Croatia for Food Lovers

Croatia is tasty. For real. Really really tasty. And gorgeous. Jaw-droppingly stunning. At every turn. We just returned from a week exploring southern Dalmatia – the area between Split and Dubrovnik and are already missing the mild weather, beautiful sea, and fresh, fresh seafood. Fresh like, plucked from the sea that morning fresh seafood. Sooo delicious. And unique.

Croatia has a rich, colorful history – albeit tumultuous, dramatic and confusing at times. You can feel these varied historical influences all around you. In the language. In the architecture. In their approach to life. Slavic, Venetian, Austrian, Croat, and more. It all comes together and melds here. In a delicious and unique blend that is only Croatia. We loved it. It felt different, but approachable and inviting. And like I said, it is beyond beautiful.

You can taste it in the cuisine. As the Adriatic cousin of Italy – this is the most obvious culinary connection. And while you will find risottos and pastas on most menus, Croatia does them in its own way. A rich and fertile landscape with HUGE swaths of beautiful coastline, the cuisine here has lots to offer the adventurous palate, but can equally accommodate the not-so daring. Me – I usually like trying it all.* My youngest two kids – not so much. They want things that look familiar. And are recognizable. Sans sauces and layers. Basically without flavor. Oh well. We try to find a balance between nourishing them and pushing their palates ever so slightly in the process. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it backfires and we have tired, hungry, and cranky on our hands. Hangry is not pretty on a family trip. I said – it’s a balance.

CROATIAN CUISINE:

Here are some of the delicious things that we tried while in Croatia (maybe not all of us!):

SEAFOOD

Sporting over 1,100 miles of coastline on the mainland of Croatia alone, when you take into account the 1,200+ islands that dot the waters offshore – you add nearly 2,500 more miles of coast. That is a lot of water peeps. Beautiful blueish greenish sparkling Adriatic water. The lion’s share of islands in this neck of the woods – err water rather – belong to Croatia. This is where the fish congregate – in and among the safe harbors between all these little (and not so little) lops of land lingering along the Croatian coast.

Local specialties include octopus, cuttlefish, mussels, oysters, clams, and fish like sea bream, amberjack, tuna, mackerel, anchovy and more. My absolute favorite dish was the crni rižoto, or black cuttlefish risotto. Its very black color is from the ink inside the cuttlefish. Taken when the fish is caught, the ink is not from an extract or bottled. This richly flavored dish is normally offered as a sharing plate for a starter. You can order for your dinner. I probably did. More than once. But the portion is usually huge. Save some for later!

Black Risotto
Seafood speciality, Kapetanova Kuca, Mali Ston Croatia

My absolute favorite dish was the crni rižoto, or black cuttlefish risotto. It’s very black color is from the ink inside the cuttlefish.

And if you like seafood – don’t leave Croatia without trying the octopus salad. I tried it everywhere we went. It was always delicious. Don’t be scared. Yes, there are tentacles. And suckers. In your salad. But the texture isn’t what you would think. It isn’t chewy – or at least it shouldn’t be if prepared correctly. Usually served with an olive oil vinaigrette and capers, local greens, and onions. Sublime. Especially when served with the crni rižoto (cuttlefish risotto.)

My husband loved the grilled squid. As Americans, we are familiar with fried calamari, but grilled squid is something else. It is wonderful. Simple and healthier than the standard appetizer application we are used to.

I am also a big fan of fresh oysters on the half shell. I try them most places I can find them. Briny, fresh and slurpable – don’t miss them down near Mali Ston – an hour north of Dubrovnik on the coast. You can’t miss the characteristic oyster farms all along the water as you make your way down to the little fishing village. You can rent a boat and visit an oyster farm if you love them that much. What a great idea! Groans from my kids. I settled for sampling 6 to start our lunch on the water.

Anchovies are a specialty here as well. When we checked into our Airbnb outside Vela Luka on the island of Korčula, we were presented with an artfully arranged plate of salted anchovies in olive oil and local capers to try with crusty bread and Croatian beer. And while you may have cringed at my squid, cuttlefish, oysters, and octopus delights… I have to admit – I don’t love anchovies. I never have, really. But never fear, they didn’t go to waste as I ended up chopping them up with the capers and some olive oil to make a sauce for our pasta that night. Now that was tasty.

Croatian charcuterie
Anchovies and capers in olive oil with crusty bread

OLIVES

Speaking of olive oil – Croatia is a major producer as a Mediterranean country. So it isn’t a surprise that it is the base for most of their diet and cooking. Olive trees are EVERYWHERE in southern Dalmatia and it was harvest time while we were visiting. Especially on the emerald island of Korčula. We were charmed by locals on ladders raking ripe olives onto nets draped across the ground to collect by the bushel. Our car rental agent and local expert, Luka from Mediterano Tourist Agency explained that the olives on Korčula are very distinct, even in Croatia. Their skins are quite bitter and it gives the oil from here a “spicy” nature which was less desirable in the past and all attempts were made to get rid of this unique character. Until that is – they realized their specific olives have higher Omega 3 fatty acids – those beneficial fats touted in the heart-healthy diets the globe over. Now Korčulan olive oil producers use this to their advantage. Luka will tell you that the oil that comes from this island is not as great for cooking, but excellent as a dressing or finishing oil. I will tell you – don’t try to eat the olives straight from the tree. WOW. Bitter is right. They are so beautiful though!

In Croatia, the majority of olive oil production is done via small-scale private orchards, 80% of these under 1 hectare in size. The oil is still produced by hand and large-scale production is not as prevalent here as in other countries. Makes for authentic and truly local olive oil – ulje in Croatian – pick up a bottle or two. Find an Uje Oleoteka (Olive shop) or step inside one of their oil bars to sample all the different varietals and find your favorite.

Uje Oil and Wine Bar
Dominisova 3, 21000 Split, Hrvatska

FRUIT

Croatia has an amazingly fertile growing landscape and you will see fruit trees littering the landscape. Almost every backyard has either an olive tree, a citrus tree, or a pomegranate tree – or all three. Figs, also weigh heavily in importance for the local produce, but we missed the fresh season and found them only dried or in jams, competes, or sauces in the local markets.

If you make the drive from Dubrovnik to Split (or vice versa) you will most likely traverse the Neretva River delta south of Ploče. This fertile delta provides irrigation for tons of fruit productions – specifically tangerines and citrus fruits. And all along the highway you will see glorious little fruit stands where to procure fresh and preserved local offerings. Bring cash, these little establishments don’t take credit. But don’t worry – there is an ATM in Opuzen near the Tommy grocery store mid-valley. And there are tons of little tangerine touters after that. We bought some sugared citrus peel, lavender honey, and tangerines to take along. I would have bought more but didn’t know how to get it all home to Denmark.

LOCAL DISHES

Besides the seafood dishes mentioned above, Croatia has many other local delicacies in its strong regional food landscape. We only visited southern Dalmatia this time and can only speak to what we tried there, but I will tell you what we tried was delicious. Besides the prevalence of seafood, you can also find beef, pork, lamb, and goat dishes. Near the Neretva River delta, their special dish is an eel and frog stew. We did not try this. My children scowled at the idea. I will admit, I was a little more squeamish at the thought of what bits might be in that soup.

What we did try was a special roast beef dish known as pašticada. Marinated overnight in herbs and wine, the beef is roasted and served in a rich brown sauce over gnocchi or potatoes. Delectable. Luka, our local lore purveyor explained that pašticada was a traditional Croatian wedding dish. Beef was only used at special occasions back in the day. Without refrigeration, a butcher would only cut up his cow when he knew that all of it was sold or spoken for. A smaller goat or pig was easier to butcher and sell before it went bad and therefore more prevalent for everyday eating.

WINE

Croatians, like other countries in the Mediterranean, make excellent wine. They are proud of it. The grapes here are their own. If you like dry white wines – you are in luck as there are several varieties grown only here in Croatia. I loved the dry, crisp Pošip and was happy to take recommendations from locals as to their favorite. Grk – a varietal only grown on the island of Korčula’s sandy Lumbarda side was harder to come by. I wanted to try it but could find nary a bottle. We didn’t make it to that side of Korčula sadly as we were enjoying our own quiet peaceful Vela Luka end of the island. Next time!

Try the Pošip - Local Croatian wine
Cold, dry white wine from local producers on Korčula.

WHERE TO EAT CROATIAN FOOD

Visit a local Konoba – a smaller family-run restaurant off the main tourist drags. Ask a Croatian for their favorite – you won’t go wrong.

Konoba Havaranin

Ul. ban Mladenova 9, 21000, Split, Croatia
Local specialties shared in a cozy if tiny little place with attentive service. Straightforward delicious dishes on a little street off the glitzy Riva waterfront promenade in Split. Try the cuttlefish risotto, lamb chops, octopus salad, or beef pašticada. The crème caramel was also yummy, but less French and more a flan consistency.

Bokeria Restaurant, Split CroatiaBokeria
Cosmijeva ul. 2, 21000, Split, Croatia
This was an awesome lead from our foodie friend back in our from – thanks muchly, Kara! As the owner of Pastini restaurant chain in Portland, Oregon, I trust her judgment! Bokeria was excellent. I loved the octopus salad (go figure) and the grilled sea trout over puréed cauliflower with pomegranate seeds. My son had maybe one of the best burgers EVER here with truffle oil, cooked perfectly. Simple options for less adventurous kids as well – much appreciated was the simple roast chicken and fries. A little fancier here than a local Konoba, but service was impeccable and food was divine.

Luka Ice Cream & Cakes
Split Croatia

Luka Ice Cream & Cakes
Kroatien, Ul. Petra Svačića 2, 21000, Split, Croatia
Another suggestion from our Oregon connection, Luka was well-liked. By us all. It was a little bit of a hike after our swim west of Split, but so worth it. The ice cream is divine – and on a chocolate cone no less?! But the cakes were our favorite. Try the tiramisu and the Croatian cream cake called Krempita. Yum.

Octopus Salad at Kapetanova Kuca, Mali Ston, Croatia
Delicious tender octopus in a salad

Kapetanova Kuca
Obala dr. Ante Starčevića 9, 20230, Mali Ston, Croatia
On a recommendation from our lovely Dubrovnik Airbnb host, Emily – we stopped in Mali Ston on our drive north from Dubrovnik to Split. Passing vistas with cliffs and waterways overlooking little oyster farms, we landed in a sleepy little fishing village. Sitting outside with a view of the boats on the water, we enjoyed a fabulous meal at this popular Konoba. Try the grilled squid, house special black risotto, and fresh oysters.

LOCAL MARKETS

Every main town has a pazar or green market. Here you can find fresh produce, meats, and foods. In Split, there is an excellent one right in the old town on the port side of the St. Dominus Bell Tower. There is also a fish market if you want to try your own hand at cuttlefish risotto or the like – find it here:

Fishmarket Split

Hrvatska, Obrov ul. 5, 21000, Split, Croatia

We love trolling the aisles of the local supermarket or grocery store. Staying in apartments is always easier for our family of five. We can get some provisions and stave off the hangry and keep costs down. We try to balance eating out with cooking at home half of the time while traveling. In Croatia, look for Tommy, Konzum, or Billa grocery stores.

I hope you have gotten a tiny taste crush for Croatia. Even if seafood isn’t your thing – there is so much to try. Will be sharing more about geography and activities we enjoyed in upcoming posts. Stay tuned. Did I miss a favorite Croatian dish? Check out this list of 76 more delicious regional options for inspiration. Please share in the comments below – I guarantee that will not be my last visit and I’ll need new things to try!

Cheers from Copenhagen, which is thankfully still full of blue skies and not such cold Autumn weather … yet!

  • Erin

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Flavored Olive Oil products Fruit Stand Neretva River Delta

*(Except raisins. I can’t stand raisins. I can’t explain why. Or anything in a larval form. I draw the line. But most everything else, I will try.)

Wander Mum
Fifi and Hop

90 thoughts on “Croatia for Food Lovers

  1. I definitely would not be trying the eel and frog stew. I’d prefer the burger with truffle oil – your son has refined tastes. I had the best octopus I’ve ever tasted in Croatia. What about Ćevapi (had to google the spelling) – they are gorgeous if you find good ones: had the best ones ever in Kotar. Also a minced meat puff-pastry slice which I forget the name of but it’s sold as a street snack everywhere as well as a cheese and spinach one which is like Greek spanakopita (sp!)- begins with b I think; I loved that. Love Croatia!

    1. Ooooh – I did have that cheese and spinach puff for breakfast – so good! I didn’t try the ćevapi or anything baked in a peka – but I wanted to! All the more reason to go back! Thanks for the comment and cheers from Copenhagen – Erin

  2. Clare Thomson

    It all sounds gorgeous – and I ‘d even try the eel and frog stew in the name of research. I’ve only been to the island of Hvar in Croatia so clearly need to plan a return journey.

    1. Maybe. Maybe I’d try that. I’ve eaten eel and frog legs separately, but the Croatian tendency to use ALL the parts is what makes a little wary. But I’m usually pretty open. Just don’t give me raisins or a witchetty grub. Enjoy that French cuisine! Bon Appetit!

  3. I have this thing (not a good thing) about food posts, but this one is a winner! My daughter and I loved the food in Croatia – it was such a big part of that mish-mash of cultures and histories, not to mention the sea-freshness of everything. Yum! You’ve been getting around lately, girl. Madrid (SUCH good food – OK, I’m salivating now. Me, the food blog hater) and now Croatia. Lucky you!

    1. Haha! Phew! Glad I passed. I loved reading about the crazy food adventures your daughter is having in Ghana. Yes – Madrid is wonderful for food as well and part of the way I could make it mine! Tapas. Yes. Cava. Yes. Churros. Yes. For me food is an essential part of travel and what makes a place unique. I always try to seek out what is different in a place. Taste that. Try that. Most of that anyway! Cheers and thanks for the comment, Erin

      1. I felt kind of bad after I wrote that I disliked food posts because I think what I actually don’t love are whole blogs devoted to food, which yours is most certainly not! I loved how you wove the food stories into an overall picture of that beautiful and fascinating country, Croatia. It also escaped my myopic notice that while I was writing that (potentially obnoxious) comment here, I was posting a story largely about food on my own blog! Thanks for reading that, too, and your super nice comments there! 🙂

  4. I could eat olives all day long, they are such a favorite of mine. Love wine bars, but must say an olive bar sounds pretty amazing. The land in Croatia sounds exquisite, with so may fruit trees around. I just ate a burger but am hungry again just reading this;).

    1. I don’t think you would eat these Korčulan olives all day – I tried the green ones, the dark black ones, the ones in between? Was I missed some level of ripeness that made them delicious off the branch? No. SOOO bitter. But I guess that is the quality that makes their oil better. For you anyway! Yes – I can highly recommend the cuisine in Croatia! Cheers, Erin

  5. I sadly missed out on a lot of seafood when I visited Croatia as one of my traveling companions was allergic to it. Oh the tragedy! These discoveries are awesome Erin. I knew all about the cakes as we have many Croatian people in Australia cooking up these delights but what you have shown here is the diversity on offer. Cant wait to go back.. soooo hungry!

  6. Croatia is definitely a place I want to visit and even though the sound of frog and eel stew sounds absolutely disgusting, I may just give it a try! I really want to try these disgusting sounding dishes when I am travelling in the future 🙂 I’m not a fish lover which is a shame because you talk about the dishes with so much passion, especially the octopus, but as you said, there are plenty of other dishes to try … oh and there’s the wine! I will definitely be trying that! Thank you so much for providing all this helpful information. #farawayfiles

  7. travelsewhere

    Well, that’s one mouth-watering post! I love the octopus and squid you get along the Adriatic, it was my go-to meal when I visited Croatia and Montenegro. Looking through all this makes me want to go back and try the things I missed out on. That tiramisu looks particularly awesome. #MondayEscapes

  8. What an absolutely brilliant adventure, it looks like everything was sooo good and have some wonderful photos. I really fancy a trip to Croatia. Thanks so much for linking up to #MondayEscapes

  9. tracycollins2016

    We have also recently returned from an amazing first time visit to Croatia. We loved everything (well my husband did – I don’t like seafood unfortunately!) the markets were great – beautiful fruit. I ate too many figs! The wine was great too!
    #MondayEscapes

  10. I am fascinated with this post. There are so much good food featured here. I recently visited Eastern Europe and enjoyed the food a lot. Now, I have my sight places on countries such as Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro. I know I will enjoy the seafood a lot. #MondayEscapes

  11. This is like my perfect menu. I love eating seafood when we are aboard and I think I’d brave the octopus salad. I don’t think I’d be brave enough for the eel and frog stew either! 🙂 #MondayEscapes

  12. Mmmm I love Croatian food! This makes me hungry! I’ve also been working on, but never finished a post about Croatian food from last summer… oops! haha Maybe I’ll finish it! Thanks for reminding me! #WeekendWanderlust

  13. This is the “tastiest” post I´ve read this month! Bookmarked the foods/places for my future trips! I´ve been to Dubrovnik once and it left me with a wanderlust to explore more of Croatia one day! By the way, loved your blog design and writing style!

  14. Pingback: Don't Skip Split | Croatia - oregon girl around the world

  15. Sara Swangard

    Hi Erin. Sara Swangard here. We are just leaving Plitvice National Park and driving to Dubrovnik and are planning a stop in Mali Ston per your rec above. Do you have a specific spot you ate at there that you loved?? Email me at sswangard@gmail.com

  16. annette @afrenchcollection

    So many tasty food options here and your photos look amazing. I love the filter on them, can you recall what it’s called? #FarawayFiles

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      Haha! I was a big fan of VSCO cam app on my iPhone – up the brightness and contrast and I used the f2 filter. Shhhhh…. don’t tell anyone! 😉 Thanks Annette.

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      Croatia has something to offer everyone – from active adrenaline junkies to relax on the beach and just chill. And the food! Ummmm! Hope you get a chance to explore there one day!

  17. Clare Thomson

    I’d be in foodie heaven here, Erin. I love oysters, anchovies and cuttlefish risotto already. One of my boys is happy to try anything (as long as it doesn’t have eyes!) so it would be fun for them experimenting with new flavours too. #FarawayFiles

  18. loved Croatia, not sure we found as many great places to eat as you guys. Did the drive from Dubrovnik to Split and loved it. Actually do remember my boys sharing a huge fish platter on one of the night. It was fun to watch their faces when it arrived. Definitely somewhere I would love to try again, but not in cruise ship season!

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      I know – that is definitely a downer about Dubrovnik for SURE. We didn’t love it. Too many people! I loved exploring the little places with less people off-season. Still warm and wonderful to swim!

  19. You had me at seafood, that is seriously my favorite food! and I am also a huge fan of fresh oysters and those look nice and plump! Like I need another reason to visit Croatia! lol

  20. wow the food looks incredible & although I’ll try most things I think Eel & Frogs Legs are a bit beyond me! We havent been to that part of the world since the mid 1980s & it appears a lot has changed – we really must head back. #FarawayFiles

  21. Ruth

    I commented on this post back in 2016 saying I had my sight places on Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro. So, I am visiting the three countries on May! I could not be more excited. Therefore, it was great to reread your post. I made a list of things i want to try. I love seafood and I am eating it everyday if possible. My husband loves oysters. We are thinking about visiting Mali Ston as a day trip from Dubrovnik. #FarawayFiles

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      Oh you should! Can’t wait to see your take on that beautiful area Ruth! Have a wonderful time! Cheers, Erin

  22. Just dying to go to Croatia. The food looks out of this world, and so fresh. Food can be such a make or break when traveling! I know it’s all about the seafood and veggies, but that tiramisu looks insane! #farawayfiles

  23. Croatia is my number one wish destination! Octopus is one of our families favorites, and I’ll definitely try frog, but draw the line at raw oysters, I just can’t deal with the texture. Your food photos are stunning, and I’m practically drooling reading this post. I’ll start with a glass of that delicious looking wine. #farawayfiles

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      Really? Hailing from the PacNW? That’s where I fell in love with oysters! I know. They are a love it or hate it kind of food – I just happen to ADORE them! Ummmmmmmmmm!

  24. I normally find I’m the most adventurous in my household for tasting new dishes, and as I am a big fan of lots of the items above, Croatia sounds like the perfect place for my palate! I think I would give the eel and frog stew a miss though 🙂 #farawayfiles

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      I know! As it was October, the fig trees were turning all sorts of lovely colors for fall, but no fresh figs. Reason to go back!

  25. Aawww, your post is giving me FOMO now! I love seafood and wine, am adding black cuttlefish risotto to my list of food to try in Croatia 🙂 Totally understand what you mean by hangry – even when we have hangry adults on a trip, it’s not fun either! #FarawayFiles

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      Absolutely – it is no fun to be hangry, have hangry in your travel partner or in your family. Try to avoid at all costs! I think you would truly enjoy Croatia Kat!

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      Ooooh – hope you get to explore a little more afield, Dubrovnik is super cool, but a little overrun with tourists depending on when you hit it. Croatia has so much to offer from beach life to hiking to culture to obviously the AMAZING food! Cheers from Copenhagen, Erin

  26. We loved the food in Croatia on our trip there a few years back. Tasty memories of freshly barbecued meat and fish and delicious cured meats. Also happily surprised by the good wine too. That trip was pre-kids. We’d love to take them there one day. They’ll love the scenery, the activities and the ice-cream!

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      They will! We had a blast as a whole family, one of favorite places to explore – approved by all the crew!

  27. katherinefenech2017

    I’m not particularly refined when it comes to food, but give me Mediterranean food any day and I’m happy as can be. Olives and pomegranates would be my first choices. #FarawayFiles

  28. So so delicious your descriptions and photographs are making me want to hit that Croatian shoreline and that seafood! Luckily my kids are pretty good and will make the most of an octopus salad. I never knew that they make olive oil there, they must be keeping it all to themselves as we don’t the see it imported to the UK, ditto the wine! Fabulous food, fabulous post. #FarawayFiles

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      I think all the small batch producers keep it more local than for export, which is why it’s lovely to try it when there!

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      We saw octopus and cuttlefish while diving, so you know it’s down there! Plucked from the sea! Fresh!

  29. I would love to try the octopus salad. Octopus is not too popular in the US but can find it everywhere in Japan but you won’t find it in a salad there.

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      I love eating octopus, but I am intimidated to cook it myself! I’ve done squid – from buying whole squid in Greece, learning how to clean it on YouTube and preparing it, but there is something a little more involved about cooking a whole octopus myself. Our sweet Croatian Airbnb host gave me a whole rundown on how to clean and cook it and it didn’t make me any more confident to try! Ha! For now – I’ll just enjoy tasting it!

  30. This post makes me even more sad that we had to cancel our trip to Croatia due to some unforeseen circumstances – I love seafood and everything here looks fresh and heavenly… definitely putting it on the itinerary for our next jaunt in Europe!

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      Ooooh – as one who also equates food as an essential part of any travel – I truly think you would enjoy exploring Croatia! Hope you make it there!

  31. Your post reminds me of how delicious everything was in Croatia! We thoroughly enjoyed eating at Bokeria, and loved all the seafood, wine and well just about everything! #Farawayfiles

  32. I love Croatian cuisine – especially sea food. Dagnje na buzaru (mussles in sauce) are my favourite dish. Though, with the increased influx of visitors in past few years, I feel like some places that used to serve amazing authentic food aren’t that good anymore. I’ve been to Vodice many times as a child and teenager and remember always having a delicious meal in restaurants, but on my last visit of Vodice, I really struggled to find a decent meal. #FarawayFiles

  33. I’m reading this while hungry (I feel like I always read food posts while I’m hungry) and it is torture! I am a huge fan of seafood and it sucks that I live in a landlocked place where it’s hard to get seafood. I would happily fly to Croatia for some!

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