, or a glass of local white wine while watching boats come and go from the marina.
Location: Near Dubrovnik Marina, Gruž
Price range: $–$$
Highlight: Authentic seafood at local prices, away from tourist crowds.
Sweet Endings: Dessert Spots You’ll Love
No meal in Dubrovnik is complete without dessert. Try Peppino’s Gelato Garden for artisanal ice cream made with local ingredients like lavender, fig, or carob. Or visit Dolce Vita, tucked in an Old Town alley, for homemade crepes, sundaes, and traditional Dubrovnik rožata — a caramel custard similar to crème brûlée.
Tip: Rožata pairs perfectly with a glass of sweet * prošek*, a traditional Dalmatian dessert wine.
Dining Tips in Dubrovnik
- Book ahead in high season (June–September), especially for fine dining restaurants in Dubrovnik.
- Tipping: Around 10% is appreciated but not mandatory.
- Dress code: Smart casual for high-end places; relaxed for konobas (taverns).
- Try local wines: Especially Dingač (red) and Pošip (white) from the Pelješac Peninsula.
- Timing: Most restaurants serve dinner from 7 p.m. onward — locals dine late.
Experience Dubrovnik Through Its Food
Whether you dine under the city walls, on a hidden terrace, or in a family-run tavern overlooking the sea, every meal in Dubrovnik tells a story — of centuries-old traditions, local pride, and the generous spirit of Dalmatia.
If you’d like to explore not just what to eat but the history behind Dubrovnik’s cuisine, join me for a private food and wine tour. As a local guide, I’ll take you through markets, hidden eateries, and authentic konobas where you’ll meet the people behind the flavors.
Taste oysters fresh from the Adriatic, sip local wine in a centuries-old cellar, and learn how Dubrovnik’s seafaring past shaped its culinary identity.
Book your private food tour in Dubrovnik today and experience the city one bite, one story, and one unforgettable flavor at a time.
