Dubrovnik-Neretva County is Croatia's southernmost county, renowned for the UNESCO-listed walled city of Dubrovnik, the Pelješac Peninsula with its world-class wines and oysters, and the lush Neretva River delta. The region encompasses stunning Adriatic coastline, idyllic islands including Korčula, Mljet, and the Elafiti archipelago, and historic towns that blend Venetian and Ragusan architectural heritage.
Dubrovnik-Neretva cuisine is rooted in the Mediterranean traditions of the Republic of Ragusa, emphasizing the bounty of the Adriatic Sea, locally grown olive oil and citrus, and slowly evolved Dalmatian cooking techniques. Seafood dominates — fresh grilled fish, black risotto, seafood buzara (shellfish in wine sauce), and the world-renowned oysters of Mali Ston. Meat dishes follow Dalmatian traditions: lamb and veal slow-cooked under a peka (iron bell), prosciutto from local breezes, and pašticada (beef marinated in wine). The wine culture is exceptional: Pelješac produces some of Croatia's finest reds (Dingač, Postup) while Korčula's whites (Grk, Pošip) are gaining international recognition.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Dubrovnik Neretva.
Mali Ston Oysters
World-famous oysters from the pristine Bay of Mali Ston on Pelješac, considered some of Europe's finest
Where to try: Mali Ston restaurants or Bota Šare in Dubrovnik Old Town
Price: €15-20/dozen
Black Risotto (Crni Rižot)
Dalmatia's signature dish — risotto made with cuttlefish and colored jet-black with cuttlefish ink, intensely flavored
Where to try: Any good restaurant in Dubrovnik Old Town
Price: €16-25
Pašticada
The ultimate Dalmatian festive dish: beef marinated in vinegar, red wine, and spices then slow-braised for hours
Where to try: Restaurant Proto or Konoba Kopun
Price: €22-30
Rozata
Dubrovnik's own version of crème brûlée — a silky caramel custard made with rose liqueur, unique to Ragusan cuisine
Where to try: Any traditional restaurant in Old Town
Price: €6-8
Peka (Under the Bell)
Slow-cooked lamb, veal, or octopus under a heavy iron bell (peka) covered with embers — must be ordered 24 hours ahead
Where to try: Konoba Dalmatino, Konoba Kopun
Price: €20-30
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurant 360°
Arguably Dubrovnik's most spectacular dining experience, set on top of the ancient city walls with panoramic views of the Old Port and Adriatic. The innovative menu highlights local ingredients — Pelješac oysters, Adriatic fish, truffle and black risotto — in elegant contemporary presentations with an extensive Croatian wine list.
Known for: On-the-wall fine dining with sea views
Sv. Dominika 3, 20000 Dubrovnik
Restaurant Nautika
Located at the base of the city walls next to Pile Gate with sweeping sea views from its terrace, Nautika has been one of Dubrovnik's finest restaurants for decades. Fresh Adriatic lobster, Dalmatian fish specialties, and impeccable service make it a special occasion destination.
Known for: Fresh Adriatic lobster and Dalmatian seafood classics
Brsalje 3, 20000 Dubrovnik
Restaurant Proto
One of Dubrovnik's oldest and most respected restaurants, established in 1886, with a beautiful Old Town terrace shaded by an ancient palm tree. Proto specializes in Ragusan cuisine traditions — pasticada (beef braised in wine), black risotto, and fresh fish — with an excellent Croatian wine cellar.
Known for: Traditional Ragusan cuisine since 1886
Široka 1, 20000 Dubrovnik
Bota Šare Oyster & Sushi Bar
A unique Dubrovnik gem that pairs the world-famous Pelješac oysters from nearby Mali Ston with Japanese-inspired sushi preparation. The raw bar is exceptional, and the combination of Croatian terroir with Japanese technique makes this a truly original dining experience in the heart of Old Town.
Known for: Fresh Pelješac oysters and seafood fusion
Od Pustijerne 1, 20000 Dubrovnik
Konoba Dalmatino
A beloved authentic konoba tucked in a narrow alley behind Stradun, serving honest Dalmatian home cooking at prices far more reasonable than the main tourist restaurants. The riblja plata (mixed fish platter), grilled meats under peka (a bell-shaped lid), and house wine are consistently excellent.
Known for: Traditional peka-cooked dishes and fresh fish
Miha Pracata 6, 20000 Dubrovnik
Konoba Ribar
A simple, family-run fish restaurant at the edge of Old Town near the Old Port, where the freshest catch of the day is grilled simply and honestly. A refreshing contrast to the tourist-oriented Old Town restaurants with excellent value and genuine Dalmatian hospitality.
Known for: Simple grilled Adriatic fish
Kovačka 1, 20000 Dubrovnik
Restaurant Sesame
A popular restaurant in Dubrovnik's Ploče district with a pleasant courtyard terrace serving creative Mediterranean cuisine at mid-range prices. Known for generous portions, a good wine list focusing on Dalmatian varietals, and a welcome break from the Old Town premium.
Known for: Creative Mediterranean cuisine with Dalmatian wines
Dante Alighieri 4, 20000 Dubrovnik
Azur Restaurant
Dubrovnik's original fusion restaurant in Old Town, blending Asian techniques with the finest Dalmatian ingredients. The menu changes with seasons and market availability, offering dishes like Adriatic tuna with soy-ginger, calamari tempura, and local lamb with Korean-inspired spices.
Known for: Asia-meets-Dalmatia fusion cooking
Pobijana 10, 20000 Dubrovnik
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Dalmatian
Restaurant Proto
Bugenvila Restaurant
Konoba Kolona Korčula
Restaurant Posat
Konoba Stari Mlin
Konoba Vinica Mljet
Konoba Marco Polo Korčula
Konoba Roko Orebić
Konoba Šipan
Mediterranean
Restaurant Sesame
Azur Restaurant
Restaurant Arka Korčula
Restaurant Amfora
Restaurant Levanat Lapad
Restaurant Vapor at Hotel Bellevue
Seafood
Restaurant Nautika
Konoba Ribar
Konoba Ribarnica Mali Ston
Konoba Bota Cavtat
Konoba Polača Mljet
Restaurant Batelina Ston
Bistro
Lady Pi Pi
Pantarul Restaurant
Café & Breakfast
Bistro Café Festival
Restaurant Sumica Dubrovnik
Café
Wanda Bar & Breakfast
Café & Brunch
Lucin Kantun
Café & Light Meals
Café Dubrava
Contemporary Dalmatian
Restaurant 360°
Croatian
Konoba Bačvara
Gelato & Desserts
Ice cream Perna Dubrovnik
Italian
Spaghetteria Toni
Japanese
Bota Šare Oyster & Sushi Bar
Konavle Regional
Konavle Traditional Konoba Čilipi
Pizza & Dalmatian
Konoba Mea Culpa
Street Food & Market
Market Gruž Street Food Stalls
Traditional Dalmatian
Konoba Dalmatino
Traditional Ragusan
Konoba Kopun
Vegetarian
Nishta Restaurant
Wine Bar & Tapas
D'Vino Wine Bar & Restaurant
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Burek
Flaky phyllo pastry filled with cheese (sirnica) or minced meat — the quintessential Balkan fast food and best breakfast option
Find it at: Gruž Market and local bakeries
Fritule
Small traditional Croatian mini-doughnuts flavored with lemon, orange, and rum — sold at markets and festivals
Find it at: Gruž Market and seasonal stalls
Peka-roasted chestnuts
Wood-roasted chestnuts sold from carts in autumn and winter in Old Town — a seasonal Dubrovnik street treat
Find it at: Stradun and Pile Gate area in autumn
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Gruž Morning Market
Dubrovnik's main daily market at the port, selling fresh local produce, fish, flowers, and artisan food products
Hours: 6AM-1PM daily
Old Town Market (Gundulićeva Poljana)
A charming small market in Old Town's main square selling local produce, lavender, olive oil, and local cheeses
Hours: 7AM-noon daily (summer)
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Book ahead for popular Old Town restaurants in July-August — some require reservations weeks in advance
Fish is priced by the kilogram (kg) at most restaurants; ask the weight before ordering
Restaurants near Stradun typically charge 20-30% more for the same quality — explore the side alleys for better value
Tip is not mandatory but 10% is appreciated at sit-down restaurants
Peka dishes must be ordered 24 hours in advance; ask your accommodation to book for you
- Vegetarian
- Limited but improving — Nishta restaurant in Old Town is fully vegetarian; most restaurants offer grilled vegetables, pasta, and salad options
- Halal
- Not widespread; stick to fish and seafood dishes which are available everywhere, or look for international restaurants
- Gluten free
- Ask for 'bez glutena' — fresh grilled fish and vegetables are naturally gluten-free; awareness is improving in tourist areas
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | €5-10 per meal | Burek from markets, pizza at Mea Culpa, pasta at Toni's, supermarket sandwiches |
| Mid-range | €18-35 per meal | Sit-down konoba with fresh fish main and house wine |
| Upscale | €60-120+ per person | Fine dining at Restaurant 360°, Nautika, or Proto with wine pairing |