Must-try Dishes
Black Risotto - Crni Rižot (creamy rice dish) - Made with cuttlefish and squid ink, this rich dish has a deep, earthy flavor. Locals love enjoying it with a glass of white wine on a cozy dinner evening by the seaside.
Peka - ispod peke (cooked under a bell) - A slow-cooked dish featuring tender meat (often lamb or octopus) and seasonal vegetables, baked under a bell-shaped lid covered in embers. It's a time-consuming preparation usually savored during family gatherings on weekends.
Fried Calamari - Pržena Hobotnica (crispy squid) - Tender squid rings, lightly battered and fried until golden brown, served fresh with a squeeze of lemon. Best enjoyed as a casual street food option along the waterfront, preferably in the late afternoon.
Brodet - Brodet (fish stew) - A hearty stew made with various local fish, tomatoes, and spices, served over polenta or with crusty bread. This is typically enjoyed as a filling lunch by fishermen after a long morning at sea.
Palačinke - Croatian Crepes - These thin crepes are filled with various savory fillings like cheese and spinach, or sweet ones like jam. Palačinke can be found at many cafés and are often eaten as a casual snack any time of the day.
Seasonal Truffle Pasta - Tjestenina s Tartufima - Made with fresh pasta, local truffles, and a drizzle of olive oil, this dish is particularly popular in autumn. Locals often enjoy it at upscale restaurants to celebrate the truffle season.
Breakfast Sandwich - Sendvič za Doručak (simple sandwich) - A hearty sandwich filled with local cured meats and cheese, served on fresh bread. This can be a quick breakfast favorite, typically eaten in a local cafe before heading to work.
Desserts & Drinks
Rakija - Ракија (fruit brandy) - A strong distilled spirit made from fermented fruits like plums or grapes. This local favorite is often enjoyed straight before meals, as a way to open up the palate. By the way, it's common to say "Živjeli!" (Cheers!) before taking a sip.
Maraschino - Maraskino (cherry liqueur) - A sweet liqueur made from the Marasca cherry grown in the region. Locals often have it after dinner or in cocktails at lively taverns near the Old Town. Note that the first-timers often mix it up with sweet cherries, but it's definitely a unique spirit on its own.
Kava - Кава (strong coffee) - A potent espresso-like coffee served in small cups, often enjoyed black or with a sugar lump. You’ll find locals sipping this while chatting in cafés, especially during the cooler, windy months when the city feels a bit quieter. It’s also customary to share stories over coffee, so don’t rush—a good conversation is always part of the experience!
Krokanat - Кроканат (crunchy pastry) - A sweet pastry filled with nuts, honey, and layers of thin dough, resulting in a delightful crunch. Often enjoyed during festive occasions, it’s a treat best savored with a cup of coffee on cold winter afternoons. You might find them displayed at local bakeries just before holidays, and you can’t beat the warmth of freshly baked goods!
Sladoled - Сладолед (creamy ice cream) - Rich, homemade ice cream that comes in flavors like lemon and fig, perfect for cooling down during the sweltering summer. It’s commonly found at beachside stands, especially vibrant in the early evening when locals unwind after a day in the sun. Watch out for the popular pistachio flavor—it's a must when the weather heats up!
