Dubrovnik · Restaurant Guide
Best Restaurants in Dubrovnik for Cruise Travelers
Dubrovnik's Old Town, enclosed within medieval walls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a feast for the senses. Croatian cuisine blends Mediterranean seafood with hearty Balkan flavors. Cruise ships dock at Gruž port, a 20-minute bus ride or short taxi from Old Town, where most of the best dining awaits.
Old Town Dining
The Stradun (main street) has tourist-oriented restaurants with elevated prices. Duck into side streets like Prijeko Street — though once a tourist trap, several genuinely good restaurants have opened here. For the best value, climb the steps away from Stradun to upper-level restaurants with fewer crowds and better prices.
Local Specialties
Dubrovnik's signature dishes include black risotto (made with cuttlefish ink), peka (meat or octopus slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid — must be ordered 2 hours ahead), grilled fresh fish sold by weight, and buzara (prawns in tomato-wine sauce). Croatia's coastal cuisine rivals Italy's at lower prices.
Where Locals Eat
For prices 30-40% lower than Old Town, eat at restaurants in Gruž near the cruise port, or take a water taxi to Lokrum Island for a relaxed lunch. The Gruž Market (open mornings) sells local cheese, prosciutto, and fruit — perfect for a picnic with a view.
Tipping and Costs
Tipping 10% is customary in Croatia. The local currency is now the Euro (Croatia joined the Eurozone in 2023). Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants. A full meal in Old Town runs 25-45 EUR; outside the walls, expect 15-30 EUR. Croatian wines — especially Plavac Mali reds and Pošip whites — are excellent and underpriced.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from the cruise port to Dubrovnik's restaurants?
Cruise ships dock at Gruž port. Take local bus #1A or #1B (2 EUR, 15-20 minutes) to the Pile Gate entrance to Old Town. Taxis cost about 10-12 EUR. Some cruise lines also offer shuttle buses.
Is Dubrovnik expensive for dining?
Old Town restaurants are pricey by Croatian standards (25-45 EUR per person) but reasonable for a UNESCO site. Eat in Gruž near the port or at restaurants above the Stradun for 30-40% savings. Croatian wine is excellent value everywhere.
What should I order if I only have one meal in Dubrovnik?
Black risotto with cuttlefish ink is the iconic dish. If you can plan ahead, order peka — octopus or lamb slow-cooked under a bell lid. Pair with a local Pošip white wine.