Croatia is a foodie dream come true, with many best restaurants in the Adriatic hidden in a tiny cove, accessible exclusively by boat– and the confirmation of their excellence in the form of a Michelin star makes the adventure even more exciting. Come and see what the new generation of Croatian chefs can create with mouthwatering local ingredients
Did you know that seven of nine Michelin star restaurants in the Adriatic can be visit by yacht? Or that there are more than twenty restaurants mentioned in the recommended section of the Michelin and other renowned guides sprinkled along the Adriatic coast? Croatia is a foodie dream come true, with many best restaurants hidden in a tiny cove, accessible exclusively by boat – and the confirmation of their excellence in the form of a Michelin star makes the adventure even more exciting.
Best restaurants in Dubrovnik
One of the most prestigious culinary destinations on the coast, Dubrovnik has it all, and now has the one thing it missed so desperately – the crowds are gone. The place to go in the city is restaurant 360, with one Michelin star, but our recommendation takes you to the Elaphiti Islands, the summer vacation grounds of Dubrovnik aristocracy.
The port of Šipan offers all a yacht owner needs – safe berth and good food. Legendary restaurant Kod Marka, now ran by the titular owner’s son, Đino, delights the palate with excellent entrees and classic Mediterranean dishes, and although their menu may not be extensive, every dish is a work of art. Prepared with love and served by the sea, the food is well worth the reservation.
Restaurant Bowa on the northern side of the island of Šipan is a place for fine dining in the jungle. A forest surrounded by wooden cabanas is one of those places that are jealously guarded and recommended only to a close circle of friends. True, that circle of friends and fans has expanded so much that we definitely recommend booking because it’s getting harder and harder to find an available table at the Bowa.
Gastro Mare on Pelješac
On Pelješac, in restaurant Gastro Mare Kobaš chef Bjelko has adapted to the situation at hand by limiting kitchen staff – and taking the game to your court. The kitchen crew, spearheaded by the chef himself, will come aboard and cook for you, and even clean everything afterwards. If this extreme catering isn’t your style, you can accompany the chef to a fishing excursion and catch your own dinner.
The island of Lastovo is the local social distancing champion. Isolated as if on purpose, the island is dotted with pristine coves and surrounded by a handful of even smaller islands. This national nature park is ideal for all of us looking to escape from no matter what, and Zaklopatica cove is the place to look for within the park.
Augusta Insula on Lastovo
Restaurant Augusta Insula, an international jet-set favorite, is in reality a family-owned restaurant with long tradition of taking food seriously, no matter who it’s served to. The kitchen crew grows their own ingredients, and you can taste their effort in every bite. The restaurant terrace is large enough for social distancing, and ‘parking spots’ at sea plentiful.
The southern coast of Korčula is beloved for scenic beaches, exceptional wine – like Pošip or Grk – and impressive architecture that can rival that of Dubrovnik. Lešić Dimitri Palace in the town of Korčula offers unique atmosphere of pure luxury, and has earned their first Michelin star. Bold chef Marko Gajski deconstructs traditional dishes and turns them into avantgarde creations on a plate.
Best restaurants in Hvar
In the town of Hvar and on Pakleni Islands, many restaurants have turned their attention exclusively to yachts – among them local favorites like Gariful in the town of Hvar or Patak in Ždrilac strait, snack bar Colnago and the legendary Dionis on Vlaka.
Vinogradišće cove is so charming many visitors have been returning for decades, but it wouldn’t be as interesting without its most famous restaurants, Meneghello Palmižana and Toto’s. Both of them are welcoming guests even this summer, thank to their large terraces that provide plenty of space for every guest. Both restaurants are famous for seafood.
Restaurant Laganini in Vinogradišće cove on Pakleni Islands near Hvar is considered to be the epicurean heart of central Adriatic, part due to gastronomic creations, part for its unique setup, with tables perched on individual terraces above the sea, on several levels.
Best restaurants in Vis
If you sail Dalmatia without visiting Vis island and its restaurants, you are missing out on the culinary magic this area has to offer. Vis is special in so many ways, it offers great diversity that sets it apart from other destinations, including its gastronomy.
The fertile Vis plain in the island’s interior has several restaurants in which the embers of the traditional, or as the locals call it ‘pojorska’ (from ‘poje’, which is ‘field’ or ‘plain’ in the local dialect) gastronomy of Vis, glow strong. Even though these restaurants are kilometres away from the seaside, yachtsmen love visiting them to discover a whole new side to the island. Tavern Magić, Roki’s, Fields of Grace Vineyards Estate or Senjanović vineyard will provide you with some new gastronomic delights.
Best restaurants in Kornati
Kornati are always in, but this season perhaps more than usually. If your journey through the archipelago begins in Murter, make sure you visit Boba Murter, where owner and chef Vjeko Bašić puts a personal spin on Dalmatian classics – so popular, in fact, that the restaurant is recommended by a number of international guides.
As for the archipelago itself, the restaurants in Kornati Islands are many, the menus almost spitefully local, and the quality extreme. We recommend Levrnaka, Piccolo and Ante for casual dining, and the secluded Opat in Opat cove on Kornat island, whose chef Ante Božikov Dupin has for years been serving guests from all – but mostly upper – layers of society.
Fešta is a yachtsmen favourite
Restaurant Fešta on the island of Žut is internationally acclaimed, and should you visit, we recommend chef Krešimir Mudronja’s fish tartare and carpaccio.
The restaurant is extremely popular and restaurant’s berths, although plentiful, are hard to come by, so reservations are a must. Fešta stretches over very large indoor and outdoor spaces, which should bring peace to visitors’ minds and guarantee a successful season.
Visit Pelegrini in Šibenik
If you haven’t had a chance to find out why Pelegrini has been named the best restaurant in Croatia for four years in a row, with a mandatory reservation, sail to Šibenik, tie up on the waterfront and after a few steps you will find yourself in a beautiful restaurant. Indulge in a tasting menu and wine pairing, from which the aromas and flavors of the Central Dalmatian region will be revealed to you in imaginative gastronomic creations.
Another restaurant recently awarded a Michelin star is family-owned Boškinac in Novalja on the island of Pag. Famous since the opening as the place to taste real island cuisine.
The tasting menus of the restaurant – named Otok, More and Polje (Island, Sea and Field) represent the island terroir with impeccable authenticity, guiding you through distinct micro-regional flavor havens with utmost creativity.
Best restaurants in Istria
Istria, a well known foodie heaven that needs no introduction, lures yachting enthusiasts and foodies alike. Most restaurants are open for business, among them the cornerstones of local gastronomy like Badi (Lovrečica), Pergola (Zambratija), Bušćina (Umag), Čok, Damir & Ornella and Gatto Nero (Novigrad), and Ćakula (Poreč), all with menus brimming with excellent seafood dishes. Slightly further inland, the nature is as delightful as the cuisine, decidedly less seafood-based.
Where to eat in Rovinj
Try local legends like Zigante (in Livade), Konoba Morgan (Brtonigla) or Meneghetti. Restaurant Monte in Rovinj holds one Michelin star and delights with a menu well worth it. Cap Aureo enjoys the million dollar view of the marina and Rovinj Old Town – perfect setting to delight all your senses with views, history, nature and flavors…
Opatija is known far and wide among the yachting crowd and foodies alike, so even if you have very little time, make sure you visit at least Hotel Navis, restaurant Molo and restaurant Nobilion (in the luxury Ikador Hotel) for fine dining.
On the island of Lošinj, enjoy Japanese and Croatian cuisine in Matsunoki, or Mediterranean cusine with a local spin in Alfred Keller in the Boutique Hotel Alhambra.
Cassiopeia
Designed and built by Sunseeker, Cassiopeia was delivered in 2009 and lightly refitted before summer 2020.
The team of experts that brings together Yachts Croatia is also at your service when creating your perfect charter experience in Croatia. When choosing a yacht, you first need to decide whether you want to feel the meditative power of silence on board sailing boat and catamaran, or whether you appreciate speed and comfort, with interest to rent a motorboat or luxury yacht. After that, leave all the ‘details’ to us.
Text Filip Bubalo & Hrvoje Bulešić
Photos archive Yachts
