Places to buy food include: smaller mini-markets, supermarkets, fresh green markets and of course local restaurants. Local cuisine is influenced by Italian (especially around the coast), German and French cuisine (continental Croatia). There are some traces of Turkish or Greek influences, particularly in fast food.
The tap water in Croatia is drinkable, and of very high quality. The water contains a high mineral content, important to know when you use a dishwasher or an iron.
Please note that if there is excessive rain falling for couple of days in Dubrovnik, the water might change color and it is not advisable to drink it until it clears. This happens due to porous soil, which contaminates the water when there is extensive rain.
You can cook at home, which is the most affordable option. You can also go to restaurants like Mea Culpa (pizza), Taj Mahal (traditional Bosnian dishes), Peskarija (seafood), Toni (pasta). All of these are located in the Old Town, and you can get a meal with drink for less than $10. Students usually eat at student restaurants (“menza”), where Croatian students have subsidized prices.
How can you avoid seafood? If seafood is present in a meal, the fact is usually stated with pride on the menu. Fish is called “riba” (reebah) in Croatian, and clams are called “školjke” (shcolke). To make sure, always ask the waiter.
Restaurants in Dubrovnik Old Town
Pizza
Mea Culpa - Over the years, Mea Culpa has grown to a couple of restaurants on the same street which serve pastas, pizzas, and salads. The prices are moderate and the pizzas are huge. They will have more menu options as the season begins.
Tabasco – a pizzeria which serves excellent pizzas, pastas, and salads. Directions: Next to Cable Car Station.
Oliva - a pizzeria which serves pizzas, pastas, and salads. They also sell pizza slices for 15 Kuna. Directions: the pizzeria is on the last small street on Stradun, on the right.
Seafood
Lokanda Peskarija - located in the Old Town port, Lokanda is the most popular place to get fish and other seafood. The terrace has more than 150 seats, but as the summer season approaches it tends to get busy. The prices range from 19 to 30 Euros per dish.
Vegetarian
Nishta - this is a small restaurant which serves selected vegetarian dishes with vegan options. Recommended for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Urban & Veggie - located near the Dubrovnik port
Bosnian Food
Taj Mahal - Taj Mahal serves authentic Bosnian food. From cheap and popular ćevapčići to more complicated meals, vegetarian dishes, and salads.
Other Types of Food
The Gaffe Pub - an Irish pub that offers affordable meals. You can have a meal there for 15-20 Euros. They usually offer a number of meals to choose from, between 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Lapad Area
Scala - Scala has a large menu offering pizzas, pastas, salads, Mexican food, fish and seafood, and daily specials. The prices are reasonable.
Gruž Area
La Luna – offering pizzas and grilled meals. Directions: Next to bakery ("pekara" Galeta and Rusica) in Gruž area, close to the elementary school.
Gato - a small restaurant near the bus station that offers affordable daily menus. Directions: follow the main street until you reach the bus station and the restaurant will be on your left.
Upscale Restaurants: if you want to go for a nicer dinner to explore Croatian cuisine, you can try Nautika which is on the Pile gate or Sesame which is close to the RIT Croatia building.
Almost all grocery stores are open from 7:00 am-9:00 pm. You can’t buy food after 9:00 pm except in restaurants. Grocery selection is limited compared to the U.S.
In Croatian restaurants, there is no doggy bag concept, portions are smaller compared to the U.S. There are not a lot of fast food options, but there are a lot of bakeries where you can buy snacks, pastries, etc. There are many pizza places and some restaurants deliver.
- Grocery shops – The stores are not very large, with less choices than in the U.S. Some products you are used to in the U.S. will not be in Croatian stores and some may be packaged differently, so ask for help if needed.
- Green markets – Open air green markets offer the opportunity to bargain and shop around for fresh, inexpensive vegetables and other foods.
There are three green markets: Old Town, Gruž, and Lapad. All are opened for a half day (7:00 am – 11:00 am). The markets provide an opportunity to buy authentic products from Dubrovnik region, fruit, vegetables, fresh fish, olive oil and is a very colorful and lively environment.
Food Delivery
Some restaurants may offer delivery by calling the restaurant. Popular food delivery services in Croatia include Glovo and Wolt.