13 Best Restaurants in Southern Dalmatia, Croatia

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.

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.

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.

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.

Follow the scent of fresh basil to Aterina, a playful restaurant occupying a square on the periphery of the Old Town, with views to the palm-lined promenade and sea below. Order the "small plate" to try a sample of each of the tapas-style starters including cheese, smoked ham, anchovies, and marinated vegetables. Don't leave without trying one of the excellent desserts, such as basil cake or peaches in Grk.

Using the best local bluefin tuna, shrimp, and shellfish, Bota Šare turns its fresh catches into beautifully presented sushi, sashimi, carpaccio, and tartare. The spot is owned by the Šare family of fishermen who operate some of the best seafood restaurants in the region, including Mali Ston, making this the ideal place to try the famous Mali Ston oysters (if raw oysters make you squeamish, try them tempura-style). The restaurant is located in a shady alcove near the Cathedral in the Old Town; it's small, so reservations are recommended.

For such a small village, Žrnovo is home to a surprising number of great restaurants, most located in old stone homes and run by the families who own them. Konoba Belin is one of the originals and the best, where you'll linger for a few hours over platters of grilled seafood or the local delicacy Žrnovski makaruni; call ahead to arrange a lesson on how to roll macaroni.

With a prime location overlooking the harbor in Šipanska Luka and sensational sunset views, Kod Marka is renowned among sailors and yacht guests as one of the best seafood restaurants and hidden gems in the region. There's no official menu—you just grab a seat on the terrace, order a glass of wine, and enjoy whatever the chef has prepared that day. Expect about four courses, which might include an anchovy platter to start, fresh prawns, octopus cakes, and a whole sea bass to share.

Located one street behind Tiha Bay, Konoba Kolona is a firm favorite for seafood among locals; the owner is also the fisherman and the cook, so you know you're in good hands. It has two large covered terraces, plus indoor seating and reasonable prices for popular dishes such as lobster by the kilo, mussels buzara (in tomato and white wine sauce), and octopus carpaccio.

Specializing in vegan fare, this playful eatery on Prijeko Street has just a dozen tables and is deservedly popular; for years it was the only vegan option in town. Their menu changes regularly, but you can expect Indian-inspired dishes, different soups and salads, falafel, and freshly made desserts.

Designed to look like an actual ship with a life-size captain at the helm, this restaurant outside the classy Boutique Hotel Adriatic is one of the best in town. Try the seafood platter for two, with tuna steak, grilled squid, mussels, scampi, and extraordinary sea bream, plus a glass of Plavac Mali from the family's own vineyards.