11 Best Restaurants in Southern Dalmatia, Croatia

Located on the breezy seaside terrace at PineTree Boutique Apartments (and run by the same family), the food at Ante's Place is so good you'll likely eat all of your meals there while on Mljet. It's the best place to try traditional Dalmatian dishes, from lamb or octopus cooked peka-style to plentiful seafood platters and divine lobster spaghetti. The humble hosts will tell you that the food they cook is just the typical stuff they eat at home; if they really eat this well at home every night, you'll consider moving in.

One of the perennial top choices in Dubrovnik, Azur has a fun fresh vibe and an outstanding menu of Asian-inspired dishes that burst with flavor; favorites include pork belly tacos and Szechuan chili-garlic prawns. With its two shady terraces high up in the Old Town, just beneath the city walls, Azur provides a welcome retreat from the heat and crowds. Azur has a hip soundtrack, friendly staff, and dishes that you won't find elsewhere in Dubrovnik; you'll be happy you found it.

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.

One of the brightest culinary stars in the region, Bugenvila is vibrant in every sense, from the flowers climbing the sides of the terrace to the happy patrons tucking into fresh meals that burst with flavor. The menu changes regularly but you can expect surprising and delightful dishes made with fine local ingredients: think green apple dumplings, raw king scallop in strawberry consommé, or lobster bisque paired with grilled wild boar cheeks and parsnip purée. It's hard to imagine a better value than the excellent three-course lunch menu (€29) or the seven-course dinner menu (€125).

Head to the hills around Žrnovo to this tiny stone konoba, rustically strung with lavender and bouquets of elderflower, and feast on whatever the Marović family has dreamed up for lunch. No matter what the dish of the day, you can be sure it'll be seasonal, local, homemade, and delicious. Call ahead to book lunch, which might include platters of grilled vegetables pulled from their garden, traditional Korčula macaroni, and homemade ice cream.

When the former pastry chef at Restaurant 360 opens his own artisanal ice cream and cake shop in Dubrovnik, you know it's going to be good; Gianni serves up the best scratch-made gelato in town, incorporating natural ingredients and some unusual flavors such as curry and chili alongside traditional favorites like pistachio and chocolate. Don't let the high-caliber credentials intimidate you—this little hole in the wall in the Old Town, located behind the Old Port, is as casual as it gets, with a few outdoor tables where you can hang out and make friends over ice cream, exquisite cakes, and great coffee.

The village of Lumbarda is known for two things: beaches and Grk wine, and you can enjoy them both at this beachside konoba. You’ll tuck into uber-fresh octopus and other catches of the day right beside the beach while sipping Grk made by the charming local brothers who own the restaurant. Great for a lazy lunch or a romantic dinner, this is one of the best and most reliable spots on Korčula.

In the courtyard of an old stone cottage in the tiny village of Pupnat (34 km [21 miles] west of Korčula Town), this welcoming restaurant is worth the effort to get there, thanks to its gourmet fare prepared from the family's own farm. The menu changes seasonally, but look out for the house specialty: a platter of homemade pršut (prosciutto), goat's cheese, olives, and eggplant pâté.

The name of this eatery refers to capon, the rooster cooked in a bitter orange sauce that was a delicacy during the time of the Republic; it's just one of the classic Dubrovnik recipes that this charming local favorite has chosen to reinvent. The mission here is to take the most traditional Croatian dishes and put a modern spin on them, like their mouthwatering take on the typical brodet fish stew. With a lovely terrace at the top of the Jesuit Steps and a timeless menu, Kopun is quickly establishing itself as one of the best restaurants in town.

A little off the beaten track in Lapad but worth the trek, this bistro is a love letter to the gastronomy of Dubrovnik; even the name means "fork" in the local dialect. The menu changes weekly but there are a few mainstays like sea bream, foie gras, and super tender ox cheek, all accompanied by fresh local produce from nearby farms. With quirky artwork adorning the walls, stacks of cookbooks on the shelves (including a couple by the owner, a successful food writer), and a super welcoming atmosphere, Pantarul is the kind of restaurant where you linger for a few hours, eat a great meal, and leave with a few new friends.

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.