The Best Seafood Restaurants in Dubrovnik, Croatia

One of the city’s longest-running restaurants, Proto is a local stalwart, consistently serving the finest fish and seafood in town. The restaurant’s history stretches all the way back to 1886, and holds bragging rights to once hosting royalty: King Edward VIII and his wife dined here. Proto’s regal history is reflected in its costly mains but, with its creatively presented, astonishingly fresh dishes, it’s well-worth the price tag.

The first of its kind in Dubrovnik, Azur fuses fresh seawater ingredients with Asian flavors. It’s a welcome addition to Dubrovnik’s straightforwardly seafood-dominated scene, where the de rigeur is a piece of grilled fish accompanied by potatoes and chard. Azur provides excellent pan-Asian food packed with deliciously robust, fragrant ingredients, nicely melding Mediterranean and Eastern traditions.

A big fish in a small pond, the shining beacon of Dubrovnik’s dining scene is spearheaded by renowned Croatian chef Mario Bunda, and basks in a top-drawer setting, with sea-facing terraces overlooking the Lovrijenac Fortress and the City Walls. Nautika pride themselves on the freshness of their ingredients: lobster is sourced from Vis Island, shellfish from Elafiti and oysters from Ston. Expect culinary finesse, crisp white napery and militarily attentive service – with a frighteningly high bill to match.

The popular Lokanda Peskarija is hands-down the best restaurant for travelers on a budget. Situated on the harbor, it boasts fantastic sea-views and bracingly fresh fish at a bargain price, churning out dishes thick and fast to an appreciative crowd of locals and budgeting travelers. Try and nab a table on the outdoor terrace overlooking the bustling harbor.