If there’s one thing Hvar does exceptionally well, it’s food and drink, from dreamy over water terraces and stylish rooftops to cosy tavernas tucked away in the old town lanes you’re truly spoilt for choice – each time I return to the Island I love seeking out the best restaurants in Hvar alongside my favourite hang-outs!
I’ve enjoyed some wonderful dining experiences and strongly believe the right place can be a real highlight of visiting Hvar Town, the main draw on the island. Whether that’s a candle-lit meal within the historic centre, Mediterranean lunches with commanding sea views or sipping crafted cocktails on a charming terrace after a full day of exploring, this is what makes the island so special!
At least once a year I travel around Croatia’s Dalmatian islands, and it’s amazing how much changes from upscale-dining around the Riviera to worthy Michelin-rated restaurants and atmospheric wine bars that seemingly appear out of nowhere. Most recently I came across garden courtyards that I’d consider some of Hvar’s best kept secrets!
With so many restaurants, stylish bars and terraces vying for your attention, knowing where to book can make all the difference. Below I’m sharing the very best restaurants in Hvar, along with my favourite Croatian wine bars, classy cocktail venues and a few hidden gems worth seeking out!
Best restaurants in Hvar Town!
BEST RESTAURANTS IN HVAR TOWN
Many of the best restaurants in Hvar Town are situated centrally, in the heart of the old town with beautiful settings among the charming lanes and rooftop terraces, while along the waterfront you can find upscale restaurants like well known San Marco and even more refined dining experiences set within stunning Riviera locations – also the best area to stay in Hvar Island!
DALMANTINO
Location: Old town main street, harbour side
When to visit: Lunch or dinner!
Dalmantino is one of the best restaurants in Hvar Town, that has really stood the test of time! I first dined here ten years ago, it’s a lovely, friendly venue I often visit, the vibrant location and well presented, people-pleasing Mediterranean dishes are always reliably good!
It’s popular in the evening and even though the outdoor terrace is set behind the harbour, on a main street were people wander through it doesn’t distract from the good food and swift service. You can expect a complimentary amuse-bouche from the chef to start and local liquor to finish (or in my case – a cake one time because I was dining alone), at least they try to earn their tips here!
I would usually arrive early, before the area gets overly busy and order one of the gnocchi dishes or the tuna steak with freshly grilled veg and broad bean puree, it’s fairly standard of the area, but this is a good place to try it. The portions (and bread basket) are generous enough that you don’t need lots of sides, but if you like wine I recommend their local wine list!
Check reviews: Dalmantino
RESTAURANT PARK HVAR
Location: Park Hvar Hotel, terrace & rooftop harbour views
When to visit: Breakfast or dinner
Park Hvar Hotel has a real presence in Hvar Town, known for it’s beautiful terrace and bougainvillea filled stair case facing the harbour with an inviting, romantic ambiance, this is one of the best Hvar restaurants for couples especially!
And the best thing about this restaurant, aside from the incredible location and pretty aesthetic, is the creative fusion-Dalmatian menu and quality. Park Hvar excels at combining flavours and sometimes delicate plates of food such as the yellow saffron risotto or fish carpaccio topped with edible flowers!
For sultry evenings I highly recommend booking a table on the higher terrace with sea views through the palm trees, it feels like a summers garden and then afterward you can listen to live Jazz, which plays out every evening from 8pm!
Heritage Park Hvar Hotel is one of my favourite places to stay in Hvar for these reasons, it’s so lovely and serves one of the best breakfasts where you can order all your healthy faves from avocado toasts to smoothie bowls, you will find me here each summer!
Check reviews: Park Hvar
Park Hvar restaurant, Hvar Town!
If you’re planning on dining out in Hvar Town and spending your evenings there during your stay, I highly recommend basing yourself in or near the historic centre for easy access to top restaurants, bars and the gorgeous Pakleni Islands over-water terraces. You can read my full guide on where to stay in Hvar Island here.
MEDITARRANEO
Location: Courtyard & old town lane
When to visit: Lunch or evening!
Family owned, Mitchelin star Mediterraneo is considered the best restaurant in Hvar Old Town – it’s been on the go for 70 years, a must-visit for anyone looking for an upscale dining experience with a speciality menu and attentive service, the waiters really know their stuff!
This restaurant offers a range specialities and an a la carte menu focusing on seafood and traditional dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Personally, I thought the seabream and seafood risotto was to die for – and I hear great things about the lamb shank, but with such an extensive menu and delicate portions, I recommend ordering more than one side or starter so you can try a variety of things and linger!
Mediterraneo has an excellent reputation and is loved by locals, tourists and celebrities alike, so be sure to make a reservation in advance as this popular place fills up quickly especially in the early evening and specify if you would like to sit within the atmospheric courtyard, my favourite place or along the quieter lane with slight harbour views.
Check reviews: Meditarraneo
FIG HVAR
Location: Quiet old town lane
When to visit: Breakfast or lunch!
Fig Hvar is one of the more casual restaurants in Hvar Town that I must shout about if you’re after a more chilled day time place for tasty salads and brunch items served with enthusiasm, its one of my favourite spots that I frequent in the morning for laidback breakfasts!
And one of the nicest things about Fig is the tucked away location where not many tourists walk through, especially in the morning, it’s a completely tranquil corner of Hvar and in my experiences one of the best things to do in Hvar Town is find this atmospheric lane!
While Fig is the most inexpensive of all my recommended best Hvar restaurants, it also offers a simple and refreshing menu, I very keen on the fig and ricotta flat bread and their coffee and rose is great too. I often make a stop here before spending the rest of the day relaxing on one of the beaches in Hvar or a afternoon’s boat trip from Hvar!
Check reviews: Fig Hvar
Fig – best restaurants in Hvar
See my hand-picked boat tours from Hvar the very best island coastal and island experiences in the Adriatic!
PARADISE GARDEN
Location: Old town courtyard & rooftop
When to visit: Lunch or dinner!
Paradise Garden Hvar boasts one of the prettiest terrace settings in the historic centre with an open roof top featuring lovely old town and mountain views and it’s one of my most recent restaurant finds. In my experience the food, ambience and service beats some of even the most established places!
I love discovering new restaurants in Hvar that offer the full package, the quality here is fantastic. I particularly enjoyed the crab and guacamole starter, the fresh burrata and tuna steak (again) and the cocktails are well made as well. A lot of thought has been put into this concept from the seating arrangements to the elegant and modern décor to the presentation.
Paradise Garden Hvar has fast become a new favourite, for sure one of the best restaurants in Hvar Town. It has bags of style yet is unpretentious, you can relax and enjoy yourself here under the Croatian stars, don’t miss this hidden gem – or secret passage to access the terrace!
Check reviews: Paradise Garden
Paradise Garden – best Hvar restaurants
BLACK PEPPER
Location: Old town stairs, harbour side
When to visit: Half an hour before sunset!
Black Pepper is another one of the more established restaurants that’s situated within a charming spot, uniquely positioned across the traditional stone steps boasting beautiful views out towards the harbour and palm trees, it actually shares the same bougainvillea-filled lane as the Hvar Park Hotel!
The menu is a fusion of Dalmatian-Mediterranean and there are some interesting names and descriptions, I really enjoyed the hot starter truffioli, a cheese ravioli, prosciutto and truffle sauce in a parmesan basket and their local rose wine, some of the dishes can be quite eventful also!
It’s one of my favourite restaurants in Hvar Town for evening meals and atmosphere, especially just before sunset where you can see the wonderful orange skies while you dine. I recommend booking a table an hour beforehand, it’s a romantic and quieter spot for couples, away from the busier crowded lanes!
Check reviews: Black Pepper
SAN MARCO
Location: Palace Elizabeth Hotel, rooftop terrace, harbour views
When to visit: Early dinner!
San Marco is a top class restaurant in Hvar Town, part of five star and historic Palace Elizabeth, a fabulous rooftop location where I recommend dining in the early evening for a upmarket and sophisticated experience – in particular special occasions – think white flowy drapes, wrought iron details and sea views!
This is by far one of the best restaurants in Hvar old town square, it’s beautiful and well worth arriving early to explore the interior of this luxury hotel and sip a well-crafted cocktail or wine in the reception bar before seating, you will really appreciate the more tranquil atmosphere and stunning surroundings!
And not only is the restaurant and hotel incredible the food is artfully presented as well, great care is taken with controlled portion sizes and excellent service – without being intrusive, even the scallop entrée starter was one of the best things I’ve eaten in town, go here for old school glam and a refined evening from one of the best hotels in Hvar!
Check reviews: San Marco
Park Hvar Restaurant enterance!
Many of these restaurants are just steps from Dubrovnik’s most iconic sights – if you’re planning to explore between meals, don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in Hvar Town!
BEST RESTAURANTS BEYOND HVAR TOWN
While many of the best restaurants in Hvar are situated within Hvar Town and for food and drink it’s the ideal place to be situated, there are a couple of other spots worth venturing to! Just across the water from the Riva the Pakleni Islands offers a few gorgeous restaurants right along the shore line and the oldest town, Stari Grad is best for charm and authentic ambiance, both spots are incredible day trips from Hvar!
BEST RESTAURANTS IN HVAR – STARI GRAD
Stari Grad is a charming heritage town and the oldest in Croatia, known for its laid-back, tranquil atmosphere and authentic vibe, I always love taking day trips to Stari Grad, it’s just 25 minutes from Hvar Town and is lovely to walk around and stop for lunch in the hertage centre!
ANTIKA
Location: Charming old town lane
When to visit: Lunch!
Antika is centrally located in Stari Grad and is one of the best spots for lunch when visiting or even staying in the area, you’ll easily come across it when wandering around the charming cobbled lanes, it’s usually the busiest restaurant in the town and the exterior terrace is almost always full or reserved – in the summer season!
This lovely Stari Grad restaurant offers mostly Dalmatian and Mediterranean classics along side a great wine list and cocktails, I have eaten here twice and recommend the homemade focaccia, fresh pasta and sharing boards the ambiance is always alluring and almost impossible to walk past without wanting to join in!
For day trippers especially you’ll need to reserve an outdoor table on the terrace in advance to avoid disappointment, they make look available, but usually all are reserved from 12pm onwards – when the restaurant opens due to the popularity of the location and quality!
Check reviews: Antika
Antika Stari Grad restaurant in Hvar
TERRA RESTAURANT
Location: Maslina Resort, terrace, pool & sea-views
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner!
If you are travelling around the Island via ATV or car, Terra Restaurant is worth taking a look, the brand new five star Maslina Resort is situated in the stunning Maslinica Bay surrounded by olive groves and pine-tree landscape where you’ll dine on the terrace with pool and sea views!
The serene environment is one of the reasons why visitors stay and it makes for a nice lunch or early dinner spot with a difference – try the tasting menu, which focuses on quality seasonal ingredients while the stand out mains include truffle and porcini risotto and ribeye!
It’s best to make reservations during daylight so you can enjoy the vistas, views and tropical gardens, even though it’s a five star, it feels more natural, friendly and eco, there’s no wonder that visitors looking for luxury and tranquillity love this area to stay in Hvar Croatia in particular!
Check reviews: Terra
Looking to visit Stari Grad? I have detailed all my Stari Grad tips in this full Hvar Town to Stari Grad day trip guide!
BEST RESTAURANTS IN HVAR – PAKLENI ISLANDS
One of the best things to do in Hvar is to spend a day exploring the Pakleni Islands, just 10-20 minutes by boat from Hvar Town Riva, where you’ll be met with beautiful scenery, crystal clear water bays and right along the shoreline you can find some of the best Hvar restaurants – a perfect lunch stop between afternoon sailing or sunbathing!
ZORI – PALMIZANA
Location: Palmizana Bay, seaview terrace
When to visit: Breakfast or lunch!
Zori is a gorgeous place situated in the middle of stunning Palmizana Bay and is easily among one of the best restaurants in Hvar with a beautiful coastal vista! From the terrace you have a clear sea view where you can watch passing yachts and pine trees that frame the bay while enjoying a delicious Mediterranean lunch!
I have often eaten at Zori when visiting Palmizana Bay, you can spend the whole day here relaxing on the sun loungers and enjoying the small pebble beach, but what I love most of all is tropical appearance of the terrace and from the menu; the seafood salads and filleted seabass!
If you are travelling on a private boat trip from Hvar around the Pakleni Islands (which is absolutely a must), it’s best to reserve a table in advance – and try to request one with a sea view, especially for small groups as this restaurant does get busy across the peak summer weeks!
Check reviews: Zori
Zori! Best Hvar restaurants
MAMATO – MLINI BAY
Location: Mlini Bay, waterfront terrace
When to visit: Lunch!
Mamato Restaurant is my favourite restaurant in the Pakleni Islands a boho luxury retreat with an open natural wooden terrace and bar, surrounded by olive trees and one of the best islands views, this picturesque spot is very welcoming and has a nice relaxed vibe!
It’s the sort of place where you can definitely linger for the afternoon enjoying all the above, there’s even sofas to lounge and sunbeds just inches from the shoreline, if I were going to reserve anywhere on my boat trip from Hvar it would definitely be Mamato!
I especially recommend their fresh pasta dishes, salads and sharing boards and the service is friendly, you can even arrive at Mamato directly from Hvar Town harbour in 15-20 minutes and explore stunning Mlini Bay!
Check reviews: Mamato
Mamato restaurant – Mlini Bay!
Looking to spend a day in the Pakleni Islands? Here’s my ultimate guide to the Pakleni Islands, what to see, how to get there and the best waterside restaurants – don’t miss this beautiful archipelago!
BEST BARS & WINE EXPERIENCES IN HVAR
Hvar Island is well known for it’s bars and high end experiences from roof top terraces, to bars hidden in the old town lanes and stunning terraces along the waterfront that I always return to on every summer visit, some of these spots are among the best things to do in Hvar Town, here’s my favourites!
TERACA BAR
Teraca Bar is a fabulous place to be, away from the crowds and sits above St Stephens Square, a prime position with excellent old town views, fantastic for people watching. It’s the perfect new addition to the square for sitting on high stools and sipping sunset cocktails with a nice upmarket vibe.
BACKLANE CRAFT BAR
Nestled along the most charming cobbled street in Hvar Town, Back Lane Bar is a hidden gem with a relaxed environment – welcoming tourists and locals alike, I especially like the atmospheric evenings and their craft cocktails, while in the day time I often pop by for coffee!
Backlane Bar – Hvar old town
KA’LAVANDA
Ka’lavanda is an upmarket bar next to Hvar Town’s cathedral, it’s best visited in the evening for music and vibes! This bar tends to attract a more mature crowd and offers a livelier atmosphere – depending if there’s a DJ or not! You’ll be sitting on over-sized sofas or high stools, but be warned the drinks are on the expensive side!
LAGANINI – Pakleni Islands
If you’re cruising around the Pakleni Islands I recommend stopping by stylish Laganini beach Club for drinks in Palmizana Bay within a secluded corner – this is the go to place for boat trips and yachts! I love the aesthetics, beachy yet high end, with a few flashy furnishings, cabanas, lounge areas and a cool bar overlooking the water, late afternoon is best to enjoy the DJ! (The restaurant is unfortunately hit and miss)
GURME TAPAS & WINE
Hvar has a rich wine-making history, and you’ll find plenty of local varieties to try in Gurme Tapas and Wine Bar, which offers tastings paired with a variety of tapas, cheeses and olive oil in a quieter lane of Hvar Town! I’ve always found the wine to be the best quality from Gurme, if you’re a wine lover, don’t miss this evening wine bar!
Gurme Wine & Tapas Hvar Old Town
Want to taste the best of Hvar’s wine scene? Don’t miss a guided tasting experience where you’ll sample rare vintages, meet local winemakers, learn the stories and enjoy the scenic landscapes! Book your wine tasting experience here.
BEACH CLUB HVAR
Beach Club Hvar is the most luxurious place for afternoon drinks, it has long been my favourite extravagance, relaxed and sophisticated with stunning coastal décor and Mediterranean surrounds – the quiet more romantic alternative to the rowdier Hula Hula further along the coastal path from Hvar Town.
FALKO BEACH BAR
For lounging and relaxing with beautiful tranquil ambiance and island scenery I highly recommend Falko beach bar, I frequent this place every summer, the casual boho style is perfect for morning coffee and juices or later-on sunset cocktails. It’s set the furthest away from Hvar Town square – around 30 minute walk – but worth it!
Falko beach bar – Hvar Town
BEST RESTAURANTS IN HVAR – USEFUL TIPS!
Book Ahead In Summer
Hvar’s restaurants fill up fast in July and August – especially the waterfront spots and top restaurants in Hvar old town. If there’s a particular restaurant you’ve been thinking about, make a reservation in advance – you can reserve up to a month beforehand in some sort-after venues.
Enjoy Dalmatian Cuisine
Hvar Island is located on the Adriatic coast, which means that the seafood is fresh and plentiful and features on almost every menu. I recommend trying a couple of Dalmatian classics like pasta with Istrian truffles, pink tuna steak, fresh seabass and swiss chard!
Time Your Meals
Dining out is often later in the evening, the peak time is 8.00pm until 10pm, so if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, aim for an earlier sitting around 6:30-7pm, which is actually my preferred time over the summer months, especially when dining waterside for the views and you can relax with a glass of wine at the sunset!
Bring Cash (Just In Case)
Most restaurants take cards, but smaller, family-run taverns (konobas) sometimes prefer cash, it’s always useful to have both in my experience, especially around the Pakleni Islands, where there’s no ATM’s!
Beach Club Hvar!
BEST HVAR RESTAURANTS FAQ
Are Hvar restaurants open throughout the year?
No, many restaurants in Hvar will be closed from October until the following May, Hvar Island is very much a seasonal summer destination. July and August are the busiest times to visit, May to June and September are considered the best months to stay. You can even visit one of the best restaurants in Hvar without a reservation – for the full details here’s when to visit Croatia!
What food is Hvar known for?
Croatian food is varied but best known for seafood and fish, with sea bass, seabream and tuna steak being the most popular – there’s also a lot of Italian influence, including truffle or black risotto and pasta. Dalmatian ham, octopus salad, and Croatian burek (a type of pastry with different fillings) are all local favourites.
Are restaurants in Hvar expensive?
Yes! Hvar is similar to Dubrovnik Old Town whereby the prices are generally high, especially for popular and top restaurants in Hvar Town and after joining the Euro, there was a huge inflation in prices in some places, but there are also some quality mid-range options too! Alcohol drinks will really increase your bill, especially cocktails in restaurants!
Where to eat in Hvar Old Town?
The best restaurants in Hvar Old Town that are cosy and atmospheric with charming cobbled lane locations are Mediterraneo, Paradise Garden Hvar or Black Pepper they are hard to beat for authenticity, pleasing aesthetics, service and ambience!
Where to eat in Hvar with a view?
If you’re wondering where to eat in Hvar with a view you must try San Marco at the rooftop of Palace Elizabeth Hotel, an sophisticated spot with harbour views, or for something more romantic and pretty, I recommend the flower-filled Park Hvar, which shares a similar view!
Still planning your Hvar Island itinerary?
Planning your trip to Hvar Island? I’ve also shared a complete what-to-do travel guide for first-time visitors, my favourite beaches, restaurants, and the best day trips – perfect for pulling together your ideal itinerary!
- Where To Stay In Hvar Island – the best areas, boutique hotels & luxury stays!
- Complete Guide To Hvar Island – top tips & need to know for first time visitors!
- Best Things To Do In Hvar Town – heritage sites, attractions & experiences!
- Boat Trips From Hvar – islands, bays & coastal towns worth visiting!
- Day Trips From Hvar – hidden gems, villages boat trips & more!
- Complete Guide To Pakleni Islands – best beaches, restaurants & gems!
- Blue Cave Review – is it worth it? full review & tips!
- Stari Grad From Hvar Town – what to see, do & how to get there!
- Best Restaurants in Hvar Croatia – wine bars, seafront terraces & more!
Where To Visit Next In Croatia!
- Where To Stay In Split
- Where To Stay In Dubrovnik
- Where To Stay in Korcula
- Where To Stay in Vis Island
- Best Things To Do In Split
- Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik
- Guide To Korcula Island
- Guide To Vis Island
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Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!