Last updated on August 8th, 2026 at 08:27 pm
Wondering where to eat in Dubrovnik? If there’s one thing Dubrovnik does well it’s wonderful restaurants, cosy tavernas, beautiful terraces and secret roof top wine bars, every time I stay in Dubrovnik I like to visit as many new spots as possible, including a few old favourites that have stood the test of time!
I’ve found some incredible places to eat and drink in Dubrovnik over the years and I believe a great dining experience is a highlight of visiting Dubrovnik Old Town, it can really elevate your trip, whether that’s a candle-lit meal within the charming lanes, lunch with stunning views or sipping a Croatian wine on a lovely historic terrace after a full day of exploring!
At least once a year I come to stroll these wonderful maze-like streets in Dubrovnik, it’s interesting how much Italian influence lies here and throughout the restaurant menus and most recently, I went for an early evening walk and came across more places that I’d consider true hidden gems!
With so many restaurants, wine 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 Dubrovnik, along with my favourite Croatian wine bars and a few secret spots that I return to year after year!
WHERE TO EAT IN DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
Many of the best restaurants in Dubrovnik are situated centrally, in the heart of the old town among charming squares and rooftop terraces, while along the outer walls you can find upscale restaurants like well known 360 restaurant and even more refined dining experiences set within stunning sea view locations, near affluent neighbourhoods Pile and Ploce – the best area to stay in Dubrovnik!
WHERE TO EAT IN DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN FOR BREAKFAST!
Surprisingly Dubrovnik has very few breakfast or even brunchy places to boast about (most visitors tend to breakfast in their hotel), but in recent years Dubrovnik has stepped up, I especially love elegant Gradska, a beautiful breakfast setting and prime spot on the old town harbour, here’s where to eat breakfast in Dubrovnik Old Town!
STRADOON
Café Stradoon is easily one of my favourite relaxed places in Dubrovnik Old Town for breakfast, this centrally located café is set on the main thoroughfare of Stradun promenade and serves wholesome breakfasts until midday. I especially like sitting outside on the generous terrace in the morning sunshine with an avocado toast and watching the old town bustle unfold, I’ve found this breakfast spot more friendly than some of the other cafes in this prime area!
I recommend arriving around 10am before the street becomes crowded and the terrace gets too full, in the peak summer months, the temperatures are already soring by this time and people are out of their accommodation looking for things to do in Dubrovnik Old Town, but I can’t think of a better way to start the day than at Café Stradoon!
Tip! If you’re craving avocado toast and fresh juices, this is one of the few places in town where you can order it!
Stradoon for fresh breakfasts in Dubrovnik
If you’re planning on dining out in Dubrovnik Old 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 Elaphiti Island’s over-water terraces. You can read my full guide on where to stay in Dubrovnik here.
PUCIC PALACE
Pucic Palace is a Baroque aristocrat’s mansion converted into a luxury boutique with a charming Parisian-style terrace situated on one of the most beautiful squares in Dubrovnik old town, Gundulić Square popular for it’s daily morning market right below the Jesuit Stairs, a famous Game of Thrones location!
But, the main reason to come here is to enjoy their à la carte breakfast menu, I opted for the continental with fluffy omelette, which comes with a fresh breadbasket, jams, orange juice and coffee, all well presented and with the impeccable service that you’d expect from the best five-star hotel in the old town!
It’s also worth wandering inside this hotel, it is wonderfully authentic, featuring many historic details like ancient ceilings and antique furnishings, I always recommend it for luxury travellers wanting stay in the best hotel in Dubrovnik old town with elegance and convenience.
GRADSKA KAVAVA ARSENAL
If you’re wondering where to eat in Dubrovnik old town for a standout breakfast or special occasion, look no further than iconic Grandska Kavana Arsenal – they have two terraces, one facing the Stradun and the other right along the bustling harbour front, which is the more elevated option (shown below).
The harbour view setting is perfect for those who enjoy the occasional indulgent breakfast, and at the same time, you get to experience the beautiful historic building it’s housed within, I’m sure the terrace and super high beamed ceiling is reason enough to consider this venue for your next breakfast in Dubrovnik!
I’ve also stopped by for a longer relaxing morning, where I tried the tiered option for two, and it was just incredible, plus you can order it until 11.30am, perfect for one of those leisurely and elevated mornings! In my experience, reserving a front row table facing the harbour to guarantees you the best spot!
If you’re looking to experience more elevated restaurants like Gradska Kavana Arsenal in Dubrovnik, I also have full guide to the best restaurants in Old Town Dubrovnik!
Photo credit: Gradska Kavava Arsenal
WHERE TO EAT IN DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN FOR LUNCH
Lunchtime in Dubrovnik old town us surprisingly quiet and the passageways mostly empty as visitors and day trippers are sightseeing the main landmarks near the cathedral, but there’s a couple of spots which thrive across lunch in the old town. Lucin Katun, a wonderful Croatian tapas restaurant and Proto Fish Restaurant are two of the best restaurants in Dubrovnik for lunch, where you can expect atmosphere and quality, here’s the full details!
LUCIN KANTUN
Lucin Kantun is one of those hidden gem restaurants in Dubrovnik old town that you’ll likely walk past, it’s situated along a shaded narrow passage with only a few tables and chairs on the cobbles just off the main street Stradun. The attractive corner initially drew me in and I’ve since eaten their delicious tapas for lunch many times!
I especially appreciate the ambiance and choice of Croatian tapas from the squid ink risotto to the spinach pastries, all beautifully presented and you must try their signature lavender gin spritz, the flavours are incredible and you are well looked after by the waiters who love to explain the inventive menu, so you know exactly what you’re ordering!
Lucin Kantun is a good spot to sample the local cuisine without committing to a main meal and if you’re thinking of a later sitting on the terrace, the early evening is popular (6-8pm) and I would reserve ahead!
PROTO FISH RESTAURANT
Proto Fish is wildly known as the best fish restaurant in Dubrovnik Old Town, a gorgeous lunch spot that’s thrived since 1886, a must-visit for anyone looking for an upscale dining experience with a speciality menu and stylish terraces (including a beautiful hidden rooftop)!
This restaurant offers a range of fish dishes from salt-baked fish to Croatian seafood specialities – personally, I thought the seafood pasta was exceptional, but with such an extensive menu and many sides, I recommend sharing a few plates!
Proto 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 Dubrovnik restaurant fills up quickly.
Photo credit: Proto Fish Restaurant
SUSHI AND OYSTER BAR BOTA
A wonderful spot for lunch, oyster & sushi bar is a great-looking place located across from the city’s beautiful cathedral and is the best restaurant in Dubrovnik for you’ve guessed it, oyster and sushi, truly the presentation of the sushi here is exceptional and there are many varieties to choose between!
I haven’t tried the oysters, it’s not my cup-of-tea, but I know they are freshly picked from the fortified town of Ston, just an hour from Dubrovnik and famous for their oysters, there is even a trip you can take there especially for fresh-oyster tasting staight from the farms!
This lovely little lunchtime Dubrovnik restaurant is perfect if you’re just looking for a relaxed but tasty lunch spot whilst exploring all the attractions of Dubrovnik – and the stone wall interior is also worth checking out – there’s a romantic table for two right by the window!
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 Dubrovnik Old Town!
Photo credit: Sushi and Oyster Bar Bota
WHERE TO EAT IN DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN FOR DINNER
The restaurants in Dubrovnik Old Town really come alive in the evening, the narrow cobbled lanes fill up with diners, twinkly lights and dim lanterns it feels romantic and the atmosphere is vibrant, there are some streets full of restaurants, while other, more luxurious venues can be found in serene settings like my favourite restaurant Nautika, these are my top recommendations!
ABOVE 5
Above 5 restaurant sits on top of the luxury boutique Hotel Stari Grad, which is also one of my top three places to stay in Dubrovnik in the heart of the old town and the views are wonderful from this privileged location amongst the orange rooftops!
This is one of the best restaurants in Dubrovnik old town, it’s beautiful and also historic, the building itself dates back to the 16th century and there are many authentic details, and while there I recommend arriving early to sip a well-crafted cocktail in the reception bar!
The great thing about this boutique rooftop terrace is not only the location but the a al carte tasting menu, choose three to five options and don’t skip the home-made pasta. I prefer to reserve their earlier sitting at 6pm to see the view and golden glow in the early evening! (For late diners, there is a 9pm sitting).
NAUTIKA
Nautika is one of the most sort-after restaurants in Dubrovnik Old Town set within a top location just outside the city wall next to Pile Gate entrance and this is my favourite spot for a elevated evening meal on the beautiful, secluded terrace with stunning sea views across to the historic landmark of Fort Lovrijenac.
The food is outstanding as you would expect from a Michelin starred restaurant, I particularly enjoyed the lobster with barley broadbeans and sundried tomatoes, this dish was well-presented and very tasty, (if it’s still on the menu, definitely try it), I found some of the portions a little delicate, so I recommend starters!
I suggest arriving slightly earlier in the evening for the best experience as this side of Dubrovnik boasts wonderful sunsets, the vibe here is sophisticated and you’ll be treated to a pianist on the terrace, be sure to reserve your outside table in advance, especially for occasions!
(If I were to choose between Nautika and Above 5, I would book Nautika, it is extra special!).
New to Dubrovnik? I’ve pulled together a complete first-time visitors guide covering where to stay, how to get around and how to plan your days.
Nautika Restaurant, best restaurant in Dubrovnik for dinner!
WHERE TO EAT IN DUBROVNIK WITH A VIEW
If you’re wondering where to eat in Dubrovnik with a view there are a few extra special restaurants that deliver on great food, service and exceptional views, sophisticated Nautica as mentioned above is one of my absolute favourites with Fort Lovrijenac views and at the other side of the Stradun, Restaurant 360 is the wildly regarded ‘best’ restaurant in Dubrovnik perched on top of the city wall overlooking the old town harbour, below are my top suggestions!
RESTAURANT 360
Restaurant 360 is one of the most highly acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants in Dubrovnik old town, located on top of the old town wall at Pile Gate known for its innovative cuisine, cool décor and stunning 360 panoramic sea views. If you’re visiting Dubrovnik for a special occasion you must book a table here, reservations open one month in advance!
Michelin starred restaurant 360 offers outdoor seating overlooking the old town port, it’s especially good just as the sun goes down and not only is the presentation fabulous the food is top quality with careful attention paid to locally sourced ingredients. I recommend the tasting menu with wine pairings from the best looking wine list in Croatia!
Without a doubt, 360 is the best restaurant in Dubrovnik. With exceptional food, impeccable service and an unforgettable setting, I truly believe it’s well worth the splurge and will be one of your most memorable experiences in Dubrovnik Old Town.
PANORAMA RESTAURANT
If you’re staying in Dubrovnik for a few days, you must take a ride on the 5-minute cable car to the top of Mount Srd for the most striking panoramic view over the entire ancient walled town and across the Adriatic and at the very top they have the highest restaurant with the most epic view!
I highly recommend reserving a table on the outdoor terrace at the restaurant Panorama, for lunch or sunset – it could easily be a tourist trap, and I was apprehensive, but pleasantly, this restaurant offers an excellent view along with tasty dishes and drinks, the ambiance here is more casual and the menu people-pleasing Mediterranean!
I visited at lunch and would love to go back for sunset sometime, this whole adventure is absolutely worthwhile, it’s one of my favourite experiences, it’s such a unique thing to do over the summer months!
Photo credit: Panorama Restaurant
PLACES TO EAT IN DUBROVNIK (Beyond The Old Town)
LOKRUM ISLAND
If you’re visiting Lokrum Island, restaurant Eden Garden is worth stopping by for a peaceful lunch on the terrace surrounded by gardens and a few roaming peacocks. I discovered this gem after walking around the cactus garden and Benedictine Monastery and ventured inland rather than to the rocky shoreline and was impressed by the lovely ambience and peaceful retreat feel!
I recommend waiting until after the lunchtime midday rush – between 12 and 2pm. I’ve only stopped by for a glass of wine, but they do serve fresh pizza which looked authentic and appetizing alongside the usual staples of Dalmatian ham, salads and coffee, although casual, it’s ran professionally.
Visiting the island is a popular thing to do in Dubrovnik and there are regular shuttles from Dubrovnik Old Town Harbour, which takes you across in under 10 minutes, sometimes you can also find private boat options as well, for both scenarios you just head down to the harbour, there’s no advance bookings available.
CAVTAT BAY
Cavtat is a real hidden gem, just 30 minute along the curvy coastline from Dubrovnik old town harbour. It really is the sort of place you hope to find in Croatia – a beautiful Riva with ancient buildings backed by dramatic hills and pine-trees, it’s so lovely I have since stayed in Cavat’s prettiest boutique!
Buy if you’re planning a half-day trip from Dubrovnik to Cavtat, there are some excellent restaurants with picturesque views along the waterfront that are well worth stopping by. Chic La Boheme is one of my favourites, it has a lovely terrace and view with attentive waiters and a great Mediterranean menu, I really enjoyed the tuna and avocado salad with quinoa and fresh lemon juice, pictured below!
Another fabulous option is elegant Bugenvila, an upscale sort-after restaurant on the Riva, just a few steps from La Boheme with equally lovely setting, but with trickier opening times. If you had your heart set on it, I would contact the restaurant in advance for reservations and to make sure they’ll be open!
Looking for more day trip ideas? For even more inspiration, browse my full guide to the best day trips from Dubrovnik, including waterfalls, historic towns and island escapes.
Boheme Restaurant Cavtat
LAPAD BAY
Lapad Bay is Dubrovnik’s main beach resort area with many high-end luxury hotels, beaches and sheltered coves and one of my favourite spots that I visit on every trip to Dubrovnik is Coral Beach Club, pictured below, for summertime it has just the best vibe and setting for swimming, lunching and relaxing – taking a few hours breather from the busting town!
At this stunning beach location, just 15 minutes drive from old town’s Pile Gate, you can walk down to this secret cove and lunch by the water’s edge and enjoy light dishes like seafood pasta with a glass of white and afterwards relax on the many sunbeds or lounge areas (sunbeds for the day must be booked in advance). There’s also an extensive cocktail list and nice background music – it’s an easy place to spend the afternoon!
From 4pm there’s a resident DJ to spice things up, in my experience, the beach clubs gets livelier after midday, especially in the peak summer months when it can be very busy! I often visit in May or September and take a taxi to arrive early (around 15 minutes before it officially opens) to choose the best sunbed spot before the mid-morning sunbathers start rolling in!
Pro Tip! If your base is Dubrovnik Old Town, I recommend visiting Cavtat, Lokrum or Coral Beach Club on your second day, it’s so easy to slot into your Dubrovnik itinerary and this guide shows you how!
WINE BARS & EXPERIENCES IN DUBROVNIK
One of the things you will always find in the heritage towns of Croatia is an inviting wine bar serving locally produced wine and enthusiastic sommeliers! If you’re a wine person, there are a handful wine bars worth seeking out in Dubrovnik’s Old Town and unique spots for spending a relaxed early evening from secret roof top terraces to caves and cliff-side bars, here’s my favourite drinking venues!
BAKUS WINE BAR
Bakus is a cosy wine bar with friendly service and a great selection of wines right in the heart of the old town! Its central location makes it easy to find, and while the wine has been carefully selected from family vineyards what most visitors come to experience is the incredible interior!
From the outside there’s only a few tables and a lantern, but the inside has been carved out of a cave, leaving exposed walls and little nooks to sit amongst the cool décor – pictures, wine bottles and elaborate Game of Thrones style chandeliers hang from every surface.
Even for novelty, this bar is worth checking out! (I found the food not as good quality and instead, for wine and food pairings I suggest M’arden Wine Bar – see below).
M’ARDEN WINE BAR
M’arden is my current favourite wine bar in Dubrovnik Old Town, which I uncovered most recently when wandering the city’s lanes, I love the stunning rooftop location, anything sitting on top of an attractive building is always a treat in this town and as well as the secretive location, there’s romantic atmosphere in spades.
I was fortunate to listen to a beautiful live acoustic guitarist while devouring some of the best Croatian tapas and wine pairings I’ve ever tasted in Dubrovnik, truly this wine bar is unmissable, if you’re looking for a more special and elevated wine tasting experience!
FRATELLOS PROSECCO BAR
Fratellos Processco Bar is one of Dubrovnik’s best kept secrets, I found this gem just a few minutes walk outside of Pile gate – and what a wonderful tranquil spot to spend the early evening and enjoy those spectacular Croatian sunsets from!
It offers a totally different vibe from anything inside the city walls, you’ll be listening to jazz and choosing from selection of great cocktails, while relaxing on one of three sea view terraces!
I recommend Fratellos for elevated pre-dinner drinks and especially like to pop in for a spritzer before dining at Nautika, just a few minutes away and in the peak summer months you can reserve a table!
Fratello’s Processco Bar & Cave Bar More (middle)
CAVE BAR MORE
Cave Bar More is situated in Lapad and is a authentic cave bar within Hotel More, it’s a cool spot to visit and sit with a drink next to the cave walls and there’s many hidden nooks to choose from! When I first entered the cave I was looking around in amazement, it’s styled so incredibly well and in my experience it always feels like a true hidden gem that not many visitors get to discover!
I visited in late September on a particularly dull day and couldn’t think of a better place to be and there’s no inside natural light, you really are inside a cave with a separate opening from the hotel. It’s absolutely worth checking out if you’re staying in Dubrovnik for a few days or if it’s your second or third visit!
You can walk to Cave Bar More in 35 minutes from Dubrovnik Old town (Pile Gate) or take a 5 minute taxi or bus, it’s easy to find as the hotel is the largest along the shoreline.
WHAT TO EAT IN DUBROVNIK – INSIDER TIPS!
Dubrovnik is known for its Mediterranean-Dalmatian cuisine, which is everyone’s summer favourite – think fresh seafood, olive oil, and grilled vegetables, with a dash of Italian influence as mentioned, you are almost guaranteed to find something on the menu to your taste!
Starters
Dalmatian ham is a must starter, which appears on most menu’s and if you can find it, cheese from the island of Pag, both excellent for sharing as a starter or simply over a glass of wine. Also swordfish ceviche or octopus salad are both popular starters.
Main Meals
Main dishes in Dubrovnik include black risotto, pasta with Istrian truffles or lobster, and traditional slow-cooked Peka lamb. While fresh fish is an Adriatic staple along with the side dish swiss chard (similar to spinach with potato), I often pair it with lightly grilled pink tuna for the perfect lunch!
Snacks
One of my all-time favourite street bites is a flaky Burek, a type of pastry filled with cheese and spinach – shaped like a spiral, which you can pick up in the fresh bakeries. It is very moorish and the best thing to casually eat by the shoreline or walk along the old town harbour!
Other Mentionables
Traditional cevapi are small sausages made from beef and lamb, popular restaurant Taj Mahal serves the best and most authentic version, originally from Bosnia!
Gelato bars are everywhere and lavender is the one to try if you want something more local and representative of Croatia!
RESTAURANTS IN DUBROVNIK TIPS!
Book Ahead In Summer
Dubrovnik’s restaurants fill up fast in summer – especially the waterfront spots and top places to eat in Dubrovnik 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.
Eat Like The Locals
Dubrovnik 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 pasticada (slow-cooked beef stew) and black ink squid as well as your classic tuna steaks and swiss chard!
Time Your Meals
Locals often dine later in the evening from 8.30pm until 10pm, so if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, aim for an earlier sitting around 6:30–8:00 pm, 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 before the sunset!
Bring Cash (Just Incase)
Most restaurants take cards, but smaller, family-run taverns (konobas) sometimes prefer cash, it’s always useful to have both in my experience!
Cavtat restaurant Bugenvila
DUBROVNIK RESTAURANTS FAQ
Is it expensive to eat in Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik is one of the most expensive places to eat in Croatia, but it does depend on which restaurant you choose and what you order! A bistro or tapas-style place will be the most affordable, typically €15 for mains, while top restaurants average around €30 per person, drinks add-up also!
What is the best restaurant in Dubrovnik?
The best restaurant in Dubrovnik is Restaurant 360, which is Michelin starred and set in a unique old town location with a sophisticated terrace, quality décor, food and attentive service, this is the place to go and spoil yourself or for a special occasion – reservations are a must!
Where to eat in Dubrovnik old town?
While there’s plenty of restaurants in Dubrovnik Old Town that are cosy and atmospheric with charming cobbled lane locations, my favourite spots are Lucin Kantun and Proto Fish Restaurant. Here’s full guide to the best restaurants in Dubrovnik old town for details!
Where to eat in Dubrovnik with a view?
If you’re looking for where to eat in Dubrovnik with a view, I recommend Restaurant Panorama, reached by cable car to the top of Mount Srd for 360 views over the old town and Adriatic beyond! Nautika is another beautiful and secluded spot with an epic view of Lovrijenac Fortress and the Adriatic!
Where to eat in Dubrovnik with Kids?
A lot of the best restaurants in Dubrovnik do feel a little ‘grown up’ and not especially kid-friendly, however, there are a couple of gems such as Stradoon in the old town, Dubravka 1836 by Lovrijenac Fortress and in Lapad Bay, there are many resort-style hotels perfect for families!
What food is Croatia 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.
Still planning your Dubrovnik itinerary?
If you’re organising your itinerary beyond food and wine, these guides will help you plan the perfect stay and make the most of your time in the city:
- Where to Stay in Dubrovnik – the best areas, boutique hotels and sea-view stays!
- Things to Do in Dubrovnik Old Town – must-see sights, hidden corners and iconic experiences!
- Dubrovnik Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors – everything you need to know before you go!
- How To Spend 3 Days In Dubrovnik – top itinerary planning tips for Dubrovnik!
- Day Trips From Dubrovnik – islands, bays & heritage towns worth visiting!
- The Best Boat Tours from Dubrovnik – island hopping, national parks & more!
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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!