Best Restaurants in Dubrovnik: A Food Guide for 2026

Dubrovnik's Culinary Scene: A Taste of the Adriatic

Dubrovnik, the 'Pearl of the Adriatic', is as much a feast for the palate as it is for the eyes. The city's culinary identity is a rich tapestry woven from fresh Mediterranean ingredients, Venetian influences, and hearty Balkan traditions. Dining here is an experience, whether you're savoring oysters fresh from the sea at a fine dining establishment or enjoying a rustic 'peka' in the hills overlooking the city. This guide provides a detailed look at the best restaurants and must-try local dishes for your visit in 2026, with a focus on factual information to help you plan your perfect gastronomic journey.

What Local Food Must I Try in Dubrovnik?

Before diving into specific restaurants, it's essential to know what to order. Dubrovnik's cuisine is defined by its pristine seafood, high-quality olive oil, and slow-cooked meat dishes. Look for these local specialties on menus.

Black Risotto (Crni Rižot)

This is arguably Dalmatia's most iconic dish. Its dramatic black color comes from cuttlefish ink, which imparts a rich, savory, and deep sea flavor. The risotto is typically made with cuttlefish or squid, garlic, wine, and olive oil, resulting in a creamy and intensely flavorful dish. You will find it in most traditional restaurants, priced between €18 and €25.

Peka

A culinary tradition rather than a single dish, peka is a method of slow-cooking food under a bell-shaped lid covered in hot embers. Meats like lamb, veal, or chicken, or even an octopus, are cooked with potatoes and vegetables for 2-3 hours until incredibly tender. This is a communal dish, usually ordered for a minimum of two people. Insider Tip: You must order peka at least 3-4 hours in advance, so call the restaurant ahead.

Oysters from Ston (Stonske Kamenice)

Just 54 km northwest of Dubrovnik lies the town of Ston, world-famous for its oysters. The unique mineral composition of the water in the Bay of Mali Ston gives the oysters a distinct, sought-after flavor. Many Dubrovnik restaurants serve them fresh, often with just a squeeze of lemon. A single fresh oyster typically costs between €3 and €5.

Dirty Macaroni (Šporki Makaruli)

This traditional dish has a history rooted in the aristocracy of the old Republic of Ragusa. 'Šporki' means 'dirty' in the local dialect, referring to how the macaroni gets 'dirtied' by a rich, slow-cooked beef and tomato sauce, similar to a ragu. It's a hearty and satisfying comfort food, perfect after a long day of exploring.

Rožata

This is Dubrovnik's answer to crème brûlée or flan. It's a delicate baked custard pudding infused with a sweet liqueur made from roses or citrus, giving it a unique local aroma. Served chilled, it's the perfect light dessert to end a rich Dalmatian meal.

Best Fine Dining & Michelin Guide Restaurants

For a truly special occasion, Dubrovnik offers several world-class dining experiences that combine exquisite food with breathtaking locations.

Restaurant 360 (One Michelin Star)

The pinnacle of Dubrovnik dining, Restaurant 360 is spectacularly set into the medieval city walls themselves. It offers unparalleled views over the old port. The cuisine is modern Mediterranean, with two tasting menus that showcase the chefs' creativity.

• Location: On the city walls, near Ploče Gate.
• Price: 5-course tasting menu starts at €185; 7-course at €240.
• Rating: 4.8★ (awarded one Michelin star).
• Insider Tip: Reservations are essential and should be made weeks, or even months, in advance for a terrace table during peak season (July-August).

Nautika Restaurant

Consistently ranked among the world's most romantic restaurants, Nautika offers a classic fine dining experience from its terraces at the very entrance to the Old Town. With views of Fort Lovrijenac and the sea, it's a popular spot for celebrities and discerning travelers. The menu is heavily focused on high-end seafood.

• Location: Brsalje ul. 3, just outside Pile Gate.
• Price: Main courses range from €50 to €90.
• Opening Hours: 18:00 - 00:00 daily.
• Rating: 4.7★.

Proto Fish Restaurant

Established in 1886, Proto is a Dubrovnik institution located on a quiet side street off the main Stradun. It has served royalty and celebrities for over a century. The focus is purely on traditional recipes prepared with the freshest local fish and seafood. The upstairs terrace is a beautiful spot for an elegant dinner.

• Location: Široka ul. 1, Old Town.
• Price: Mains average €40-€60.
• Rating: 4.5★.

Best Mid-Range Restaurants for Authentic Flavor

These restaurants offer a fantastic balance of authentic local cuisine, charming atmosphere, and reasonable prices.

Restaurant Kopun

Named after the 'kopun' (capon) it specializes in, this restaurant is dedicated to reviving ancient Croatian recipes. Located in the tranquil Bošković Square in front of the Jesuit Church, it provides a peaceful escape from the crowds. Their signature dish is the 'Kopun Dubrovnik style', a 16th-century recipe with dried fruits and gnocchi.

• Location: Poljana Ruđera Boškovića 7, Old Town.
• Price: Mains range from €25 to €45.
• Rating: 4.6★.
• Insider Tip: This is one of the best places to try Šporki Makaruli and Rožata.

Pantarul

Translating to 'fork' in the local dialect, Pantarul is a local favorite located on the Lapad peninsula, about 3.5 km from the Old Town. Its philosophy is 'farm-to-table', with a modern menu that changes based on what's fresh at the local market. The food is creative, delicious, and offers excellent value.

• Location: Ul. kralja Tomislava 1, Lapad.
• Price: Main courses are typically €20-€35.
• Rating: 4.8★.
• Insider Tip: It's a small place and highly popular, so booking a table 2-3 days in advance is highly recommended.

Konoba Dubrava

For the most authentic peka experience, you must head up to Mount Srđ. Konoba Dubrava is a rustic tavern with a large terrace offering stunning views. This is the place to go for traditional meat dishes cooked over an open fire. Remember to call at least 4 hours ahead to order your peka.

• Location: Bosanka, on the road up Mount Srđ.
• Price: Peka for two people costs approximately €60-€80.
• Rating: 4.7★.

Best Budget-Friendly Eats & Street Food

Eating well in Dubrovnik doesn't have to break the bank. These spots offer delicious and affordable meals.

Barba

This tiny, quirky eatery revolutionized the street food scene in Dubrovnik. Barba serves creative seafood fast food, with popular items like the octopus burger, fried oysters, and fresh tuna sandwiches. It's perfect for a quick, high-quality lunch while exploring the Old Town.

• Location: Boškovićeva ul. 5, Old Town.
• Price: Most items are between €12 and €20.
• Rating: 4.5★.

Presa

If you ask a local where to get a quick, cheap, and delicious meal, they'll likely point you to Presa. This no-frills spot is famous for its grilled meats, especially ćevapi (Balkan grilled minced meat sausages) served in a flatbread with onions and ajvar. It's fast, filling, and authentic.

• Location: Đorđićeva ul. 2, Old Town.
• Price: Meals cost around €8-€12.
• Rating: 4.6★.

TuttoBene Pizzeria & Fast Food

With several locations, including one near Pile Gate, TuttoBene is the go-to for late-night food. They serve pizza slices, gyros, and tortilla wraps. After a night out, the queue here is a testament to its popularity. A large pizza slice costs around €4.

• Location: Multiple, including Ul. od Puča 7, Old Town.
• Price: Slices from €4, full meals under €15.
• Rating: 4.4★.

Best Bars with a View

No trip to Dubrovnik is complete without a drink overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Buža Bar

Perhaps Dubrovnik's most famous bar, 'Buža' means 'hole'. You enter through a small hole in the city walls to find a simple bar clinging to the cliffs directly above the sea. The drinks are overpriced (beer is €7-€9), but you're paying for the unforgettable location and the opportunity to cliff jump into the sea.

• Location: Follow the signs for 'Cold Drinks' on the southern edge of the city walls.
• Insider Tip: There are actually two Buža bars. The first one you see is larger; a second, smaller one (Buža II) is a bit further along the wall and often less crowded. Bring cash, as cards are not accepted.

Panorama Restaurant & Bar

Located at the top station of the Dubrovnik Cable Car on Mount Srđ, Panorama offers the most expansive views of the Old Town, Lokrum Island, and the entire coastline. It's the ultimate spot for a sunset cocktail. A one-way cable car ticket is approximately €15, and a return is €27.

• Location: Upper Cable Car Station, Mount Srđ.
• Price: Cocktails are €12-€18.
• Rating: 4.5★.