7 Best Restaurants in Southern Dalmatia, Croatia

For the ultimate exclusive island dining experience, head to BOWA ("best of what's around"), nestled on its own secluded beach on Šipan with chic cabanas right over the water and a shady dining terrace right beside the beach. Choose between a three- or four-course menu (€90 or €120) or splurge on the seven-course tasting menu with wine pairing (€290); the seafood-centric dishes change regularly but favorites include bluefish tuna tartare, swordfish sashimi, oysters from Ston, and perfectly grilled white fish. The same family of fishermen that owns BOWA also owns the Bota Šare restaurants in Mali Ston, Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb; needless to say, seafood lovers are in for a treat. Be aware that if you want to relax on the beach after lunch there isn't much shade, but you can reserve a shady cabana right over the water for the afternoon; the package costs €850 for groups of 1–4 people and includes the three-course menu and a welcome drink. The best way to get there is by chartering a speedboat in Dubrovnik or one of the Elafiti Islands. You can also catch a luxury shuttle boat that picks up and drops off from the harbor at Brsečine, 22 km (13 miles) up the coast from Dubrovnik; reserve your spot ahead of time. If you're coming by car, there is a parking lot at the top of the road leading down to the harbor.

With its location right on the city walls and romantic views over the Old Port, not to mention the extraordinary five-course tasting menu from Dubrovnik-born-and-bred chef Marijo Curić, Michelin-starred Restaurant 360 offers an unparalleled fine dining experience. The exquisite tasting menu is a culinary adventure that will surprise and delight you with its sophistication and simplicity in equal measures; settle in for a few hours to savor the view and enjoy the ride.

Located in a stone villa on the Lopud waterfront, La Villa offers an immaculate dining experience with friendly service and a great local wine list. Expect beautiful dishes made with premium ingredients such as scallops, foie gras, langoustines, and lobster tail. It's expensive but so are most of the restaurants around Lopud, so at least you know the quality here is going to be exceptional.

Head chef Marko Gajski's menu here elevates exclusively seasonal Croatian produce—think wild asparagus in spring, strawberries in the summer, truffles and root vegetables in the fall—and local seafood such as lobster, Ston oysters, and scorpion fish into fine-dining creations. With an outdoor seating area stretching along the Old Town's fortified wall and panoramic views of the Pelješac Peninsula and the archipelago, you can enjoy your meal while admiring the very terroir from which it was gathered. As Lešić Dimitri Palace did for lodging on Korčula, LD Restaurant brings a whole new level of sophistication to the island's dining scene, along with its first Michelin star. 

Occupying the beautifully restored 19th-century Nautical Academy building just outside the Pile Gate, Nautika has a solid reputation as Dubrovnik's finest restaurant. With an unrivaled view over Fort Lovrijenac from its two terraces, plus an exceptional seasonal menu showcasing the best local ingredients (particularly dishes featuring lobster from Vis or Adriatic shrimp), it's a reliable choice for a formal meal. Choose between the à la carte menu or the chef's tasting menu (seven courses for €164).

Located right in the heart of the Old Town, Proto dates back to 1886 and most locals will respectfully acknowledge that it's still one of the best in town. It has hosted everyone from King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson to modern-day celebs and sports figures who come to try its menu of premium local seafood and reliably prepared Dalmatian dishes. Opt for the five-course tasting menu (€100), which includes the catch of the day, or go for the à la carte menu; the seafood platter for two is an excellent choice.