The food that surprised me most in Croatia

I didn't go into Croatia with high culinary expectations, honestly — it's a destination that sells itself mostly on its walls and beaches, and I took the food for granted as a mere formality between plans. Between fresh seafood, Balkan cooking and the odd Michelin-starred treat, I was completely wrong.

The first thing that surprised us was the quality of the fish and seafood in Dubrovnik: places like Nautika, with views of Fort Lovrijenac, serve food that has nothing to envy from coastal cities far more famous for their seafood.

Then came the surprise of Balkan cooking — cevapi, burek — at a place like Taj Mahal Dubrovnik, an influence we didn't expect to find so present or so well executed.

In Hvar, traditional cooking in rustic settings like Konoba Menego made us realize the island isn't just partying and beach clubs, no matter what its reputation says.

And then there was dinner in Pakleni: fresh fish with our feet almost in the water, in a setting so beautiful it almost overshadowed how good the food itself was.

What surprised me most, in short, was how much Croatia blends influences — Mediterranean, Balkan, fine dining — without any of them feeling forced or out of place.

Where to eat in Dubrovnik

For something special: Restaurant 360, Michelin-starred modern Mediterranean cuisine on the walls, and Nautika, luxury seafood with views of Fort Lovrijenac. In mid range: Kopun, specializing in Dalmatian capon, Proto, a century-old classic for fish and seafood, and Taj Mahal Dubrovnik, with Balkan cuisine. For something casual: Barba, gourmet seafood street food, Nishta, the best vegetarian and vegan option, and Konoba Dubrava, traditional cooking in the hills of Bosanka, near Mount Srđ.

Where to eat in Hvar and on the Pakleni Islands

In Hvar, Giaxa is elegant and traditional, Dalmatino and Konoba Menego are mid range (modern Dalmatian cuisine and traditional cooking with history), and Fig Hvar and Junk Food Hvar work for something quick between plans. On the Pakleni Islands, Laganini Lounge Bar & Fish House is a premium beach restaurant with fresh fish.

One last tip: don't obsess over finding "the best restaurant." In Croatia, the best place is often far from the Stradun's touristy center, where you pay more for the view than for the food.

More options in where to eat in Croatia.