Split travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Split, Dalmatia, Croatia.
Dalmatian cuisine is built on the Mediterranean trinity of olive oil, fish and wine, seasoned with the island herbs rosemary, sage and lavender. The coast's defining dishes are simply grilled fresh fish, seafood risotto (often coloured black with cuttlefish ink), octopus salads, and lamb or veal slow-cooked under a peka — a cast-iron dome buried in embers. Inland touches include pašticada, a sweet-sour beef braise marinated in wine and prunes served with homemade gnocchi, and Dalmatian prosciutto (pršut) air-dried in the Bora wind.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Nostromo
Popular Dalmatian seafood restaurant in Split.
Known for: Premium fresh Adriatic fish and shellfish served in a vaulted stone dining room
Kraj Sv. Marije 10, 21000 Split
Bokeria Kitchen and Wine Bar
Popular Modern Croatian restaurant in Split.
Known for: Dalmatian wines by the glass paired with seasonal small plates
Domaldova ul. 8, 21000 Split
Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar
Popular Modern Mediterranean restaurant in Split.
Known for: Croatian and international wines with Mediterranean tapas
Mihovilova širina 3, 21000 Split
Fife
Popular Traditional Dalmatian restaurant in Split.
Known for: No-frills generous portions of traditional Dalmatian dishes at honest prices
Trumbićeva obala 11, 21000 Split
Konoba Fetivi
Popular Dalmatian home cooking restaurant in Split.
Known for: Authentic Dalmatian konoba cooking with emphasis on grilled fish and local wines
Primorska ul. 3, 21000 Split
Restaurant Sperun
Popular Dalmatian seafood restaurant in Split.
Known for: Multi-generation family restaurant with traditional stone interior and reliable seafood
Sperun ul. 3, 21000 Split
Konoba Matejuška
Popular Dalmatian seafood restaurant in Split.
Known for: Tiny harbourside konoba right on the old fishing jetty; ultra-fresh catch
Tomićeva ul. 3, 21000 Split
Villa Spiza
Popular Dalmatian home cooking restaurant in Split.
Known for: Cult-status tiny konoba serving whatever was fresh that day; single daily menu
Preradovićeva ul. 7, 21000 Split
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Seafood
Nostromo
Restaurant Sperun
Konoba Matejuška
Dvor Restaurant
Konoba Kod Jure
Mediterranean
Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar
Corto Maltese Bistro
Apetit City
Bajamonti Restaurant
Dalmatian
Konoba Hvaranin
Buffet Figa
Dalmatian Home Cooking
Konoba Fetivi
Villa Spiza
Modern Croatian
Bokeria Kitchen and Wine Bar
D16 Restaurant
Traditional Dalmatian
Fife
Konoba Varoš
Burgers
Local Burger Bar (Fabrika)
Croatian
Restaurant Šumica
Italian
Trattoria Tinel
Modern Dalmatian
Paradigma
Pizza
Pizzeria Galija
Steakhouse
OX Steak & Wine Bar
Traditional Croatian
Marta's Croatian Cuisine
Vegetarian
Makrovega
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Pazar (Open Air Market)
Split's main outdoor market, just outside the east wall of Diocletian's Palace. Vendors sell local vegetables, fruit, olives, olive oil, cheese, honey, lavender products and seasonal produce. Best visited in the morning.
Hours: Daily 7am–1pm
Fish Market (Ribarnica)
Covered fish market just north of the Riva, selling the morning catch directly from Dalmatian fishermen. Whole fish, squid, shellfish and more.
Hours: Daily 6am–1pm
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch (ručak) is the main meal of the day, typically 1pm–3pm; many restaurants offer a fixed-price lunch menu (dnevni menu) for €10–€15 (~$11–$16.50)
Tipping: 10% is appreciated but not mandatory; round up the bill or leave cash on the table
House wine (kućno vino) is cheap and often good; ask for the local Dalmatian variety
Peka dishes (octopus or lamb under the dome) require at least 24 hours' advance notice
Most restaurants accept major credit cards; smaller konobas may be cash-only
Dinner service typically runs 7pm–11pm; restaurants are at their busiest 8pm–10pm in summer
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |