October 28, 2018 – Where are the best restaurants in Croatia? The 2018 Days of Croatian Tourism conference on Hvar nominated the top three, with a foreign cuisine included for the first time.
Among the many people I met, discussions I heard and awards I witnessed during Days of Croatian Tourism on Hvar this week, one announcement stood out for me, and it was in many ways the biggest surprise of the entire event. It was an announcement which probably nobody else paid attention to, and it came in the best restaurants in Croatia section.
For among the three nominated three best restaurants in Croatia, for the first time a restaurant with foreign cuisine was nominated among the top three in the country – Taj Mahal in Dubrovnik, which specialises in Bosnian cuisine.
Foreign restaurants and Croatia always make for interesting discussions in the TCN comments. I remember when we were the first to report on the opening of a Japanese restaurant in Split (hurrah, I thought to myself), the overwhelming local sentiment was negative. Why come to Dalmatia to eat foreign food when Dalmatian food is the best in the world? Tourists want to enjoy countless food. There is no need to have foreign food, so many people told me, when in Dalmatia, they should eat Dalmatian food.
It was a curious argument, but one which is very well embedded here. By that logic, I would have to fly to Tokyo for sushi, Mumbai for a curry and Rome for a pizza. When I wrote an article almost four years ago now, asking Is Split Finally Becoming an International City? (how quickly times change, itis incredibly international compared to 4 years ago), celebrating a halal Turkish restaurant as part of that international trend, the ‘we should only have Dalmatian food’ brigade was out in force.
And yet, here we are, with the second best restaurant in all Croatia at the showcase tourism event of the year – a foreign cuisine.
And while some might argue that Bosnian cuisine is essentially Croatian, I beg to differ, but I know better than to get drawn deeper into those regional discussions after 16 years here. It is a small step of recognition for the excellent foreign cuisines which are becoming more established in the Croatian gourmet tourism scene. This is not a threat to the excellent local fare, but it complements it, giving the tourist an essential thing required in a quality destination – choice.
So who are the best restaurants in Croatia? In descending order, and introduced by their own websites:
Best Restaurants in Croatia: 3 – Brasserie Adriatic in Rovinj
Relax in an ambiance ensuring high quality upon every visit at the foot of the old town of Rovinj in Croatia, not far from the sea, in the heart of the hustle and bustle of the town.Relax in an ambiance ensuring high quality upon every visit at the foot of the old town of Rovinj in Croatia, not far from the sea, in the heart of the hustle and bustle of the town.
Let the exceptionally kind and experienced hosts take care of you, and enjoy the French culinary magic, a blend of traditional and modern cuisine complemented by carefully selected wines.
Brasserie Adriatic menu changes depending on the part of the day. You can enjoy a hearty breakfast in the morning, a light, delicious lunch afterwards or simply wait for dinner and enjoy a beautiful sunset in the company of your dearest ones while savoring a magical wine & dine experience. Learn more about Brasserie Adriatic.
Best Restaurants in Croatia: 2 – Taj Mahal in Dubrovnik
We opened our doors for the first time in 2004. Back then our only advertisement was the comforting and inviting smell spreading from our grill and stove in the Old Town restaurant’s tiny kitchen were we first started sharing our cooking traditions.We opened our doors for the first time in 2004. Back then our only advertisement was the comforting and inviting smell spreading from our grill and stove in the Old Town restaurant’s tiny kitchen were we first started sharing our cooking traditions.People came and told their friends. And the homely atmosphere and our filling dishes have been popular with both locals and tourists ever since.
Taj Mahal’s sister restaurant opened in 2013 in Hotel Lero. With it, we finally got the space and freedom to present our guests what the Bosnian cuisine is really about. The moment you step in, you are transported into another world. Sevdah music and traditional Bosnian home cuisine, stories we love to share with you and special selection of sweets and liquors in an ambient that blends the modern comfort with staple features of the Bosnian architecture-all of this becomes part of your experience. Learn more about Taj Mahal Dubrovnik.
Best Restaurants in Croatia: 1 – Sveti Nikola in Porec
Set on the seafront of this popular tourist town if the weather’s not warm enough to people-watch on the terrace, then head up to the first floor for a delightful view out to the island of Sveti Nikola. The menu focuses on traditional Croatian and Italian dishes, with plenty of fresh fish as well as meat. (courtesy of the Michelin Guide). Learn more about Sveti Nikola in Porec.
To learn more about Days of Croatian Tourism on Hvar, click here.
