Restaurants in Split
From konobas inside a Roman palace to waterfront fine dining — the best places to eat in Split
Where to Eat in Split
Split's food scene is rooted in Dalmatian tradition but increasingly cosmopolitan. The best restaurants serve dishes built on the same principles they have for centuries — the freshest Adriatic fish, local olive oil, seasonal vegetables, and wines from nearby islands and hillsides.
The most atmospheric dining happens inside the palace walls, where konobas occupy ancient stone rooms. But some of Split's best meals are found in the Varos neighbourhood, along the Riva, and even up on Marjan Hill.
Best Restaurants by Type
Seafood & Konobas
Traditional Dalmatian konobas are the soul of Split dining. These family-run taverns serve the freshest Adriatic fish, grilled octopus, and seafood risottos in atmospheric stone-walled settings, many tucked into the ancient walls of the palace.
Konoba Matejuska
Tiny harbourside gem in the fishermen's quarter — book ahead
Konoba Marjan
Local favourite on Marjan Hill with grilled fish and sea views
Fife
No-frills Split institution serving huge portions of home-cooked Dalmatian food
Fine Dining & Modern
Split's dining scene has evolved rapidly, with talented chefs reimagining Dalmatian cuisine using local ingredients and modern techniques. Several restaurants have earned international acclaim.
ZOI
Michelin-recommended — elegant modern Dalmatian cuisine in the palace district
Paradigma
Creative tasting menus with seasonal local ingredients
Dvor
Stunning seaside terrace east of town with refined Mediterranean cooking
Traditional Dalmatian
Hearty, slow-cooked dishes define inland Dalmatian cooking. Expect pasticada (beef stew in sweet wine sauce), lamb under the peka bell, and handmade pasta — comfort food with centuries of tradition.
Konoba Hvaranin
Classic Dalmatian home cooking with excellent pasticada
Uje Oil Bar
Olive oil-focused menu celebrating Croatian oils and local ingredients
Villa Spiza
Tiny palace-district spot with a daily-changing chalkboard menu
Wine Bars
Split is surrounded by excellent wine regions. The nearby islands produce distinctive whites (Posip, Bogdanusa), while the Dalmatian hinterland is known for robust reds (Plavac Mali, Babic).
Paradox Wine & Cheese Bar
Outstanding Croatian wine list with charcuterie boards
Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar
Named after the grape — great for exploring Croatian reds
To Je To
Cosy neighbourhood wine bar loved by locals in Varos
Cafes & Street Food
Coffee culture runs deep in Split. The Riva promenade is lined with cafes where locals linger for hours. For quick bites, head to the Green Market or the palace streets for burek, cevapcici, and gelato.
D16 Coffee
Specialty coffee roastery inside the palace walls
Bajamonte
Beloved bakery for Split's famous pizza-style bread
Luka Ice Cream & Cakes
Artisan gelato with creative Croatian flavours
Must-Try Split Dishes
Pasticada
Split's signature dish — beef marinated in wine vinegar, then slow-braised with prunes, figs, and sweet wine. Traditionally served with homemade gnocchi.
Peka
Octopus or lamb slow-roasted under a bell-shaped lid with potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Must be ordered at least 2 hours ahead.
Soparnik
A rustic flatbread filled with Swiss chard, onions, and olive oil — originally from the Dalmatian hinterland, now a protected Croatian heritage food.
Brudet
A rich fisherman's stew made with mixed Adriatic fish cooked in tomato, garlic, and wine. Each cook has their own recipe, and no two are alike.
Grilled Fish
The simplest and often the best meal — fresh Adriatic fish grilled whole over charcoal, drizzled with olive oil and lemon. Ask the waiter what is freshest.
Fritule
Tiny doughnut-like fritters flavoured with rakija, lemon zest, and raisins, dusted with powdered sugar. A beloved street food, especially in winter.
Dining Tips for Split
Skip the Riva for dinner. The waterfront cafes are great for coffee, but for the best food, head into the palace streets, Varos neighbourhood, or east towards Bacvice.
Visit the Green Market. Pazar market, just east of the palace, is where locals buy fresh fruit, vegetables, and cheese every morning. It is the best free food experience in Split.
Order peka in advance. This slow-roasted speciality needs at least 2 hours. Call ahead or order when you arrive and enjoy a starter while you wait.
Ask for island wines. Try Posip or Grk (white) from Korcula, or Plavac Mali (red) from Hvar. Croatian wines are excellent and much cheaper locally.
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Diocletian's Palace, history, transport, and everything you need to plan your trip.
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