On a yacht charter vacation, you can discover some of the best gourmet restaurants on the Croatian Coast. Regional specialties include truffles and Boškarin beef in Istria, Kvarner shrimps and brodet (fish casserole), lobster, and lamb in Dalmatia. On the mainland and islands, here are our favorite restaurants, from Novigrad in Istria to Dubrovnik in Dalmatia. Most importantly, each one is accessible by boat – you can use either moor up out front or drop anchor nearby.
Istria | Croatia restaurants on the Coast
Damir & Ornela, Novigrad
This family-run restaurant is famed for its super-fresh raw seafood dishes with just six tables. Above all, try the local delicacy, Novigrad scallops, served raw with caviar, and sublime raw sea bass with truffled polenta. It’s in an alley off Novigrad’s seafront and is widely considered one of the best restaurants on the Croatian coast.
Agli Amici, Rovinj
Overlooking the Rovinj ACI marina in the Grand Hotel Park, Agli Amici gained a Michelin star in 2021. Acclaimed Italian chef Emanuele Scarello devised the menu. You’ll be delighted by exquisite dishes based on local delicacies – Adriatic seafood, Istrian Boškarin beef, and truffles.
Ribarska Koliba, Pula
In a sheltered bay overlooking Marina Veruda, this waterside eatery is adored by sailing folk. Founded in 1904, it now occupies a modern pavilion, but the menu remains traditional. Firstly, order risotto with charcoal-grilled octopus or homemade ravioli with wild boar, followed by oven-baked fresh fish.
Kvarner | Croatia restaurants on the Coast
Rivica, Njivice, the island of Krk
On Krk, you can moor up directly in front of Rivica. Run by the Lesica family since 1934, it’s one of the oldest restaurants on the Adriatic. Traditional fare is prepared and presented with modern panache. Try the Kvarner shrimp cream soup and fresh fish or roast lamb after that.
Artatore, Artatore Bay, island of Lošinj
Overlooking a sheltered bay, ideal for overnight anchorages, family-run Artatore has served freshly caught seafood since 1972. Specialties include lobster with spaghetti, oven-baked grouper with potatoes, and delectable chocolate cake with fresh figs. In short, a banquet.
North Dalmatia | Croatia restaurants on the Coast
Konoba Smokvica, Kornati archipelago
Sailors love to escape to the wild, remote Kornati islands. Here on uninhabited Smokvica, this seasonal eatery has six moorings on a pontoon out front and serves superb fusion cuisine. Begin with an exquisite selection of carpaccio, sushi, and sashimi served on black slate. After that, savor the shrimp tagliatelli or oven-baked turbot.
Konoba Opat, Kornati archipelago | Croatia restaurants on the Coast
On Kornat, the biggest of the Kornati islands, Opat is another superb fish restaurant. House specialties include tuna carpaccio, lobster risotto, and John Dory with truffles; all served with wild herbs and homemade bread. In addition, there’s an adjoining cocktail bar and berths on the pier out front.
Pelegrini, Šibenik
Near the seafront, opposite Šibenik’s Unesco-listed cathedral, Michelin-starred Pelegrini is possibly the best restaurant on the Croatian coast. Chef Rudolf Štefan takes inspiration from Venetian, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and French cuisines, all historical influences in Croatia. Moreover, creativity abounds with local seasonal ingredients – mussels, oysters, sea urchins, fish, and lamb.
Central Dalmatia | Croatia restaurants on the Coast
Zrno Soli, Split
In Split’s ACI marina, Zrno Soli celebrates Creative Mediterranean cuisine and above all, Dalmatian seafood. Begin with a risotto of shrimp, white fish, and smoked mussels. And after that, grilled sea bass accompanied by Swiss chard and potato, a classic Dalmatian side dish. In short, a feast fit for a king.
Laganini, Sveti Klement islet, Hvar | Croatia restaurants on the Coast
This lounge bar on white wooden decks built into the rocks overlooks a bay where yachts drop anchor on summer evenings. Besides outstanding cocktails, likewise, they do sublime meals. Start with tuna and shrimp carpaccio, followed by a risotto of smoked seafood and parmesan ice cream. Hedonistic and truly special.
Konoba Bako, Komiza, island of Vis
With tables overlooking a sheltered cove, Bako serves unpretentious local seafood specialties. Begin with the mixed seafood platter: octopus salad, marinated shrimp, smoked tuna, and swordfish carpaccio. Follow this with lobster brodet (in a homemade tomato sauce with wild herbs) or grilled fresh fish.
South Dalmatia | Croatia restaurants on the Coast
Triton, on the island of Lastovo
Lastovo is renowned for excellent lobster, so this is the place to try it. In Zaklopatica Bay, Triton serves delectable Dalmatian seafood on a west-facing terrace with stunning sunsets. Begin with a platter of squid burgers, shrimp carpaccio, tuna carpaccio, and prawn tempura. After that, the star-lobster spaghetti with fresh herbs.
LD Terrace, Korčula
In Korčula’s old town, chef Marko Gajski will beguile you with his Creative Mediterranean at the Michelin-starred LD Terrace. The menu changes seasonally, but you can expect dishes based on red snapper, monkfish, lobster, and octopus. Vegetables come straight from the LD’s organic kitchen garden, while wines and olive oils are locally sourced. This is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants on the Croatian coast.
Gastro Mare, Kobaš, Ston
Gastro Mare serves traditional Dalmatian dishes with a modern twist and stylish presentation. The owner catches much of the fish himself and cultivates oysters in nearby Ston. It’s informal and fun, with an open-plan kitchen so you can see the chef at work. There are 18 moorings out front. In addition, they arrange fishing trips.
Kod Marka, island of Šipan
Kod Marka is low-profile, but certainly one of the best restaurants in Croatia. With just a dozen waterside tables, it is often fully booked days in advance. House specialties include octopus fritters, lobster spaghetti, and popara (fish casserole). Everything is locally sourced and there are mooring buoys for guests arriving by boat.
BOWA, on the island of Šipan
In a hidden turquoise bay on Šipan, BOWA offers understated luxury. Come here for lunch on the shaded terrace, or in a private wooden cabana, built into the rocky coast. The owner is a big-game fisherman and cultivates oysters in Ston. As a result, you’ll feast on luscious treats, such as oysters with wild samphire, and grilled red snapper.
360, Dubrovnik one of the Best Restaurants on the Croatian Coast
On a terrace within Dubrovnik’s noble fortifications, this sophisticated Michelin-starred restaurant affords magical views over the old harbor. Gourmet delights include beetroot risotto, black pork with eggplant, and turbot with shrimp and fennel. Moreover, each course comes paired with distinguished wines. In short, 360 is one of the best restaurants on the Croatian coast.
