Best restaurants in Dubrovnik: Where to Eat Like a Local
Dubrovnik’s food scene is a mix of Dalmation tradition and high-end Mediterranean innovation. You won’t find many international chains here. Instead, menus prioritize the Adriatic Sea. Expect heavy influences from Italy—specifically risotto and pasta—alongside charcoal-grilled meats and local olive oil. The Old Town is packed with tourist traps, so finding the best restaurants in Dubrovnik requires looking past the laminated menus on the main street. Prices vary wildly. You can pay €10 for a massive slice of pizza or €200 for a Michelin-recommended tasting menu. Here is how to navigate the city’s culinary landscape.
Must-try dishes in Dubrovnik
Before choosing where to eat in Dubrovnik, know these local staples:
- Black Risotto (Crni Rižot): Made with cuttlefish ink, this rich, savory dish is a Dalmatian classic found on almost every local menu.
- Dirty Macaroni (Šporki Makaruli): A traditional meat pasta sauce flavored with cinnamon and cloves, historically served on the Feast of St. Blaise.
- Peka: Meat (usually lamb or octopus) and vegetables slow-cooked under a bell-shaped iron lid covered in hot embers.
- Oysters from Mali Ston: These are specific to the region. They are served raw with a squeeze of lemon and are world-renowned for their mineral flavor.
- Rozata: A local version of flan or crème caramel flavored with Rozalin (rose petal liqueur).
- Grilled Sardines: Simple, cheap, and fresh. Usually served with blitva (Swiss chard and potatoes).
Best restaurants for a splurge
When you want to spend money on a high-end experience, these three locations offer the best cooking in the city.
Restaurant 360 (Old Town)
Located within the historic walls overlooking the harbor, 360 holds a Michelin star. The architecture is as impressive as the food. Chef Marijo Curić creates modern versions of Croatian classics. You choose from two five-course tasting menus. It is expensive, refined, and offers one of the most prestigious dining environments in Europe.
Nautika (Pile Gate)
Nautika sits right at the edge of the sea by the western entrance to the Old Town. It has hosted royalty and celebrities for decades. The focus is on high-end seafood like lobster from the island of Vis and sea bass. The service is formal and the wine list features the best vintage bottles from the Pelješac Peninsula.
Proto Fish Restaurant (Old Town)
Established in 1886, Proto is a seafood institution located on a corner of the Stradun. While it feels traditional, the execution is modern. The rooftop terrace offers a more private atmosphere than the street-level seating. Order the salt-baked fish or the signature fish soup. It’s consistent and relies on the highest quality daily catch.
Best casual restaurants and local favorites
These spots offer great food without the formal white-tablecloth service. These are the best restaurants in Dubrovnik for a standard, high-quality dinner.
Azur (Old Town)
Azur does "Mediterranean cuisine with an Asian twist." It is located in a quiet alley near the Buža gate. Think ocean-fresh fish tacos, salmon in yellow curry, or fragrant seafood laksa. It’s a refreshing break from the heavy olive oil and garlic found elsewhere in the city.
Pantarul (Lapad)
Located in the Lapad neighborhood, Pantarul is where locals go for a weekend meal. The name means "fork" in the local dialect. They use seasonal ingredients from the Konavle valley. The menu changes frequently but always features handmade pasta and high-quality local steaks. It feels like a neighborhood bistro rather than a tourist spot.
Konoba Dubrava (Babin Kuk)
This is the place to go for Peka. It is located on Bosanka hill, a short drive from the city center. It’s a traditional "konoba" (tavern) with a rustic interior. You must call ahead to order Peka as it takes three hours to cook. The portions are massive and the atmosphere is loud and celebratory.
Kopun (Old Town)
Kopun is located on the quiet square of Boškovićeva. They specialize in "Kopun" (capon), an old recipe dating back centuries. The restaurant focuses on reviving forgotten Croatian dishes. It’s a great spot for groups who want a relaxed dinner away from the main crowds of the Stradun.
Best cheap eats and street food
Dubrovnik is expensive, but you can find value if you know where to look. Use these spots for a quick, affordable lunch.
Preša (Old Town)
This is a small hole-in-the-wall spot serving burgers, sandwiches, and salads. It is one of the most reliable cheap eats in the Old Town. The "Balkan Burger" (Pljeskavica) is massive and underpriced for the location. It’s perfect for a fast lunch between museum visits.
Barba (Old Town)
Barba reimagines seafood as street food. They serve octopus burgers, shrimp sandwiches, and fried smelt in paper cones. It’s modern, fast, and high quality. There is limited seating inside, so be prepared to take your food to the nearby harbor to eat by the water.
Holy Burek (Old Town)
Burek is a staple Balkan snack. It’s a flaky phyllo pastry filled with meat, cheese, spinach, or potato. Holy Burek does a premium version of this classic. It’s greasy, filling, and the best way to eat for under €10 while walking through the city streets.
Pizzeria Tabasco (Near Ploče Gate)
Locals generally avoid Old Town pizza and head to Tabasco, located just outside the walls under the cable car station. The pizzas are huge, the crust is thin, and the prices are significantly lower than those inside the fortress walls. The shaded terrace is a great place to escape the midday heat.
Best breakfast and brunch
Croatians usually start the day with coffee and a pastry, but these spots offer more substantial morning meals.
Gradska Kavana Arsenal (Old Town)
This historic cafe sits at the clock tower in the main square. While it serves lunch and dinner, it is the best place for a long morning coffee and a pastry or eggs. You get a front-row seat to the city waking up. The views of the harbor from the back terrace are excellent.
Cogito Coffee (Old Town)
If you care about specialty coffee, go here. They don't do massive brunch plates, but they have the best beans in the city. Pair a flat white with a small snack. It’s tucked away in a quiet corner near the maritime museum and provides a minimalist, quiet start to the day.
Urban & Veggie (Gruž Harbor)
For those looking for a plant-based breakfast, this is the top choice. Located in the working port of Gruž, they offer vegan pancakes, avocado toast, and fresh smoothies. The ingredients are sourced from local farms, and the outdoor garden is one of the most peaceful spots in the city.
Best rooftop or view dining
If you are looking for where to eat in Dubrovnik with a view, these three spots are unmatched.
Panorama (Mount Srđ)
Taking the cable car to the top of Mount Srđ leads you here. Sitting at Panorama gives you a bird's-eye view of the entire Old Town and the Elafiti Islands. The food is standard Mediterranean fare, but the view is arguably the best in Croatia. Sunset reservations are required weeks in advance.
Above 5 (Old Town)
This is a rooftop restaurant located on top of a boutique hotel in the center of the Old Town. It only has a few tables, making it very exclusive. You dine at the level of the terracotta rooftops. The menu is focused on high-end seasonal ingredients and professional wine pairings.
Lady Pi-Pi (Old Town)
Located at the very top of the Old Town stairs near the northern wall, this restaurant is named after a somewhat controversial statue. It features an open-air grill where you can watch your meat and fish being cooked over wood coals. The view over the city's rooftops is spectacular, and the atmosphere is informal.
Best food neighborhoods to wander
The Old Town (Stari Grad): This is the heart of the action. While it has many traps, the side streets (ulica) hidden away from the Stradun hold the best gems. Stick to the narrow alleys for authentic konobas.
Lapad: This is a residential and hotel district. The Uvala Lapad pedestrian strip has many restaurants, but the best food is found in the smaller streets behind the main drag. It’s generally cheaper and more relaxed than the Old Town.
Gruž: This is the functional port area. It’s the best place for fresh produce at the morning market. It’s also becoming a hub for "cool" new spots like the Dubrovnik Beer Company and vegan-friendly cafes. If you want to see how the city actually lives, eat here.
Operating hours and reservation requirements can change seasonally.