Dubrovnik has a reputation for overpriced tourist traps, and while that reputation is not entirely undeserved, it tells only part of the story. Alongside the mediocre spots targeting day-trippers, the city has a genuinely impressive dining scene with excellent seafood, creative Mediterranean cuisine, and some of the most dramatically located restaurants in Europe. You just need to know where to look.
360° is the undisputed pinnacle of Dubrovnik dining and one of the most spectacular restaurant settings anywhere in the Mediterranean. Located on top of the old city walls with panoramic views over the harbour and the open sea, it holds a Michelin star and fully deserves it. The menu focuses on contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on local seafood and seasonal ingredients.
This is special-occasion dining at its finest. Expect a refined tasting menu, an outstanding wine list, and service that matches the surroundings. Book well in advance, particularly in summer, as tables fill up weeks ahead.
Stara Loza sits inside the Prijeko Palace hotel in the heart of the Old Town and offers one of the most refined dining experiences in Dubrovnik without the full fine-dining price tag of 360°. The terrace looks out over Prijeko Street, one of the prettiest spots in the city, making it an ideal choice for a long, leisurely lunch or a romantic dinner.
The menu leans toward upscale Dalmatian cuisine, with excellent fresh fish, local lamb, and a strong selection of Croatian wines. The atmosphere is elegant but relaxed, which is exactly what good dining should feel like. Stara Loza is also featured in the Michelin Guide, making it one of the most recognised restaurants in the region.
If you want to eat the way locals do, Lucin Kantun is the place to go. This small, unpretentious konoba tucked into a side street in the Old Town serves some of the best traditional Dalmatian food in the city at prices that are refreshingly reasonable by Dubrovnik standards.
The menu is simple and focused: fresh fish of the day, grilled meats, black risotto, and homemade pasta. There is no view to speak of and the decor is basic, but the food is consistently excellent and the welcome is warm. Arrive early or expect to wait, as it fills up quickly every evening.
Not every meal in Dubrovnik needs to be a grand affair. When you want something casual, satisfying, and good value, Pizzeria Tabasco is the answer. Located just outside the Pile Gate, it serves reliably good pizza and pasta in a relaxed setting. It is popular with both locals and visitors and is one of the few places in Dubrovnik where you can eat well without spending a fortune.
Vimbula is located in the Lapad area of Dubrovnik, a short bus ride from the Old Town, and it is well worth the journey. The restaurant specialises in fresh seafood and grilled fish, with a terrace that looks out over the bay. The quality of the ingredients is consistently high and the portions are generous.
It is a good choice if you are staying in the Lapad area or simply want to escape the Old Town crowds for an evening. The atmosphere is relaxed and the prices reflect that too.
Dubrovnik has a wide range of dining options to suit every budget and occasion. For fine dining and special evenings, book ahead - the best restaurants fill up quickly in summer, sometimes weeks in advance. For a more relaxed meal, the side streets of the Old Town are full of smaller konobas and family-run restaurants where the cooking is traditional and the atmosphere is genuine. For more ideas on how to spend your time in the city, see our full guide to things to do in Dubrovnik.
Fresh seafood is almost always the right choice on the Dalmatian coast - ask what came in that morning and order that. Local wines are also worth exploring. The Peljesac peninsula, just a short drive from Dubrovnik, produces some of Croatia's finest reds, particularly Dingac and Postup from the Plavac Mali grape. Most good restaurants in Dubrovnik will have a solid selection.
Yes. Restaurant 360° holds a Michelin star and is widely regarded as the best restaurant in Dubrovnik. Stara Loza is also featured in the Michelin Guide.
Lucin Kantun and Pizzeria Tabasco offer excellent food at reasonable prices. Smaller konobas in the side streets of the Old Town generally offer good value and traditional cooking.
Dubrovnik and the surrounding Dalmatian coast are known for fresh seafood, grilled fish, black risotto made with cuttlefish ink, and lamb dishes. Local oysters from the nearby Mali Ston bay are considered some of the finest in the Mediterranean.
For 360° and Stara Loza, book several weeks ahead in summer. For more casual spots like Lucin Kantun, arriving early in the evening is the best strategy as they often do not take reservations.
