Dubrovnik may be best known for its majestic stone walls, cerulean Adriatic views, and timeless Old Town streets, but its culinary identity is just as captivating. Rooted in Dalmatian traditions and shaped by centuries of Mediterranean influence, Dubrovnik’s cuisine is fresh, soulful, and deeply tied to the sea. From rustic taverns to elegant waterfront restaurants, the city offers a treasure trove of unforgettable dishes. Here are the can’t-miss flavours of Dubrovnik – the ones which every visitor to the city should seek out.
Fresh Adriatic seafood
Dubrovnik’s cuisine begins with the sea. Local fishermen bring their catch straight to harbour-front kitchens, resulting in dishes that showcase pristine, delicate seafood.
What to try:
- Grilled sea bass or bream with nothing but olive oil, garlic, and lemon
- Octopus salad, a Dalmatian classic of tender octopus, capers, onion, and parsley
- Black risotto (crni rižot) made with cuttlefish ink — rich, briny, and deeply satisfying
Pair with a chilled glass of local Pošip for a truly Dubrovnik experience.
Buzara: Dalmatian shellfish at its best
If there’s one dish that encapsulates coastal Croatian comfort, it’s buzara – a rustic preparation of mussels or scampi simmered in white wine, garlic, olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs.
It’s simple, messy, aromatic, and beloved by locals and travellers alike.
Don’t miss:
- Škampi na buzaru (scampi in buzara sauce)
- A bowl of crusty bread for mopping up the irresistible broth
Pašticada: Dalmatian slow cooking
This deeply flavoured, slow-braised beef dish is one of Croatia’s greatest culinary traditions. Often served at celebrations, weddings, and Sunday lunches, pašticada is marinated for hours (sometimes overnight), then cooked with prunes, wine, and aromatic vegetables until meltingly tender.
Serve with:
- Soft, pillowy gnocchi, the only acceptable pairing according to locals
Soparnik and savoury pastries
Dalmatian pastry traditions are humble yet delicious, combining thin dough, herbs, and local cheeses.
Look for:
- Soparnik – a traditional pie filled with Swiss chard and garlic, often baked over embers
- Burek – flaky pastries stuffed with cheese or meat, a favourite quick breakfast or snack
They’re perfect to grab on the go while exploring the Old Town.
Local wines: a taste of the Dalmatian coast
Croatia’s wine heritage dates back thousands of years, and Dubrovnik is surrounded by some of the country’s most celebrated vineyards.
Must-try varieties:
- Dingač – a robust, velvety red from the Pelješac peninsula
- Plavac Mali – bold and spicy, often compared to Zinfandel
- Pošip – a crisp, mineral-rich white that loves seafood
- Malvasija Dubrovacka – a historic local grape revived in recent years
Wine tastings are easy to find, both in Dubrovnik and on day trips to Pelješac or Korčula.
Pag cheese & Adriatic charcuterie
Croatian cheeses and cured meats make for an excellent shared plate before a seafood meal.
Highlights include:
- Paški sir (Pag cheese) – a sharp, salty sheep’s cheese from the island of Pag
- Dalmatian pršut – air-dried prosciutto aged in mountain winds
- Local olives and marinated anchovies
Enjoy with olive oil from southern Dalmatia – some of the best in the Mediterranean.
Dubrovnik’s sweet side
When it’s time for dessert, Dubrovnik offers traditional sweets full of citrus, almonds, and local liqueurs.
Don’t leave without trying:
- Rožata – a silky caramel custard similar to flan, scented with rose liqueur
- Arancini – candied orange peel dipped in sugar
- Kotonjata – a sweet quince jelly cut into cubes
These pair beautifully with travarica, a local herbal brandy.
Dubrovnik’s culinary soul lies in its connection to the Adriatic, its Mediterranean traditions, and its love of simplicity. Every dish reflects the region’s history, heritage, and natural abundance – from scampi at a seaside konoba, to plates of Pag cheese and olives under the evening sky.
