The Best Destinations in Croatia for Foodie Travelers 

Croatia is a culturally rich destination best suited for those who appreciate authentic travel experiences. The crescent-shaped country boasts a stunning coastline with crystal-clear waters and fascinating history and heritage. But amongst the beauty of it all, one particular highlight of your Croatian trip is the food. Croatian cuisine may not be as famous as Italy or Spain, but its incredible culinary delights are a wonderful surprise!

Here are the best destinations in Croatia for foodie travelers.

• Hvar

Hvar is one of Croatia’s most popular islands, attracting party-loving visitors with its excellent beach bars and clubs. It also has pristine beaches and fantastic restaurants serving the finest Croatian cuisine. While many would come here to party, foodies can indulge in delectable food and wine, thanks to its wide range of restaurants that cater to all tastes.

No matter how many times you’ve been to Hvar, there’s always something new to try. As Croatia’s top tourist destination, you’ll find all sorts of eateries on the island, from pop-up casual eateries to fine-dining restaurants.  

You’ll find the best ones at the center of the town, such as the Gariful restaurant, a delightful family restaurant along Punta Riva. Thanks to its delectable menu, including fresh grilled fish and seafood, Gariful has become Hvar’s most exclusive and sought-after restaurant. Grab a seat on the terrace, allowing you to enjoy the stunning views of luxury yachts along the waterfront.

While you can find all kinds of international dishes on the island, explore the local flavors by tasting traditional Croatian cuisines like the gregada, made with fish and peeled potatoes. Another local dish that’s a must-try is the pasticada, a tasty beef dish served with homemade gnocchi.

• Split 

As Croatia is becoming one of Europe’s most visited tourist destinations, getting around the country should be easy. For those who want to enjoy a more convenient and comfortable way of exploring the islands, consider booking a luxury tour. Many travel companies offer luxury tours around Croatia, with Split often included in the itinerary. It’s a fantastic island to visit, especially for foodies looking to explore.

Split has an exciting food scene. As you get around the city, you’ll find many incredible restaurants that use fresh local ingredients to prepare mouthwatering dishes, whether it’s a local diner or a fine dining establishment. The city’s traditional cuisine is predominantly Mediterranean, with meat, veggies, and seafood generously drizzled in olive oil. Many restaurants feature a mix of Balkan and Mediterranean cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes on the menu are grilled and fried calamari and platters of meat and veggies.

Those looking to splurge can enjoy fine dining at Restaurant Kadena. Aside from the mouthwatering menu, it boasts a stunning location overlooking the sea, which you can best enjoy from the restaurant terrace. For authentic cuisine, dine at Villa Spiza, one of the city’s top restaurants. It’s in the center of Split, where you can sample local dishes like brizle (sweetbreads) and fried veal liver.

• Mljet 

Mljet is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Croatia. It’s one of Croatia’s greenest islands, boasting lush Mediterranean vegetation and a gentle sandy shore with crystal-clear waters. While its dining scene is not as popular as the more famous islands, it has its share of fantastic restaurants serving mouthwatering Croatian specialties.

For many years, dining in Mljet has been limited to harbor front eateries and small restaurants in isolated places around the island. But that’s no longer the case, as more and more visitors are heading to Mljet. The resort village of Saplunara has a bustling dining scene offering plenty of dining options, including those that serve the tastiest grilled fish and lobsters.

When strolling through the coastal village of Pomena, you’ll come across a lovely restaurant called Konoba Barba Ive. They have the freshest seafood and fish and grill their lobster over a wood fire. The sea bass stands out from among the dishes on their menu. For the best views, visit Konoba Stermasi. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the ocean, the restaurant specializes in seafood, including squid and succulent octopus.

• Dubrovnik 

Foodies looking to splurge can partake in luxury small ship cruises in Croatia, with Dubrovnik being a fantastic place to start. As one of Croatia’s top tourist destinations, Dubrovnik has an incredible food scene. It’s where you can find some of the country’s top restaurants. While most visitors would come here to discover history, the city’s culinary scene is also a delight to explore.

Being a touristy place, you’d be forgiven to think that Dubrovnik‘s culinary scene consists of expensive high-end dining eateries that are mere tourist traps. But if you seek hard enough, you’ll discover numerous small taverns and off-the-beaten-path restaurants serving authentic Croatian cuisines.

Dubrovnik is the best place to try traditional Mediterranean favorites. Visit Lokanda Peskarija, a lovely restaurant serving traditional seafood and Mediterranean dishes. It’s popular among locals, and they particularly love the restaurant’s seafood, like grilled squid and octopus salad.

• Korcula

Foodies will have a wonderful time discovering Korcula’s dining scene. Food and drink are an integral life to the island’s inhabitants. Here, friends and family gather frequently to enjoy gastronomy at its finest. At any gathering, expect delectable salads featuring homegrown produce, grilled meats, mouthwatering seafood, and bread of all shapes and sizes.

Visit Restaurant Nigra Korcula, a short walk from the heart of the Old Town. Aside from its cozy indoor dining space, it offers incredible outdoor dining at a platform overlooking stunning ocean views. Offering a gourmet dining experience, Nigra Korcula has a delightful menu of excellent dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Don’t forget to order a glass of local wine with your meal!

Take the time to sample some of the island’s local specialties, such as the homemade makaruni, a pasta cooked in various sauces with tomato, garlic, minced meat, and parsley. Another dish traditional to the island is the pasticada, made of beef, slowly stewed in a wine gravy, and cooked in veggies.