Finding a good place to eat in Split is easy: simply walk into any of the restaurants scattered around the old town area and you’re all set. And I’m only half exaggerating here.
However, if you want to find that perfect place for your specific taste, you need a bit of local knowledge and here’s where I come in to the rescue.
I was born and raised in Split, and it is one of my favorite cities in the entire world. And with so many decades under my belt, I saw great restaurants come and go – but never without letting a few others in their place.
With these in mind, let’s jump into my updated recommendations for this year – the absolute best restaurants and pubs in Split, Croatia. And read all the way to the end for some additional tips on what to order, too!
Top Taverns & Spots for Authentic Local Food
The restaurant scene has changed significantly in recent years, and even though the cost of living (and that of travel) has increased tremendously, the number of great taverns (known locally as konobas) has increased as well.
Below is a short insight into some of the absolute best spots for you!
Restaurant Šug
This place has completely elevated the traditional marenda (a brunch specific to the area – read more about it at the end of the article).
Sug holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, proving that you can take classic Dalmatian comfort food and make it spectacular – as it is the case with their seafood stews (tećada).
You can expect to pay around €20 to €30 for a solid, unforgettable meal here.
Location: Here on Google Maps.
Konoba Fetivi
If you want a truly authentic, family-run traditional tavern, this is the place. It is located just off the Riva in the historic Varoš neighborhood.
This makes it a perfect escape from the main crowds while keeping things entirely traditional. Another Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, it is my top recommendation for fresh, authentic seafood.
Location: Here on Google Maps.
Zalogajnica Dioklecijan (Tri Volta)
Tavern Tri Volta on Dosud Street N°9 is a place that I will always hold close to my heart.
It sits right in the imperial quarters of Diocletian’s Palace and has been there for over 40 years.
Despite that, there are no fancy signs to announce it and, surprisingly, very few tourists wander in.
It is known locally as Tri Volta because of the three window arches looking out at the Riva promenade.
The food is simple, tasty and homemade. It is an excellent place to taste working-class Dalmatian plates, with prices starting around €12. Honestly, besides the outdoor terrace with the best view of the Riva, this tavern is a well-kept local secret!
Location: Here on Google Maps
Villa Spiza
This budget bistro is down the narrow lane of Kružićeva street behind the Pjaca square. It is a tiny, charming place that can be a bit difficult to find. Do not give up.
There are only two tables outside and a small counter inside. They write their menu by hand daily based on what they bought at the green market that morning. It offers incredibly fresh, homemade meals like turkey in red wine or cuttlefish risotto.
Location: Here on Google Maps
To burn all those extra calories, I recommend taking a look at my previous article sharing the best things to do in Split.
Eat in Split On the Go
If you have a busy day ahead and want to grab something quick, do what the locals do and head to the nearest bakery (look for the “Pekara” sign – you’ll see plenty of them).
Once there, I recommend getting a burek, which is one of the most popular choices. It is a heavy, greasy pastry made of dough rolls stuffed with cheese or meat and it is pure heaven!
Add a drinking yogurt to it, just like the locals do, and it will be the best quick bite you can get – and it will keep you full for hours.
If you want a few recommendations, I would go for Pekara Kruščić in the old town, but also Bobis B-2 or the Mlinar Pekara if you prefer a well-known chain in the country.
Also go for Kod Mate if you want some of the best, most famous donuts in Split (and their other pastries are great too!).
Also read my guide to the Port of Split, so you never get lost.
Modern & Upscale Dining
If you want to treat yourself to something a bit fancier, there are plenty of great options.
Split has an incredible lineup of restaurants with great sea views, beautiful interiors, and upscale menus. Here are my recommendations:
Restaurant Dvor
This place offers one of the most beautiful outdoor dining experiences in the city. Located right above the coastal path with sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea, it is the perfect spot for a memorable date night or a special celebration.
You will pay extra for the extra service, views and overall quality – but it’s worth it!
Location: Here on Google Maps
Bokeria Kitchen & Wine
Bokeria is stylish, buzzy, and located right in the heart of the Old Town. This is perfect for the traveler who wants incredible wine pairings and a lively atmosphere. I love the energy here, as well as the food!
Location: Here on Google Maps
Portofino
Located in the center of the city, Portofino offers an amazing blend of Mediterranean and Croatian flavors. They excel at presenting classic ingredients with a modern twist.
The ambiance is elegant but highly welcoming, so if you enjoy great service and a sophisticated wine list, you will truly appreciate your time here.
Location: Here on Google Maps
Bistro Ćiba
If you are ready to venture a bit away from the beaten paths (aka touristy areas), Bistro Ćiba is the place deserving that extra walk.
It offers a relaxed, unpretentious environment where the focus is entirely on high-quality, delicious food. It is a great place to sit back, escape the heavy crowds, and enjoy a fantastic meal at very fair prices.
Location: Here on Google Maps
Make sure to also check out my list of the best beaches in Split, Croatia.
Vegetarian and Vegan Food to Eat in Split
The days of struggling to find plant-based options are fortunately long gone, with most of Split’s restaurants offering at least some vegan options. But if you want some dedicated spots, here are my picks:
Upcafè
Located about a 10-minute walk from the center on Domovinskog Rata street N° 29a, this cafe prepares meals using whole, seasonal, and mostly organic ingredients.
Their natural kitchen does not support the use of pesticides or additives. You can get a complete meal with vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, or try their tofu and seitan sandwiches.
Location: Here on Google Maps
VEG
This is the current go-to spot for top-notch vegan and vegetarian food in the city. It is casual, plant-based, and heavily focused on healthy ingredients and decent prices, at around €10 to €15 a meal.
Location: Here on Google Maps
What To Eat In Split, Croatia
Like every ancient coastal city, Split has regional foods rooted deeply in its history. As a native of Split, I highly recommend some classic dishes you simply must try when you visit.
Here are the main meals I recommend checking out:
- Slices of dried Dalmatian pršut (prosciutto) served with olives and local cheese.
- Octopus and shellfish chop salad.
- Pašticada. This is a traditional beef stew cooked in red wine and prunes, usually served with gnocchi.
- Boiled beef served with a homemade tomato sauce.
- Black risotto (crni rižot). It is basically a squid risotto but usually contains mussels, clams, and other shellfish.
- Brodetto or brudet. A rich fish stew made from different kinds of fish, though scorpionfish is an absolute requirement.
- Meat under the Peka. Veal and lamb prepared under a traditional iron baking bell.
- Grilled squid with Swiss chard.
Curious about even more Croatian dishes? Check out my article where I talk about traditional Croatian foods.
Marenda: Split’s Delicious Mid-Morning Tradition
I mentioned this before, and it’s worth talking in-depth about this local traditions.
Marenda is basically the Croatian word for brunch, and it is a great way to eat well for little money.
This typical Split meal is usually eaten between 09:30 and 11:30 in the morning. You can sometimes find it served into the late afternoon, similar to the English Tea time.
The brunch is served in our local taverns, known as konobe, and many locals claim they eat better in a tavern than they do at home. Some of the most traditional dishes include:
- Tripice (tripe in Croatian – and it’s much better than it sounds!)
- Pašta Fažol (Dalmatian beans with pasta).
- Polpete u šugu (meatballs in tomato sauce).
- Manistra Ušuvo (spaghetti and meat sauce).
- Boiled meat like veal shank.
- Pržene girice or gavuni (fried smelts).
- Sipa s bobom (cuttlefish with broad beans, highly popular in the spring season).
- Sardela (traditionally marinated sardines).
Ready to Eat Like a Local?
So, there you have it – my personal roadmap to eating your way through Split. You do not have to settle for generic meals and you definitely should not leave the city without trying a proper marenda or a slow-cooked peka!
Do you know any other amazing restaurants in Split? Let us all know by sharing your experience below.