Croatian food doesn’t get the same attention as Italian or French cuisine, but it should.
The country’s coastline produces exceptional seafood, world-class olive oil and wines that rival anything from neighboring Italy. The dishes blend Mediterranean traditions with local twists, making even the simplest meals feel special.
The Croatian Cuisine Experience
Basic, slow cooking that lets fresh ingredients shine is what Dalmatian Coast specialities are all about.
Take Peka, for example. It’s made with meat or seafood and vegetables, which are cooked slowly under a bell-shaped lid buried in coals. Hours later, what emerges is impossibly tender and smoky. The meat practically falls apart, and the vegetables have absorbed all those rich, earthy flavors.
Crni Rižot is another favourite along the Adriatic coastline. This black risotto, which is dyed using squid ink, is usually topped with freshly caught cuttlefish or shrimp.
If we move to the north, you’ll find more Istrian influences, where handmade pasta with shaved truffles is a regional pride. And in spring, wild asparagus makes an appearance on nearly every table.
Towards the islands, seafood is the order of the day. Meals often feature whole fish grilled with herbs and olive oil, octopus salad served with lemon and local cheeses aged in salt and herbs.
It’s simple food, but when the ingredients are this good, simple is all you need.
Local Drinks and Pairings
Croatian winemakers have been producing exceptional bottles for decades, most of which never leave the country.
Plavac Mali is a bold red wine with notes of dark fruit and spice that pairs perfectly with dishes like peka. Pošip from the island of Korčula, on the other hand, is fresh, crisp and instantly elevates fish-based dishes.
Beyond wine, a meal is often ended with a glass of rakija, which is a strong fruit brandy. Flavours range from plum and fig to more herb-based varieties, with each batch unique to a specific area. We recommend leaving some extra packing room because you’ll likely want to bring a bottle or two home.
Culinary Highlights In Popular Ports
Each port along the coast offers its own take on the region’s cuisine, making every stop a chance to try something new and delicious.
Dubrovnik is often the first or last stop on a cruise, and is all about the seafood. The day’s catch usually arrives straight from the boats that line the waterfront, so it doesn’t get fresher. And, if you take a short drive to the town of Ston, you can sample fresh Adriatic oysters.
Over in Split, the best food can be enjoyed at one of the many markets. The Green Market always stocks figs, prosciutto and cheeses, and the nearby fish market is where you can find incredible seafood.
Heading to Hvar, travellers can look forward to some chic dining. Restaurants and wine bars like Mediterraneo and Don Quijote are where you can indulge in fresh-caught lobster and a glass of white wine.
Then there’s the island of Korčula, which is a bit more rustic, but just as memorable. Here, you’ll find restaurants like Konoba Mate serving up slow-cooked lamb, which deserves to be eaten just as slowly.
Savouring the Adriatic
Between the oysters, truffle-laden pastas and slow-cooked meats, every meal you enjoy along the Croatian coast is one to remember. Pair them with some of the local wines and brandy, and you’ll have a complete foodie experience that embodies everything that makes this area so remarkable.
