As the popularity of Hvar and the Dalmatian islands increase, so too it seems, do the prices. However, it is still possible to have a fine dining experience without breaking the bank; Giaxa is a restaurant in the heart of Hvar town offering a set-lunch menu for an incredible price.
Price seems to be a talking point for a lot of visitors and locals this season. It makes sense, Croatia and particularly Central Dalmatia has smashed records left, right and centre for the number of visitors, arrivals, overnight stays… following this, it is almost a natural law (of the commercial world) that prices see an increase as well.
While some are truly ‘taking the mick’ in Hvar, like a 40 kuna slice of pizza or burek in the bakeries on the main square or 38 kuna for a 330ml sparkling water at Ka’Lavanda; some restaurants and experiences are worth the price-tag, yet still want to create an offer that works for everyone.
Giaxa is one of those restaurants. We recently featured Giaxa as a Restaurant of the Week and I have just learned that they offer a set-lunch menu, so had to share this. Having lived and worked in London in the fine dining scene, it was not uncommon to see Michelin-starred restaurants offering a 3 or 4-course set menu at a fraction of the price of their a la carte. I love this concept as I am fully aware that not all of us have the luxury of being able to spend hundreds of dollars on lunch, but does that mean that you shouldn’t be able to treat yourself and feel special for a day (on a budget)? Hell no.
Luxury restaurants in Hvar are still not quite at the price level of London – though 38 kuna for a 330ml sparkling water is more than we ever charged in a Michelin-starred restaurant… thankfully, not everyone is out to rip people off.
From 12 – 4 pm daily, Giaxa restaurant offers a 3-course menu for 120 kn (€16) round that up to 150 (€20) and you have a 3-course meal with a glass of wine. In peak season, it is hard to get into some of the top restaurants like Giaxa without a reservation or if you prefer somewhere quiet – forget about finding that in the evenings. However, lunch is still relatively quiet in most restaurants as everyone is beaching it; so why not take advantage of a peaceful atmosphere and even better price?
Giaxa’s menu changes slightly from day-to-day, last week it was:
Entrée:
Prosciutto melon
Mozzarella di Buffalo
Main:
Mussels
Grilled fish fillets with blitva (swiss chard)
Brujet (fish stew)
Dessert:
Almond Semifreddo
Strawberry Tart
A gorgeous menu that you will walk away from feeling satisfied. The service at Giaxa is impeccable, the ambiance, while moody at night, is a bright and beautiful space during the day, yet still cool enough either sitting inside or even outside as it is tucked down a winding alleyway.
I am surprised more restaurants don’t offer such a menu, but all the better for Giaxa. There you have it, fine dining on a budget in Hvar town, you’re welcome.
For more information on Giaxa you can visit their website here.
