If you’re planning a trip to Old Town Dubrovnik and want to experience the best local cuisine, you’re in the right place. This guide highlights the top-rated restaurants in the area, where you can enjoy amazing food in the most stunning restaurants Old Town Dubrovnik has to offer, these picks will sky-rocket your stay in Dubrovnik.
Where to eat in Dubrovnik Old Town?
Dubrovnik’s old town is a foodie’s paradise, there’s no shortage of highly rated restaurants serving some of the best regional dishes and specialities in Croatia.
Splash out on fresh seafood along the water’s edge or admire the scenery from a beautiful roof-top restaurant in the heart of old town Dubrovnik with superb terrace views for a one-of-a-kind experience!
Visiting the old town is by far the most popular thing to do in Dubrovnik, exploring the historical sights first-hand and rounding off your day with a lovely lunch or dinner spot to make it all the more special, there’s truly nothing better!
Here’s your guide to the best restaurants, so you know exactly where to eat in Dubrovnik old town. All of these restaurants listed offer something special, it’s one of the reasons why Dubrovnik is so popular!
Top Boutique Hotels In Dubrovnik
A Quick Look At Dubrovnik
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick guide to Dubrovnik!
Where to stay: Boutique Hotel Stari Grad or Scalini Palace (read the full guide here).
When to visit:
Peak months: July – August
Shoulder months: May-June, September, October
Things to do:
Island boat tour of Mljet National Park
In this post:
- Best restaurants in Dubrovnik old town with a view
- Best seafood restaurants in Dubrovnik old town
- Best restaurants in Dubrovnik old town for Croatian food
- Best restaurants in old town Dubrovnik with a difference
- Dubrovnik restaurant FAQ
Best Restaurants In OLD TOWN Dubrovnik With A View
NAUTIKA RESTAURANT
Nautika is one of the most popular and highly rated restaurants in Old Town Dubrovnik. Located just outside the city walls, this extremely photogenic Michelin guided restaurant offers three terrace areas with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the nearby Fort Lovrijenac.
The menu features a mix of Mediterranean and Croatian cuisine, with an emphasis on sophistication and formal presentation (down to the classy crisp white table cloths and piano). There’s plenty of romantic ambiance here – if you’re dining alone opt for lunch!
Some of the most popular dishes include the lobster tail with barley broadbeans, sun-dried tomatoes and celery lobster ‘jus’. Be sure to make a reservation in advance as this amazing spot fills up quickly, especially during peak tourist season.
Contact: Website | Tripadvisor
Dubrovnik Old Town is also one of my favourite places to stay in Croatia, wondering which hotels make the list? Don’t miss my post on Where to stay in Dubrovnik: Best Areas, Apartments & Boutiques!
GRADSKA KAVANA ARSENAL
If you’re looking for a fantastic meal experience in Dubrovnik old town with a view of the beautiful harbour then Gradska Kavana Arsenal is a must-visit. Often busy with locals and visitors alike, it is the place to be seen! Breakfast and lunch are the busiest times, while watching the old town harbour activity. Tip: the front row tables are always booked, but you can nab a spot if you arrive early for breakfast!
There’s also a second terrace over-looking Dubrovnik’s main square Luza, it offers the same menu, but with a less stuffy atmosphere. This is the terrace to order casually and linger with a coffee, wine or cocktail – the waiters are too busy to notice how long you’ve been sitting there! Don’t miss their fish specialities, prepared according to an old regional proverb: fish must “bathe” three times, in the sea, olive oil, and wine, to be truly delicious.
Contact: Website | Tripadvisor
Photo credit: Nautika Restaurant
RESTAURANT 360
Restaurant 360 is one of the most highly acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants in old town Dubrovnik, known for its innovative cuisine, cool decor and stunning 360 panoramic sea views – hence the name.
Located on the top of Dubrovnik’s old town walls, the restaurant offers a gorgeous outdoor setting with amazing food to match! Careful attention is paid to locally sourced and seasonal ingredients alongside some top notch original dishes served a la carte – or you might want to try the tasting menu for around 170 Euro and pick a wine pairing from the best looking wine list in Croatia!
360 maybe on the pricier side of things, but it will be one of the most memorable meals, attentive service and experiences you’ll ever have in Dubrovnik old town. Reservations for special occasions are highly recommended, as the restaurant is often fully booked.
Contact: Website | Tripadvisor
ABOVE 5 RESTAURANT
Another amazing place offering creative Mediterranean cuisine with a hint of local flavour in the old town of Dubrovnik with a view over the terracotta roofs. Above 5 is a much more intimate and romantic affair, situated on the 5th floor terrace of a small boutique hotel in the very centre of the old town, you can even catch a glimpse of it from the Dubrovnik wall walk.
A true gem, this is one of the only hotels and best restaurants in old town Dubrovnik with a view that escapes the crowds! Above 5 is a must-visit for foodies and sightseers alike, go for the service, quality of food and of course epic location, book a table here if you prefer smaller venues with short menus – in my experience this is always a good sign!
Contact: Website | Tripadvisor
Photo credit: Gradska Kavana Arsenal
Best SeaFood Restaurants in Dubrovnik Old Town
PROTO RESTAURANT
Family owned, Proto Fish is considered the best seafood restaurant in old town Dubrovnik, a must visit for anyone looking for a upscale dining experience with a speciality menu. You will find Proto just off the main street Stradun where there’s a very stylish ground floor terrace and secret roof top terrace – for those in the know!
Located in a historic building, the restaurant offers a host of amazing fish dishes (and a few meat dishes) that combine Croatian with modern twists served to locals, tourists and celebrities alike – Proto has an excellent reputation and is very deserving of it. If in doubt ask for the special of the day, you can’t go wrong! But, be sure to make a reservation in advance as this popular spot fills up quickly.
Contact: Website | Tripadvisor
Photo credit: Proto Fish Restaurant
If you love fresh seafood you must check out BOWA Restaurant on the enchanting island of Sipan! Combine a visit with an epic full-day private boat tour around the Elafiti Islands, this tailor-made tour really is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik – tourist-free secluded bays, wineries, villages and more, the itinerary is completely up to your preferences!
Best Restaurants in OLD TOWN Dubrovnik for Croatian Food
BISTRO TAVULIN
Tavulin is one of the most surprising and well located restaurants in the old town of Dubrovnik, but don’t let the super central area put you off, this is an excellent family ran, Michelin rated restaurant serving authentic Croatian cuisine with seasonal products and reasonable prices.
In the two times that I ate here, I ordered the same thing – the john dory with artichoke and sundried tomato risotto! It’s truly a delicious dish (I hope they keep it on the menu). The area is also a great spot for people-watching while enjoying a lovely local white wine – just ask the friendly waiter for recommendations and you can’t go wrong!
Contact: Website | Tripadvisor
RESTAURANT KOPUN
If you’re looking for a taste of traditional Croatian cuisine in old town Dubrovnik then head over to this quality family-owned restaurant – it really hits the mark. With years of experience, the owners have created a menu that showcases the best local ingredients and cooking techniques – you won’t find the typical tourist fare here.
The stunning location in another reason to visit, Kopun overlooks a quiet square at the top of famed jesuit stairs (GOT fans) and faces the pretty church of St Ignatius, which is also a popular spot for Dubrovnik weddings! Lets be honest this restaurant could easily of slotted into the “restaurant in Dubrovnik old town with a view” category.
Contact: Website | Tripadvisor
FORTY FOUR RESTAURANT
Forty Four is another beautiful and romantic restaurant in the heart of Dubrovnik old town situated below the same named stylish boutique guest house.
If you’re lucky enough to dine here (or even stay here), don’t miss the signature risotto with pesto truffles and scallops, or the fresh salads drizzled with olive oil produced by the same family who run the place. It’s absolutely charming, not at all showy, you can relax and enjoy a perfectly good meal fit for any foodie visiting in Dubrovnik.
Contact: Website | Tripadvisor
RESTAURANT DUBROVNIK
Situated in the heart of Dubrovnik old town, the imaginatively named Restaurant Dubrovnik, offers a top class service with delicious Mediterranean and modern Dalmatian cuisine, all made with fresh Croatian produce. It’s worth noting that the food is fancy and served to please the eye – that is on the very small side!!
Choose from the chef’s tasting menu or order a la carte, and don’t miss out on the crunchy ravioli with baby beef ragout and another extensive wine list! Reserve your spot on the swanky terrace for a special occasion, there is a reason why Restaurant Dubrovnik is often named as one of the best restaurants in Dubrovnik old town.
Contact: Website | Tripadvisor
Photo credit: Restaurant Dubrovnik
Best Restaurants In Old Town Dubrovnik With A Difference
LUCIN KANTUN
Lucin Kantun is a hidden gem in old town Dubrovnik, located down a narrow passage away from the bustling crowds. It’s my go-to place for a light bite in the early evening (usually unfashionably early), the food is always presented well and delivered with fantastic service, and the waiters here always know their stuff!
The restaurant specializes in traditional Croatian cuisine, with a focus on high-quality fresh ingredients even sea urchin and well-presented small tapas-style plates with a great selection of local wines and homemade desserts. The lovely cosy atmosphere and friendliness make it a great spot for romantic dinners (reservations recommended) or light lunches.
Contact: Website | Tripadvisor
SUSHI AND OYSTER BAR BOTA
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Dubrovnik’s old town, head to the first ever oyster & sushi bar located across from the city’s cathedral. Here, you can indulge in fresh oysters while sitting on a cute terrace within a quiet corner.
The dishes are not only visually stunning, but also bursting with flavor and freshness. The family owned restaurant prides itself on using top-quality fish from the Little Sea, located in the southern part of the Gulf of Mali Ston. Their menu features a variety of delicious small plates such as bluefin tuna, saber and shrimp – the food is so good that you’ll want to come back every day!
Contact: Website | Tripadvisor
ZUZORI
Zuzori is another gorgeous restaurant situated within the maze of passages of Dubrovnik old town, known for its imaginative Mediterranean cuisine and sprawling outdoor dining area.
This lively restaurant serves high quality food but without all the formalities of a fine dining restaurant, (there’s not a tie or table cloth in sight!). Go for the experience and tasty out-of-the-ordinary menu options, their hero dish if of course mullet fish with fresh herbs, but don’t worry there’s lots of non fish options too!
Contact: Website | Tripadvisor
Photo credit: Lucin Kantun
Planning a trip to Dubrovnik? Don’t forget to check out my guide on the 8 Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik Old Town or my 5 Wonderful Day Trips From Dubrovnik Travel Guide!
DUBROVNIK RESTAURANT FAQ
Do you need to reserve a table in Dubrovnik restaurants?
Yes, I highly recommend reserving a table in all restaurants listed in this post, especially in summertime – those terraces fill up fast! You can even book weeks in advance for Dubrovnik restaurants with views like 360 or Gradska Arsenal and smaller places like Above 5 Restaurant – and ask for a front-row table next to the sea!
Are Dubrovnik restaurants open all year round?
Luckily Dubrovnik is a thriving city in Croatia and restaurants are open all year round. In summer, dining is almost exclusively on the terrace and in the cooler months November to March customers move indoors or under heated lamps – my absolute favourite thing in the old town lanes.
What is the best time to eat dinner in Dubrovnik Old Town?
Dinner in Dubrovnik Old Town is commonly eaten at 8pm, but of course, you can adjust this depending on your preference. If you’re not a late eater you can dine as early as 6.30pm and linger with a glass of wine to enjoy the atmosphere as the town fills up – or when the sun sets if you’re at Restaurant 360!
Where is the best place for lunch in Dubrovnik Old Town?
Dubrovnik old town is much quieter in the afternoons than in the evening, as many people head out to the islands in the daytime. However, restaurants with a view such as Restaurant 360, Nautika or Above 5 are still very popular at lunchtime, which peaks at 2pm! Proto Fish Restaurant is also busy across lunch and in the summer months, I would reserve in advance for your ideal lunchtime spot at all of these places.
What are the most popular foods in Dubrovnik?
Mostly, the cuisine in Dubrovnik is Mediterranean, with some Italian influence and Croatian speciality dishes. You will find variations of octopus salad usually as a starter, which I recommend, black risotto or Buzara (shrimp and mussels with garlic, parsley and tomatoes – delish). Salt-baked fish and other types of fish from tuna to sea bass and John Dory are popular main dishes and super fresh as you would expect!
IN SUMMARY
Dubrovnik may be known for its stunning old town and clear water beaches, but the restaurant scene also leaves a lasting impression! Dining in one of the best restaurants in Dubrovnik old town is a fabulous experience and well worth the splurge! Pick from any one of these beautiful restaurants serving the best food in Dubrovnik, you will not regret it!
Anything to add? Please leave me a message below.
Liked this post? Please leave a comment in the box below – or you can BUY ME A COFFEE!
Plan your Dubrovnik trip!
Here’s my go-to list of resources for transport, accommodation, tours and more:
- Booking.com: For the best accommodation rates
- Trip Advisor: Check out the latest reviews & trips
- Get Your Guide: For incredible day trips
- Viator: For alternative day trips
Explore Dubrovnik
- Where To Eat, Drink & Relax In Dubrovnik
- Where To Stay In Old Town Dubrovnik
- 8 Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik Old Town
- 5 Best Day Trips From Dubrovnik
- Cavtat Day Trip From Dubrovnik
- 20 Inspiring Photos Of Dubrovnik
- Croatia Tips
LIKED THIS POST? PIN IT!i
A Guide To The Best Restaurants In Old Town Dubrovnik | Pin For Later
This post contains affiliate links and I earn a small commission when you make a purchase using the link. This is at no extra cost to you and it allows the site to keep running.