During our first year of travel, we spent a total of three months living in Croatia, more specifically Split, Kaštela and Trogir. We immediately fell in love with the history, the people and the food, of course. Split sits on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea and is known as the historical region of Dalmatia. This is important to note, as Dalmatian food takes much of its inspiration from Mediterranean cooking. It features lots of fresh fish & seafood and tends to be lighter than other traditional Croatian dishes, which feature a lot of meat and stews.

When visiting Croatia, you should seek out the local Konoba’s. Family-owned & run, restaurants with the word ‘Konoba’ simply translating to ‘taverna’. You’ll often find some of the simplest and flavourful dishes at these local restaurants and all at a fraction of the price of some of the more popular, touristy spots. Seek these out at every opportunity, everything from the meats and fish to the cheeses and wines are produced locally and absolutely delicious.

---

Are there any restaurants in Split with a Michelin star?

The Michelin Guide has a total of nine restaurants listed in Split, including those with the Bib Gourmand award. We feature three of these in our list below: Konoba Fetivi, Zoi and Zrno Soli. You can check out the other listings here.

---

If Split hasn’t been on your radar until now, make sure you add it to your travel bucket list. It’s one of our favourite places we’ve visited during our travels, and it is an absolute foodies paradise.

You can use the map below to explore or scroll through our A-Z list of our favourite restaurants to visit in Split.

Remember, as with all of our blog posts we link the restaurant name to the relevant website so you can easily book tables and look through the latest photos and menus.

---

Adriatic Sushi & Oyster Bar

As a pre-birthday treat, Carl booked a courtyard table at the Adriatic Sushi & Oyster Bar. This beautiful restaurant is tucked away in the maze of alleyways and squares that make up Diocletian’s Palace and is a must-visit for any diehard sushi lovers.

We started our lunchtime extravaganza with six of the freshest and creamiest oysters, with a squeeze of lemon and a dash of Tabasco. Followed by a selection of sushi rolls, including tuna maki, classic uramaki California, spicy tuna and my favourite, a dragon roll. We also sampled some seriously good tuna and salmon sashimi, all paired with pickled ginger, soy and wasabi.

The fish and seafood selection in Croatia is outstanding and this little restaurant has created the perfect way to showcase the incredible produce.

Bokeria Kitchen & Wine

Bokeria is a stylish restaurant and bar serving classic flavours of the Mediterranean as well as beautiful Dalmatian dishes. It quickly became one of our favourites and we visited on several occasions during our stay in Croatia. During the high season (June – end of September), it was very difficult to just walk in and grab a table. If you want to visit for lunch or dinner, make sure you reserve well in advance.

Some of our favourite dishes included the gin-infused gazpacho, the swordfish steak with sweet root vegetable puree and glazed beetroot and the grilled octopus. Simple, classic ingredients, cooked perfectly and served with some fantastic local wines. On each of our visits the servers impressed us with their knowledge and would often recommend complimentary wines which just added to the fantastic experience of dining here.

Fantazija Kitchen & Wine

Restaurant Fantazija is set inside an old traditional stone house at the centre of Split. The chefs & owners of the restaurant pride themselves on sourcing the finest local produce.

They offer a daily changing menu, we tried the local fish stew and the grilled octopus, both of which were utterly delicious.

The restaurant is only open for dinner Tuesdays – Sundays. Don’t miss out on this one. Click the link above to make a reservation.

Gourmet Bar Basta

Basta has the most amazing location for people-watching, or yacht-watching, whichever you prefer.

Located just a short walk from Diocletian’s Palace, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a delicious lunch and a cocktail or two. The menu offers traditional wood-fired pizzas, cheese and meat-sharing platters, homemade focaccia and the freshest salads.

We spent many hours here watching the luxury yachts dock with a chilled glass of something bubbly. It’s a popular spot so we would recommend reserving a table. Click the link above to reserve your table via the website.

Konoba Fetivi

Konoba Fetivi has been featured regularly over the past few years in the Michelin Guide, being awarded the Bib Gourmand for value and quality. It’s a very popular fish and seafood restaurant with an open courtyard, just a short stroll from the waterfront.

It is an authentic konoba which offers a selection of fresh, locally caught fish which the owner and chef purchase daily from the fish market. Once you’ve sat and ordered some drinks, your server will present you with the daily selection and ask how you would like it prepared. We opted for the mixed, grilled fish platter, which was more than enough for two with a simple, yet delicious, side salad.

Due to its continued acknowledgement from Michelin, it can be difficult to get a table here in the evenings, however, we visited for a late lunch one afternoon in September and we managed to bag ourselves a table in the courtyard, no problem at all. To book a table, they only accept phone bookings, the number is 0038521355152.

Leonis Restaurant

Leonis is tucked away in one of the many alleyways that make up Diocletian’s Palace…

Diocletian’s Palace is huge and we would highly recommend booking a walking tour for one of your first couple of days, you’ll learn so much about the history of Split and also find a few hidden restaurants for your list…back to the restaurant…

We had wanted to visit Leonis for a few weeks when our friend Jon arrived for his birthday celebrations, we knew this is where we had to take him. We enjoyed a beautifully presented three-course meal at one of the outdoor tables and feasted upon a fruit & cheese plate, grilled local fish for me, steaks for the boys and ended the meal with cake for the birthday boy and pistachio cream-filled cannoli for myself and Carl.

The interior of the restaurant feels very luxurious with comfortable, velvet chairs and exposed brickwork, black & white artwork adorning the walls and a tastefully lit wine collection.

As it was a celebratory meal I didn’t get the opportunity to photograph the food, but it was a beautiful setting, with lots of delicious, fresh, local foods all heavily inspired by Italian flavours.

Olive Tree

This restaurant has mixed reviews on Google, and we totally get it. It is expensive and maybe a bit pretentious, but it also has one of the best locations along the Riva. We ate here twice, once on the terrace for lunch and the second time we met with some friends in the evening and ate at one of the tables inside. It’s a lively venue and in the evenings they have a DJ, there are also regular events including sushi and champagne nights.

The food, in our opinion, isn’t worth the money, we felt the portions were a little on the small side and the plating didn’t have the finesse that Storija and Zrno Soli both have. It’s still a fab location to enjoy a cocktail or bottle of wine, as you’re right in the heart of the Riva with all of the hustle and bustle from the small market stalls, guided tours and everyone enjoying the sunshine.

Posejdon

Named after the Greek God of the Sea, Posejdon Restaurant sits in the heart of Split’s old town, inside the western gate of Diocletian’s Palace. It’s the perfect spot to admire the historic architecture and the throngs of people exploring the city.

The menu comprises elegant fish dishes, classic Dalmatian cuisine and the finest Croatian wines. We opted for the cheese board to share with nuts and fruits, the mussels alla busara which is a traditional Croatian recipe, cooked with white wine and finished with breadcrumbs and the Adriatic tuna steak with local vegetables.

This is a truly unique setting to enjoy a late lunch of fresh and delicious Dalmatian cuisine, surrounded by history.

Restaurant Nostromo

Restaurant Nostromo is located opposite the entranceway to the daily fish market, well worth a visit if you are interested in local produce & markets. You can dine here for lunch and dinner, and the decor is very traditional, with areas of exposed stonework and lots of photos, artwork and trinkets adorning the walls. Once the fish market has closed for the day, the restaurant moves outside and turns the space into a beautiful, covered courtyard with a display of all the local fish on offer.

This is simple, classic Croatian food, done well. With beautiful plates of fresh fish, local meats and cheeses washed down with the finest Croatian wines, the seafood is particularly wonderful.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that offers delicious local produce, in a traditional and romantic setting, we can highly recommend Restaurant Nostromo.

Silk Street Food

Silk Street Food is a fast-food Pan Asian restaurant, serving a variety of sushi dishes, crispy gyozas and wok-fried noodles.

They don’t take reservations, just grab a seat outside, look through the menu, and then head inside to order. The dishes are served as soon as they are ready, in no particular order (think Wagamama style). Everything we tried here was flavourful, fresh and where needed, a little bit spicy.

If you’re looking for something fast and tasty, this is the place.

Storija

Located inside the historic Diocletian’s Palace on the Riva, a bustling palm-lined boardwalk looking out over the deep blue Adriatic sea. Storija has the most spectacular location, which is mirrored in the quality of the dishes and the professional service from the team.

We dined here several times during our three-month stay in Croatia, trying several fish dishes, including a local fish stew with polenta and seared tuna on more than one occasion. The sirloin steak was a highlight and perfectly cooked to our liking, served with cauliflower puree and a delicious demi-glace sauce.

We would highly recommend visiting Storija for a leisurely lunch on the covered terrace. As with most of the restaurants along the Riva, it is a little more expensive, but the quality of the food and wine paired with this unique location, inside the walls of a 1700-year-old palace, is worth the extra €s in our opinion.

We always managed to get a table for lunch, even if it meant waiting with a drink for 10 – 15 minutes in the outside bar area, but if you are wanting a table for sunset drinks and dinner, we would recommend booking in advance.

Zinfandel

This cute little wine bar and restaurant is set in the tiny streets of Diocletian’s Palace. We stumbled across it one evening as there was live music playing and a great atmosphere about the place.

Turns out they have live music here every evening in the summer and so it does get very busy. Zinfandel’s menu boasts modern Dalmatian cuisine using locally sourced produce, such as lamb and truffles and a huge selection of carefully curated wines. We would recommend booking a table a couple of days in advance to avoid disappointment.

Zlatna Ribica

Zlatna Ribica has been around for 20+ years and the name translates to ‘goldfish’, which would explain the cover on the menu.

This tiny restaurant is located next to the covered fish market and serves a selection of fried and cold local fish and seafood dishes. There are very few tables here but if you do manage to grab a seat, make sure to order an ice-cold beer and some crispy calamari – it’s one of their specialities and the perfect bar snack in our opinion.

Zoi

Zoi is listed in the Michelin Guide and is located next to the entrance of Diocletian’s cellars (where the market is now held) at the South entrance on the Riva. Set inside the walls of the 1700-year-old Palace, you’ll dine in a beautiful and unique setting overlooking the harbour. It is very romantic.

The word “Zoi” comes from the Greek language and it means “life”. In this restaurant, the concept of life is essential and it plays a significant role in the dining experience offered. The restaurant’s aim is to narrate the tale of Split and how it came to be. They do this by serving delicious Mediterranean dishes that feature the freshest local ingredients. By using these ingredients, the restaurant celebrates the life and vitality of the region and its people.

We would highly recommend booking one of the set menus, three courses priced at €80 per person or if you’re looking for the ultimate night out, try out the seven courses for €130 per person.

Zrno Soli

With a number of awards, including a mention in the Michelin Guide, it’s definitely a special occasion restaurant. Set in the ACI Marina, it has the perfect view of historical Split through a sea of luxury yachts and sailboats. We actually spotted a pretty special sailboat during our visit, Sailing Yacht A, measuring 143 metres, making her the biggest sailing yacht in the world and valued at $600 million.

The food was every bit as beautiful as the view. We were treated to some nibbles of curried nuts and whipped cheese to start, then onto a delicious cheese board. The main event was a grilled Adriatic white fish fillet with a shrimp sauce, and for Carl, a twist on the classic surf and turf with sliced tenderloin and Adriatic shrimp. We were too full for dessert but were gifted a refreshing, boozy frozen cocktail as a birthday treat.

You absolutely must book if you want to dine here during your visit to Split. Click here for the reservation page.

---

Have you ever been to Croatia? Where did you go and what was your favourite dish? Did you try anything new? Let us know in the comments. And if you’ve not yet visited Split, which restaurant are you most excited to try?

Also, if you’re a fellow long-term traveller or travel lover we’d love to connect with you over on Instagram or Twitter, we love building our little community of fellow travellers and travel lovers. And if you want to follow along on our travel adventures why not subscribe, we aim to post something new every week.

Until next time…

Check out some of our previous posts for some travel inspiration and tips