Oysters at Mali Ston
Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia
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A traditional Dalmatian village, famous across Croatia for oysters served in restaurants overlooking a sheltered bay. A scenic drive north of Dubrovnik.
Best for ages 13+
Duration: 4
Travel bucket list idea:
Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia
|Rozata – a Dubrovnik specialty
Dubrovnik is part of the coastal Dalmatia region, meaning local cuisine is dominated by fish and seafood. Classic Mediterranean flavours – tomatoes, parsley, garlic and rosemary – are often paired with fish.
Croatia’s Italian heritage is seen in pizzerias and gelaterias on every street, although there are fine dining options; Michelin-starred 360 is the city’s most famous restaurant, set in the Old Town walls.
Don’t miss fresh oysters and mussels from Ston (on Peljesac) and rozata (a pudding similar to crème caramel), which is unique to Dubrovnik. Crni rizoto – black risotto made with squid ink, and mussels bouzzara (in a tomato sauce) are also local specialities.
Dalmatian ham is as salty and delicious as prosciutto; platters of ham, local cheese and olives is a popular starter. Fritule (deep-fried fritters) are a favourite sweet snack, sharp with lemon zest and schnappes. Also see our round-up of traditional Croatian foods to try.
The surrounding hills and islands are home to some excellent vineyards, and the Peljesac wine region is a one-hour drive. The best whites are Posip from Korcula and Vugava from Vis, while the best reds are Plavac from Hvar and Vis. Also try locally produced rakija (a potent spirit, often flavoured with fruit or herbs).
Traditional hearty Dalmatian dishes are served in atmospheric, family-run konobas – rustic taverns with exposed stone walls and wooden tables and benches.
Many konobas offer peka, a traditional dish – or rather cooking style – dating back millenia. The peka, a heavy domed cast-iron lid, is placed over a tray of food and then buried beneath glowing embers, to create a mini-oven.
At many konobas, you’ll see the outdoor kitchen, with the chef hard at work, arranging casserole dishes and peka lids over a wide hearth and smouldering wood (temperatures here can reach 70C). Dishes feature either octopus, monkfish, lamb, veal or vegetarian peka, using homegrown vegetables.
Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia
|A traditional Dalmatian village, famous across Croatia for oysters served in restaurants overlooking a sheltered bay. A scenic drive north of Dubrovnik.
Best for ages 13+
Duration: 4
Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia
|Sample some of Croatia’s finest red wines at the vineyards on this mountainous peninsula. A one-hour drive up the coast from Dubrovnik.
Best for ages 18+
Duration: 4
Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia
This small wine shop in the heart of the Old Town sells wines straight from the Peljesac peninsula, plus Croatian deli items including fruit spirits, preserves and sweets.
Min age 18
Best for ages 18+
Dubrovnik is a big cruise port which means there are a lot of restaurants catering to the day-trip crowd; in general avoid anywhere on the Stradun (the wide main drag). Generally, the further you go into the tangle of streets that rise up on either side of the Stradun, the better you will eat.
The restaurants that line the harbour are renowned for their fish and seafood but you will pay a premium. Outside the old town there are plenty of pizzerias offering excellent Italian food.
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