On a one-week sailing trip from Split, above all, you’ll be cruising around the islands of Brač, Hvar, Vis, and Šolta. So, you’ll discover plenty of restorani (restaurants) and konobe (taverns) – but which should you choose? Here we review seven of the Central Dalmatia best restaurants on the islands of Central Dalmatia.
Macondo, island of Hvar
Macondo lies in a stone alley, between Hvar Town’s main square and the castle. Each morning, local fishermen supply the kitchen with fresh fish. The chef’s specialty is brodet (fish casserole). “Brodet, or in Hvar dialect brujet, is a fish dish, cooked in a tomato-based sauce, traditionally served with polenta”, explains Nikša Barišić, owner of Macondo. “It uses mixed fresh fish – red scorpionfish, monkfish, dentex or sea bream – depending on that day’s catch”. In our opinion, this is one of the best restaurants on the islands of Central Dalmatia.
Palmižana, island of Sveti Klement, opposite Hvar
Sailors wanting to avoid busy Hvar Town drop anchor to overnight in Vinogradišće Bay off Sveti Klement. Consequently, many dine at Palmižana, in an overgrown botanical garden, with palms, mimosa, orange trees and cacti. The owner is an art collector and the covered terrace, painted in deep red, displays bold modern paintings and driftwood sculptures. Try the delicious hake carpaccio, and after that the Hvarska gregada (fish casserole with onion, potato and fresh herbs). A must-do for art lovers, this is one of the best restaurants on the islands in Central Dalmatia.
Konoba Kopačina, island of Brač
Hardy sheep graze Brač’s scanty pastures – so naturally, spit-roast lamb and sheep’s cheese are the island’s specialties. Drive into Brač’s undulating stony interior to find Konoba Kopačina in the sleepy village of Donji Humac. Locals confirm that it’s among the best restaurants on the Dalmatian islands for lamb, accompanied by homemade French fries and salad. In addition, it has a sunny terrace with views over the rural landscape.
Resoran Pipo, island of Brač
In Luka Bay on Brač’s north coast, Pipo stands above a pebble beach. Built in traditional Dalmatian style from local stone, it has a big open fireplace where they cook. Expect fresh seafood, Brač lamb, and homegrown organic vegetables from the restaurant garden. Moreover, yachters can moor up along the quay, or put down anchor in the bay and come ashore to dine.
Pojoda, island of Vis
In Vis Town, a couple of blocks back from the bay, Pojoda hides in an internal courtyard with lemon trees. Sailing folk nominate it among the best restaurants on the islands of Central Dalmatia. The house specialty is pojorski bronzinić (a stew of lentils, barley, and squid). In addition, they do superb octopus salad and grilled fresh fish, and excellent house wine.
Roki’s, island of Vis
Roki’s is one of the best restaurants on the Dalmatian islands for peka dishes. On arrival, they’ll show you how a peka is prepared at the outdoor kitchen. Heavy round peka lids cover casserole dishes, which slow cook below glowing embers. Take a table in the courtyard by the mulberry tree, and start with a platter of pršut (prosciutto) and cheese. After that, enjoy your main dish, either octopus, lamb or veal peka.
Martinis Marchi, island of Šolta
Maslinica on Šolta lies near Split, consequently it’s a popular first or final night stopover for charter yachts. Here, the Martinis Marchis hotel-restaurant does formal dining on a lovely waterside terrace. The four-course tasting menu features scallop chowder, grilled octopus, fillet of wild boar, and carob cake. Out front, the Martinis-Marchi 50-berth marina offers free berths to restaurant guests. With excellent facilities, this is one of the best restaurants on the islands of Central Dalmatia for sailing crews.
