If you are sailing or holidaying in Croatia with your better half or significant other, sometimes it is nice to know where to go for that intimate setting. Here are our picks for romantic restaurants along the Croatian Coast.
Now, I can’t lie, peak season in Croatia, is peak season. It is busy everywhere. So, you can forget the notion of finding an empty restaurant where the two of you can get cosy and be alone… However, while you may not find an empty restaurant, there are a few venues that still manage to offer a beautiful, intimate setting – from dining in hidden courtyards and gardens to16th Century Palaces and even the city walls of Dubrovnik… Croatia has all your romantic requirements covered.
After years of hostessing and recommending restaurants, these are a few of my ‘go-to’ restaurants, so I thought to share them with you all.
SPLIT
If you are starting or finishing a sailing adventure, you will most likely find yourself in Split and while it is currently humming with tourists, there are a few ‘hidden’ gems.
1. Mazzgoon Food
A beautiful restaurant, with an industrial interior and a gorgeous rustic outside courtyard – hidden from prying eyes. For the more intimate setting, when you book, request a table outside in the courtyard. Unlike some restaurants, not all of the tables are packed in like sardines, there is generous space between the tables and in the evening – beautiful soft lighting from the candles and lanterns creates a romantic setting. They have a unique menu – traditional cuisine, with an oriental twist, everything from fish fillet to slow cooked goat. They also have a cocktail bar ‘across the road’ – Noor. We suggest starting with a cocktail, moving onto a hearty red and ordering a series of dishes to share.
Credit: Antea Mrcela Photography
2. Zinfandel Food & Wine
Zinfandel is another favourite of ours; once again, hidden down an alleyway in the heart of Split’s old town – Diocletian’s Palace. The interior is moody, with beautiful wood and metal decor and a ‘wine bottle ceiling’. Granted the tables are close together, but the ambiance stills manages to feel hidden or removed from the touristic path. Zinfandel is renowned for their extraordinary wine list, having recently received a one-star award from the World’s Best Wine List; they have a focus on promoting local wine varieties and domestic produce. We suggest ordering a charcuterie platter filled with local delicacies to start, with a glass of Plavac Mali red – the king of Dalmatian reds.
Credit: Holiday-Link.com
3. Perivoj
A mere 10-minute stroll out of the old town of Split and you will reach a Villa in a 19th Century garden – now if this doesn’t say romance, we don’t know what does. It is not a restaurant most people just happen upon, so booking this will make it look like you are in the know. The tables are spaced around the central focus of the garden – the 19th Century fountain. From the moment you walk through the gate, you will feel a million miles away from the crowded Riva, a sense of calm with a touch of luxury takes over as you are ushered to your seat by the attentive staff. Soft music and lighting fills the space, the food and wine menu is modern and their deserts are divine. Perivoj is a secret not all travellers know, but now you do.
Photo Credit: Visit Split
SOLTA
4. Martinis Marchi
Martinis Marchi Restaurant is the perfect escape, especially if you are sailing. With the marina directly in front of the restaurant is a favourite among the boating world or if you are not sailig yourself, Šolta is a gorgeous, relaxed island that should be added to anyone’s itinerary who wants an authentic experience. After swimming in the turquoise waters of Maslinica, retire in for the evening in the luxurious Martinis Marchi. Martinis is a boutique, heritage hotel, which was built by the Marchi brothers in the 18th Century. The restaurant overlooks Maslinica bay and is set amongst a lush garden, the menu reflects croatian cuisine and the wine list boasts a selection of fine wines as well as local Croatian varieties, like Dobričić – the indigenous grape on Šolta.
Credit: Trip Advisor
HVAR
5. Giaxa Restaurant
Dining in a 15th Century Palace, need I say more. Giaxa is a restaurant which embraces history, yet ties it together with a modern artistic flair. While the inside of the building proudly shows the original stone walls, bright and beautiful artworks create a unique space. The restaurant lies at the end of an alleyway off of the main Piazza, yet it is still ‘tucked away’ in a sense. Once again, a dark alleyway, lit with candles will set the romantic mood, or request a table in their courtyard, hidden from any passers-by. Try a seafood tasting to share or their saffron risotto entrée, then for indulgence, opt for the lobster linguine. If you are going to do romance, do it right.
Credit: Giaxa
PALMIŽANA
6. Zori
Zori Restaurant is set in the stunning location of the Pakleni islands, nestled into the heart of St Klement island. You can either take a water-taxi from Hvar, or if you are sailing yourself, you can sail into the emerald green waters of Vingradišće bay and moor directly in front of the restaurant – there is nothing quite like an entrance huh? Zori is the epitome of fine-dining in a luxurious, mediterranean setting. Senses are immediately stimulated from the approach to the execution a beautiful menu thanks to chef Iva Tomlinović. While it may seem uber-modern, this restaurant has been open and in the family since 1947 and what could be more romantic than respecting history and tradition?
Credit: Zori Official
VIS
7. Konoba & Bar Lola
I am trying to think of new ways to say ‘tucked-away’, but here it is Konoba & Bar Lola on the island Vis is hidden just off the main strip of Vis town, a bicycle on the wall is how you will find this beauty. Inside is like stepping into a private, lush, Mediterranean garden with a Spanish feel – probably due to the influence from the Spanish wife of the Croatian Chef. Palms and Mediterranean fauna fill the space as well as a Meštrović fountain. The menu itself seems to be traditional Croatian with a Spanish/Mediterranean twist. There is also often live music to set the scene.
Credit: Adriatic Weddings
8. Villa Kaliopa
The word Villa, instantly says luxury – and in this case, so it should. Villa Kaliopa is set in a 16th Century mansion of the nobleman Francesco Garibaldi. Walking through the large wooden gates, you enter a tropical paradise with tables sprinkled among the winding paths, palms, bamboo and statues, sitting beneath the starry-night sky. If you are sailing, anchoring or mooring in front of Kut, will give you the best access to this restaurant. It is definitely on the pricier side, but the service, setting and menu are worth it. The menu changes regularly depending on what is seasonal and what their fisherman catches for the day, if you wish to order something in specific – like Lobster, it pays to do so in advance. You will easily lose yourself in this garden and the evening will melt away.
Credit: Sleep. Eat. Enjoy.
KORČULA
9. Lešić Dimitri Restaurant
Lešić Dimitri Restaurant is a fine dining experience not to miss along the Croatian Coast. While Korčula town itself is small and so, is hard to find any ‘stone unturned’; however, the Lešić Dimitri Restaurant maintains its elegance and history in the narrow streets of Korčula town. The building dates back to the 17th Century by the merchants – Lešić family, who combined a number of buildings to create a palace. They offer a la carte, or a chef’s dining experience, with a set menu. The Head Chef Marko Gajski, is undeniably one of the most talented of the younger Croatian Chefs – he was head Chef at DiVino in Hvar, Perivoj in Split as well as time spent in London at Gauthier Soho, Bar Boulud and Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester. Their cuisine embraces tradition and history, executed with modern, gastronomical touches.
Credit: Trip Advisor
DUBROVNIK
10. 360 Restaurant
Let’s finish up this romantic gastronomical tour in the best way possible – dining in the city walls of Dubrovnik with a view over the harbour and old town. You can begin with a cocktail in the courtyard, before you move up the stairs and take your place overlooking the Pearl of the Adriatic. The menu is seafood oriented, once again focusing on Croatian cuisine with a modern-twist. They offer a la carte, or if you would like a full gastronomical journey, opt for their tasting menu. Watch the lights shimmering in the harbour or bouncing off the limestone streets and contemplate the wonderful week that was…
One last note…
Yes, I am aware I said 10 Romantic Restaurants and my last statement said ‘let’s finish up’, but there is one more note to add. Not all beautiful experiences need to cost a small fortune, I am all for dining out and sampling the best of the local gastronomy, but don’t forget – sometimes the best things in life are free (or near-free). One evening, why not shop at the local markets for some fresh fruits, cheeses, pršut, bread, olive oil and wine – make a picnic, find yourself a gorgeous bay (if you are sailing), or beach and simply enjoy being together watching the sea gently dancing under the moonlight. Not to mention you will win massive brownie points for being so creative and romantic.
So, there you have it. Romantic dining up and down the coast of Central Dalmatua. You’re welcome.
