The Best Seafood Restaurants in Dubrovnik, Croatia

One of the city’s longest-running restaurants, Proto is a local stalwart, consistently serving the finest Croatian seafood and fish in town. The history of the restaurant 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 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 flavours. It’s a welcome addition to straightforwardly seafood-dominated scene in Dubrovnik, where the de rigueur 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 Asian 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 prides itself on the freshness of its 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.

It would be easy to just stroll past this unassuming Croatian seafood restaurant, tucked away in Lapad, 10 minutes by car from Dubrovnik town centre. Take a seat on the terrace underneath a tangerine tree and tuck into fresh-off-the-boat oysters, tuna tartare and seared octopus salad. It’s far removed from the overpriced tourist traps you might stumble into in the Old Town – expect reasonable prices, a warm welcome and top-quality food.

If you’re on a budget, head to locals’ favourite Kamenice, situated right in the heart of the Old Town. You can’t miss the blue and white striped chairs that make this casual restaurant stand out on Gundulić Square. Hearty portions are part of the appeal here – think olive oil-drenched seafood spaghetti, as well as generous plates piled high with mussels and calamari fritti. Arrive early to nab a table before the queues begin to form.

Travelling with your other half? Book a table at Forty-Four, a romantic restaurant in the heart of the Old Town. Inside the traditional stone walls, you’ll find a surprisingly contemporary interior, complete with space-age lights and mid-century furniture. The dishes are equally enticing – tuck into truffle risotto, followed by pan-seared duck breast. Ask for a wine recommendation from the extensive list.

Burger fans, make sure you pop into Barba. It’s Croatian-style fast food at its best, but don’t expect angus beef here. Calamari and shrimp, as well as octopus patties, are the speciality, served in squid ink buns with a side of fries. It makes sense that this cafe-style joint is named after the Croatian term for a fisherman. Stand in line for a table or ask for your meal to go, so you can devour your meal with your legs dangling over the harbour walls at the nearby Old Town port.

Crystal chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows hint at the elegant Croatian-Asian fusion food served inside this ornate Dubrovnik townhouse. Highlights include homemade gnocchi, topped with brown butter and toasted spicy almonds, alongside perfectly cooked sea bream, drizzled with a wine and caper sauce. Reserve a table on the rooftop terrace and watch the sky turn crimson red as the sun sets over the terracotta Old Town.

There’s nowhere better to try oysters in the Old Town than at this specialist sushi restaurant, just one-minute walk from the Rector’s Palace. Expect super-fresh catch here – the coveted molluscs are grown at an oyster farm in nearby Mali Ston Bay (which you can visit on a tasting tour, organised by the restaurant), while the fish are caught just south of there. Dine on slabs of tuna sashimi and shrimp tempura rolls in the outdoor courtyard.