Ten exquisite Croatian restaurants you can sail to!

Sample the best cuisine Croatia has to offer

Croatian cuisine is wonderfully diverse, heavily influenced by various European cultures and neighbouring countries. While the interior of Croatia is known for its stews, meats and other traditional delicacies of continental Europe, the Croatian coast is famous for its typical Mediterranean meals, consisting of fresh seafood and southern spices. The influence of Italian and Greek cuisine is very evident when dining on the Croatian coast. Ingredients such as olive oil, fresh herbs and vegetables like rosemary, sage, oregano, lemon and tomato and all kinds of different seafood are a mainstay in the Croatian coastal cuisine. 

Combined with a fantastic ambience and stunning scenery, eating in restaurants on the Croatian coast is a magical experience that everybody should experience at least once in their lifetime. Accompanied by a wide selection of local wines and delicious desserts, the dining experience will leave you full and satisfied.   

Among the many restaurants and taverns on the Croatian coast and islands, there are a select few of those that can be reached only by boat, often located in spectacular and isolated surroundings.

Varying from five-star restaurants to modest taverns and family-run restaurants, here you can find the best places for a delicious meal when sailing the Croatian coast.

Augusta Insula

Where: Zaklopatica, Island of Lastovo

What to try: Lobster, peka

Nearest marina: Marina Malo Lago

August Insula is located on the northern coast of the island of Lastovo, in the most charming Zaklopatica bay. This traditional tavern focuses on typical Dalmatian dishes, combining traditional recipes with locally grown ingredients and the freshest of seafood.

The lobster, caught locally in the cold and clean waters around Lastovo, is the most popular dish here. 

Another guest favourite is the “peka”, a traditional Croatian dish where fish or meat is slowly cooked for hours under a steel dome covered with hot charcoals. 

When dining here, be sure to order the restaurants’ own wine, the Augusta Insula Red or White wine. 

Sailing here, you will find complimentary mooring options for guests of the restaurant, offering standard amenities like power and water connections.

Fešta

https://unsplash.com/photos/WrGPdQHMtWA

Where: Island of Žut, Kornati archipelago

What to try: Grilled fish, barbecue 

Nearest marina: ACI Marina Žut

The seafood restaurant Fešta is located on the island of Žut, an island that is a part of the Kornati National Park, with no permanent settlements and covered with olive groves and fig trees. 

The restaurant is designed as a typical Dalmatian tavern, with the interior decorated by local art, as well as a display of several local tools and fishing equipment. Fešta is situated in the cove of Golubovac on the island of Žut, not far from the ACI Marina Žut, a medium-sized marina offering 120 berths and the sailing hub in Kornati.

You can enjoy traditional Mediterranean recipes on two outdoor terraces, shaded by pine trees, with local seafood and grilled meats an absolute must-try.

Fresh fish and shellfish are delivered daily by local fishermen, prepared meticulously using the traditional Dalmatian technique.

For those looking for a more extended stay, there are apartments for rent here, and the island is perfect for hiking and discovering its hidden beauty.

Gastro Mare 

Where: Kobaš, Pelješac peninsula

What to try: Sashimi, pasta with shitake mushrooms

Nearest marina: ACI Marina Dubrovnik

Gastro Mare restaurant is situated in a small fishing village of Kobaš on the Pelješac peninsula, not far from the city of Dubrovnik. Here you will find a quintessential Dalmatian settlement, full of intoxicating smells of the local vegetation, stunning crystal clear sea and breathtaking coastal views. Despite the traditional Dalmatian setting, the menu in Gastro Mare is anything but typical. Here you can explore the intriguing combination of several different culinary styles, including dishes like grouper sashimi, pasta with shitake mushrooms or locally harvested oysters. 

Kobaš is an amiable destination for the sailing enthusiasts with ample mooring options for guests. 

Konoba Antika

Where: Polače, Island of Mljet

What to try: Mussels, grilled squid

Nearest marina: Marina Lumbarda

Konoba Antika is situated on the stunning island of Mljet, on the shore of Polače bay, not far from the entrance to the Mljet National Park. 

You can sail right up to the restaurant as they provide their own berths at the quay in front of the main entrance. Enjoy the typical Dalmatian ambience on the large terrace overlooking the sea and the unspoiled nature. Delicious dishes are made with fresh ingredients, with fresh seafood delivered daily. Popular choices here are the octopus salad, mussels, and various fish and meat dishes made in the traditional peka.

Konoba Kunjka

Where: Island of Kaprije

What to try: Grilled gill-poll, octopus

Nearest marina: Marina Tribunj

As you approach Konoba Kunjka on the northern coast of the island of Kaprije, you will be welcomed by their mascot - a pet donkey named Mila! The atmosphere here is extremely relaxed as the tavern is located in the most charming bay offering stunning coastal views. Perfectly positioned in the Šibenik archipelago, the tavern is a favourite stop for sailing enthusiasts visiting this part of the Croatian coast.

This is a perfect place to try the seafood specials with grilled octopus and fresh gill-poll the preferred choice. Similar to most Dalmatian restaurants, fish and meat prepared in the traditional peka is also a must-try.    

Konoba Opat

Where: Opat bay, Island of Kornat

What to try: Grilled fish, fish brodetto

Nearest marina: ACI Marina Piškera

This family restaurant, owned by the Božikov family, has been a part of the island of Kornat since 1988, offering warm hospitality and a delicious menu to visiting sailing enthusiasts. Located in the Opat bay on the southern end of the island of Kornat, Konoba Opat blends into its surroundings, respecting the stunning and unique ecosystem that is the Kornati National Park.

The use of only the freshest fish and locally grown ingredients like rosemary, sage, bay leaf, basil, capers and olives, elevate the dishes to a whole new level.

Seafood dishes include grilled fish or brodetto, fresh oysters and crabs, accompanied perfectly by freshly baked homemade bread and delicious olive oil. 

The restaurant also provides berths for 25 boats, all equipped with power and water connections, making it a perfect stop when sailin the Kornati archipelago.

There is also a separate cocktail bar where you can enjoy delicious cocktails as you take in your surroundings.

Laganini Lounge Bar & Fish House

Where: Vinogradišće bay, Island of St. Klement

What to try: Tuna steak, salmon

Nearest marina: ACI Marina Palmižana

Located in one of the most attractive nautical destinations on the Adriatic, the Paklinski Islands near Hvar, Laganini Lounge Bar & Fish House is a must-visit for all those looking to enjoy gourmet cuisine. Originally established over 50 years ago, Laganini has gradually become an award-winning establishment serving a diverse selection of fresh seafood dishes. Be sure to try the local Adriatic tuna, wonderfully prepared using traditional Dalmatian recipes, as well as the delicious Norwegian salmon. To complete the experience, an extensive wine list offers a wide selection, consisting of the finest local and international wines.

If you wish to enjoy the charms of the coast, be sure to visit the accompanying lounge bar, offering signature cocktails and relaxing cabanas overlooking the crystal clear sea.   

Masarine

Where: Island of Premuda

What to try: Grilled fish, octopus

Nearest marina: Marina Ist

Named after the cliffs on the southern side of the island of Premuda, Masarine tavern is another charming place where you can enjoy beautiful coastal views, a few steps away from the sea. The tavern is situated in the picturesque settlement of Krijal, and offers one of the most stunning sunsets in all of Croatia. Masarine tavern has a long and proud tradition, best experienced by trying some of their specialities like the lamb or the octopus made in the traditional peka.  

Moro Beach

Where: Island of Vela Stupa

What to try: Homemade pasta dishes, sea bass 

Nearest marina: ACI Marina Korčula

Just 2 NM east of the town of Korčula is the tiny island of Vela Stupa, housing one of the most exciting gastronomy destinations in the Adriatic - Moro Beach. Here you will find an interesting concept of a self-sustaining establishment away from civilisation, with its own solar panels, power generator, desalination plant, and Wi-Fi. 

The decor is wonderfully simple, with soft, natural colours and repurposed furniture used whenever it’s possible to not distract from the stunning natural surroundings.

The menu offers traditional Dalmatian dishes with a modern twist, while the ingredients used are as fresh and local as they come. Be sure to try the pasta which is made on the island from scratch, as well as several classical dishes like risotto, grilled fish and lamb roasted in the traditional peka.    

Those sailing here will find free berths, stunning beaches and unspoiled emerald sea, all packed on this small piece of land in the Korčula channel.

Zori Restaurant & Lounge

Where: Vinogradišće bay, Island of St. Klement

What to try: Scampi, semifreddo 

Nearest marina: ACI Marina Palmižana

You will find the Zori restaurant on the island of St. Klement, a part of the Paklinski islands archipelago, located not far from the island of Hvar. This family-owned restaurant was opened 65 years ago and had been attracting guests with its delightful ambience and delicious meals ever since. 

Situated in a charming bay and offering spectacular seaside views, Zori is the ideal place to indulge in traditional Dalmatian cuisine. Freshly caught seafood, carefully procured meat and world-class desserts are an integral part of the menu and will leave you craving more.  

Accompanied by delicious wines, either local or imported, the dining experience here will leave a long-lasting impression, as will your stay in Croatia.