Must-try restaurants in Split, Croatia
Split might be the foodie capital of Croatia. There are a wide variety of restaurants, wine bars, and street food outlets that grace the city. They all offer an incredible selection of Dalmatian cuisine (including fresh seafood!) and many newer spots are pushing the boundaries or traditional cuisine with their own unique, modern twists.
I stayed in Split for four days during my most recent trip to Croatia and I swear I spent most of the time eating. How could you not?! This place is heaven for foodies.
When you visit Split, you have to come with a big appetite and a taste for adventure. Traditional dishes combine Balkan and Mediterranean influences. They include things like whole grilled Adriatic fish, creamy seafood risottos, and plates of savoury grilled meat. You’ll also find restaurants with more modern influences putting their own spin on traditional Croatian cuisine. There are also plenty of places to find quick bites if you’re on the go, including delicious street food spots and pizza by the slice.
Best of all, Split has delicious food options for any budget. While the prices in Croatia were a bit higher than I expected (which I talked about in this post), I found Split to be more reasonable than some other Croatian cities, and still well below the average price of food in Western Europe. Whether you’re looking to spend $5 or $50 in Split, your taste buds are in for a treat!
Here are my favourite restaurants in Split
Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar
Bokeria is easily one of the most popular restaurants in Split. Located in the heart of Old Town and opened in 2015, the owners of this restaurant were inspired by Barcelona’s famous market – La Boqueria. The restaurant interior is modern and charming. It even includes a wall lined with bottles of Aperol for making the famous Mediterranean drink. Their menu includes wide selections of tapas-style dishes and hearty main courses all inspired by the local terroir. The menu also changes regularly, so you could visit a couple times during your trip and never eat the same thing twice. They also have an excellent wine list with a great selection of Croatian wines.
Must try: Truffle pasta
BAZA Street Food & Bar
BAZA Street Food & Bar is a cute little spot right in the middle of Old Town, Split. It’s decor is nothing but *good vibes*, making it the perfect spot for an afternoon drink or quick bites. They have a great cocktail menu and a wide selection of tapas-style plates, all at super affordable prices. It also happens to be one of the most Instagram-worthy bars in all of Split. Be sure to grab a shot with your Aperol Spritz under the “good vibes only” sign when you visit!
Must try: Prawn cookies
Mini Bota Sushi & Oyster Bar
If you followed along with my trip on social media, then you already know that the chain of “Bota” sushi restaurants are amazing! The original family-owned restaurant, Bota Sare, is located in the village of Mali Ston, about an hour north of Dubrovnik. Bota Sare quickly grew out of that little village and now has locations in Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb. The location in Split is called “Mini Bota” because, well, it’s tiny! The restaurant occupies a small corner in Old Town and only has two two-top tables outside. As a result, they mostly do takeout, but if you’re able to snag a table, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a quiet meal.
Must try: Agemaky fantasy rolls
Funky George Street Food & Craft
This is the ultimate stop for street food in Split. Nestled at the top of the heavily trafficked Bosanska Street, Funky George offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers and french fries. But, they’re most famous for their “Funky George” sandwiches made with tenderly cooked chicken and pork. These are the best sandwiches in town and perfect after a night of drinking or after an active afternoon climbing Marjan Hill. Actually, there really is no bad time to visit Funky George!
Must try: Big George Sandwich
Šug Restaurant
The word “šug” means sauce in Croatian; the restaurant chose this name as an ode to the staple ingredients of every sauce in Dalmatia: olive oil, onions, wine, garlic, and parsley. In recognition of how great the staples are, Šug’s menu is a blend of traditional Croatian dishes and modern cooking techniques, brought together by some of the best chefs in the industry. The cozy environment and incredible service will make your time at Šug more than just a good meal, it’ll be a truly world-class dining experience.
Must try: Swordfish carpaccio
Tradicija Bakery
This the the oldest bakery in town and the only one that still makes their ice cream fresh daily. This is easily the best ice cream in Split. Skip all the gimmicky tourist spots with massive lines for subpar gelato and come here instead. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Must try: Pistachio ice cream
