As someone that grew up in southern California on breakfast burritos, loaded scrambles, crispy hashbrowns, eggs benny, and a neverending display of pancakes from the local diner, breakfast has always been my favorite meal. But on my visits to Croatia over the past 20 years before moving here 7 years ago, breakfast was hardly a meal to remember.
In 1996, I remember mornings eating oversized pieces of crusty bread with butter and marmalade. In the early 2000s, we’d search for the saltiest burek to cure the hangover on Hvar or force the restaurant to serve french fries with the only ham & cheese omelet on the menu, if only to attempt at mimicking the breakfasts we were used to. But the selection, overall, was nothing to write home about.
The story today, however, is much different, and Split especially has blossomed as a breakfast and brunch spot in the last few years. As a result, this summer’s better than ever.
Brasserie on 7
One of the city’s first ‘true’ brunch spots is Riva favorite Brasserie on 7, bringing a taste of Australia to the Croatian coast with brioche French toast, eggs benedict, and homemade English muffins, among some of their morning options. You can find the full breakfast menu here.
Chops
Split’s best steakhouse isn’t only home to the finest cuts of Croatian beef, but you can find breakfast here from 8 am to 11 am, with avocado toast, croissant sandwiches, toasties, and American-style pancakes on the menu. You can also snag their yummy breakfast sandwiches next door at Paradiso!
Zinfandel
A wine bar that is so much more than the wine, Zindanfel ensures it is open in the morning for you to enjoy Florentine-style eggs, Turkish eggs, or the gourmet breakfast baguette for those looking to fill up for the day. You can find the full menu here.
Fig
After its success in Hvar town, Fig opened in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace back in 2019 to the delight of everyone eager to dig into their famous vegetarian breakfast burrito, California toast, or spicy steam-poached eggs. You can find the full menu here.
The Daltonist
From craft cocktail bar to your go-to pub for grub, The Daltonist has an impressive morning menu that ranges from truffle benedict to shakshuka, and the uber popular ‘Full Daltonista,’ or their take on an English Breakfast with pork sausage, ham, fried egg, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, greens, black beans, and homemade bread! You can see the full menu here.
Ciri Biri Bela
This cafe and restaurant is located in a romantic courtyard just behind the theater, serving a selection of farmer’s fresh omelets, benedicts ranging from classic to royal, homemade waffles, rustic sourdough toast topped with avocado cream and wild salmon – and more! You can find the menu here.
Pandora Greenbox
The plant-based Pandora is one of the healthier options on the list, offering iced coffees with plant-based milk, vegan protein smoothies, and smoothie bowls with raw cacao, banana, and crunchy peanut butter! You can find them on Facebook.
*Another plant-based restaurant new to Split is Barakokula – and they serve brekky, too!
Kat’s Kitchen
Priding themselves on using only seasonal and organic ingredients, some even sourced from their garden, Kat’s offers free-range eggs, homemade granola, sweet and savory croissants, vegan pancakes, and coconut milk-cooked oatmeal as just some of what you can find. You can explore the menu here.
Brooklyn Bagel Co.
And if you’re on the go and looking for something quick, filling, and tasty? Brooklyn Bagel boasts a variety of homemade bagels and shmears and a selection of hearty bagel sandwiches! You can learn more here.
It’s nearly impossible to name all restaurants serving breakfast in Split now, and that’s not a bad problem to have. No matter where you are in the old town, you’ll see a sign for breakfast. If you’re in or near Pjaca, don’t miss the always popular Bepa, No Stress, or Bokeria, and if you find yourself on the outskirts of the center – Ka Doma is a local gem. And if you want to add a touch of spice to your morning? Sanctuary Cantina will soon be serving up breakfast burritos, hashbrowns, and scrambles every day!
For more, check out our lifestyle section.
