The Best Food You’ll Ever Try: Ultimate Dalmatian Cuisine Guide

Dalmatia, the sun-soaked coast of Croatia, is a paradise for food lovers. With its fresh seafood, traditional meat dishes, local wines, and sweet treats, Dalmatian cuisine tells the story of the Adriatic. Whether you're visiting Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik, or smaller coastal towns, this guide will help you eat and drink like a local!

Platters of cold starters - a must try while in Croatia

Before diving into seafood, don’t skip the traditional platters of cold starters that almost every restaurant in Split proudly serves. A must-try is Drniš prosciutto, famous for its delicate smokiness and centuries-old curing tradition, best enjoyed with a drizzle of local olive oil. Pair it with an assortment of Croatian cheeses, especially the renowned Paški sir from the island of Pag — a hard sheep’s milk cheese with a unique, salty flavor shaped by the island’s winds and wild herbs. Together, prosciutto and cheese make the perfect Mediterranean beginning to any Dalmatian meal.

Image: Platter

Seafood specialties in Dalmatia - some of the best seafood in the world

The Adriatic Sea offers some of the freshest seafood in Europe. Don't miss these local favorites:

Black risotto (crni rižot) – made with cuttlefish or squid, its rich black color comes from ink. Perfect in Split or Trogir. This risotto is light on the stomach and always served with Parmesan, enhancing its creamy, savory flavor.

Brudet – a slow-cooked fish stew with wine, tomatoes, and garlic, usually served with polenta - a creamy cornmeal side dish. Popular in Hvar and Vis.

Buzara – shellfish cooked in white wine, garlic, and parsley. Try it in Šibenik, Makarska, Korčula and Split

Tip: Split’s restaurants are famous for serving fish straight from the daily catch — often sold by the kilo. You’ll find displays of freshly caught Adriatic tuna, orada (sea bream), brancin (sea bass), squid, and scampi, and you simply choose the fish you want. The chef then prepares it in the most authentic Dalmatian way: grilled over wood fire or baked with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. Pair it with a glass of local white wine like Pošip and you’ve got the perfect seaside dinner — a true taste of the Adriatic.

Image: Tuna

Traditional meat dishes - fresh and of great quality

Dalmatian cuisine is not just seafood. Try these classic meat dishes:
Pašticada – beef slow-cooked in wine and spices, served with gnocchi. A specialty in Split.
Ćevapi – now while ćevapi is more of a continental dish, it is nonetheless served across Dalmatia as well. Small grilled minced meat rolls, typically served with onions and ajvar will blow your mind and eave you want for more.

Image: Ćevapi

Dalmatian desserts you'll fall in love with
No Dalmatian meal is complete without sweets:
Fritule – tiny fried dough balls with raisins and lemon, dusted with powdered sugar. Popular in Dubrovnik, Split or Hvar markets.
Palačinke – thin crepe-like pancakes filled with chocolate, jam, or cheese. Popular in all coastal towns. In Dalmatia, try pancakes with lemon and sugar – it’s local’s favorite!
Rožata – Dalmatian caramel custard flavored with rose liqueur, often served in Split or Korčula.

Image: Crepes

Drinks to try in Dalmatia - wines of the sun-soaked south 
Wine – red “Plavac mali” or white “Pošip”, grown on Hvar, Brač, and Pelješac.
Rakija – a strong fruit brandy, homemade and served as an aperitif or digestif.
Coffee culture – sit at a seaside café in Split or Dubrovnik and enjoy a strong espresso while watching the Adriatic.

Tips for eating like a local
Explore small konobas in Split, Hvar, or Dubrovnik for authentic dishes. Try to ask locals where to go – often those tiny places have the most soul.
Pair seafood with local white wines for the best experience.
Try seasonal and fresh ingredients – Dalmatian cuisine is all about freshness.
Take your time and enjoy meals slowly – Croatian dining is meant to be savored.

Image: Mediterranean seasonal vegetables, cheese and fresh olive oil

FAQ

What is the best time to try Dalmatian seafood?
Fresh seafood is best in summer and early autumn, when fish and shellfish are at their peak.

Which Dalmatian wines should I try?
Plavac mali and Postup (red) and Pošip (white) are the most famous local wines, perfect with seafood or grilled meat.

Where can I find traditional desserts in Dalmatia?
Markets, bakeries, and seaside restaurants in Split, Dubrovnik, and Hvar are the best places to sample fritule, palačinke, and rožata.

Is Dalmatian cuisine suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, many restaurants offer fresh salads, grilled vegetables, and pasta dishes, though seafood and meat dominate the traditional menu.

Dalmatia offers an unforgettable culinary experience. From fresh Adriatic seafood to hearty meat dishes, sweet desserts, and local drinks, eating and drinking here is a journey that captures the heart of Croatia. By following this guide, you’ll taste the true flavors of Dalmatia and enjoy a dining experience that locals cherish.

You can also eat well on Junior if you book your ride – breakfast and lunch are included!