Our trip to Dubrovnik might have been short and sweet but we still managed to find some fantastic places to drink and eat! From casual corner bars where we sat in bathtubs to fine dining by the sea, Dubrovnik seemed to have something for every mealtime and drink o’clock. Check out our finds here!
Our first stop was the quirky Art Cafe bar, where we sipped super strong cocktails sitting in bathtubs. The decor was eclectic and the breeze was cooling – it was a fun introduction to Dubrovnik.
That night we flipped the coin completely by heading to the stunning ocean-side Restaurant Nautika. From the amazing setting to the exquisite food and service, it was all pretty wonderful!
Nautika in the middle with the umbrellas out on the terrace where we sat – incredible!
The food was fresh and delicious, with a focus on local seafood. I started with huge scallops, a decision I never regret, and these were especially tasty. The subtle flavours were perfectly paired with a light vegetable mash. My main was sea-bass, pan-fried with greens and a light tomato sauce – again it was gently handled and mouth-wateringly good. Another popular choice at our table was the lobster pasta – yum!
The next day an early start and steepish hike was rewarded with the most stunning views over Dubrovnik. And a refreshing drink at what must be one of the most well-situated cafes in the world!
Our next stop was also quite the adventure, as I was determined to find the Buza Bars located on the cliffs just outside the city walls. It took a couple of wrong turns and quite a bit of debate, but before long we found ourselves gazing over the ocean from the comfort of a shady umbrella, lemon beer in hand. So ideal!
The best bit? Steps straight down to the sea!
Thoroughly cooled off, we embarked on our circuit of the city walls, drinking in the beautiful views and sunset along the way. On one side we spotted a roof-top terrace restaurant, which also turned out to be highly recommended, so that became our preferred dinner option.
We had to queue for Lady Pi-Pi restaurant – virtually unheard of on holiday! It may have been the fact that it was the English bank holiday or just that it was late August, but we left some of our party in the line while others ventured out to assess the nearby options. Most of our choices appeared to have a wait so we stuck with Lady Pi-Pi – and again were rewarded for persistence.
I started with an octopus salad, again as fresh as they come. I then stuck with my seafood theme for the huge plate of prawns hot off the grill for my main – so delicious!
The next morning we spent wandering – first stop the market, and then on to the harbour, where it was already ice-cream o’clock.
That took care of my dessert stomach, but after a bit more walking, I was keen for something more substantial. A meat burek, a tasty spiral of light pastry and meat filling, hit the spot exactly, especially when enjoyed in the town square with some people-watching.
As the heat increased, our group voted for a return to Buza Bars, and this time we opted for the second, “high-end” of the two. The drinks list was longer and the seats more numerous, but it was also more crowded so my vote goes for Buza I. Not that Buza II was bad by any stretch of the imagination!
My last dining choice before we flew out was a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant I’d walked past with octopus burgers on the menu – I knew I just had to try one! Barba may be small but its street-food style cuisine punches well above its weight – the burger was absolutely scrumptious. And lemon beers were my new addiction by the end of the weekend!
So there you have it – a whirlwind weekend in Dubrovnik featuring some seriously good food. Have you tried any of these places? Do you have any recommendations of your own?
