Dubrovnik Food Tour: Dalmatian Cuisine Behind the City Walls

It’s not difficult to understand why Lord Byron described Dubrovnik as the ‘jewel of the Adriatic’. Dubrovnik is an exceptionally beautiful town in one of the most stunning regions on earth.

The rocky coastline is the perfect vantage spot to view the incredible sunsets and turquoise water.

The stone-walled city contributes to the special atmosphere in this historic destination known for sun, sea and fresh food. It’s like nowhere else.

In this guide, I share the best Dubrovnik food tour where you can get a taste of southern Dalmatian cuisine.

Dubrovnik Food Tour

Dubrovnik is a small city where the historic centre is protected by high stone walls. Within the walls are incredible places to eat.

Bakeries are filled with chunky bread and sweet pastries, seafood restaurants are hidden away in the narrow streets and handmade ice cream is waiting for you on a hot afternoon.

If you know where to look, there are some excellent cafes and bars from where you can watch ships passing by and the sun setting over the sea.

Taste of Dalmatia Tour from Dubrovnik
Duration: 6 hours.
Dubrovnik is at the heart of the Dalmatian region in southern Croatia. This tour focuses on regional cuisine, starting in Dubrovnik and then stopping off at the idyllic locations of Orašac, Ston, and Mali Ston. You’ll get to enjoy baked goods with cherries in the walled city of Ston and oysters and other seafood in Mali Ston. Olive oil, cheese and wine are all sampled. I took this tour on my first trip to Croatia, and it was a wonderful way to experience the region. Note that this tour starts in Dubrovnik but doesn’t include food stops or samples in Dubrovnik.

Konavle Valley: Half-Day Tour with Wine Tasting
Duration: 6 hours.
While this isn’t a food tour, the experience is largely food-influenced, thanks to the wonderful lunch you’ll get to enjoy at a family-run winery. This guided tour of the Konavle Valley, not far from Dubrovnik, includes not only visits to local wineries, but you’ll get to see some of the Dalmatian region’s most beautiful nature. There’s plenty of wine tasting on this tour, so be prepared to sample reds, whites and delicious dessert wines.

Traditional Dalmation Cuisine

Dubrovnik, located in the Dalmatian region of Croatia, has a rich culinary tradition that draws on the flavours of the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea.

Here are some famous and traditional foods from this area:

• Seafood: Dubrovnik is located on the Adriatic Sea and is famous for its fresh seafood. Some of the most popular seafood dishes include grilled squid, octopus salad, black risotto (made with squid ink), and fish stew.
• Peka: A traditional Dalmatian dish made by slow-cooking meat (usually lamb or veal) and vegetables in a covered dish over an open fire. The dish is typically served with potatoes and is a staple at weddings and other special occasions.
• Ćevapi: A popular Balkan dish of grilled minced meat (usually beef or lamb) served in a flatbread with onions and sour cream.
• Rožata: A traditional dessert from Dubrovnik made of caramelized sugar, eggs, and milk. It is similar to crème brûlée and is often served with a fruit sauce.
• Pašticada: A slow-cooked beef dish that is marinated in red wine and vinegar and served with gnocchi or other pasta.
• Soparnik: A traditional Croatian dish made with a filling of Swiss chard, onions, garlic, and parsley baked inside a thin dough. It is typically served as a savoury pie.
• Dingač wine: Dubrovnik is known for its excellent wines, particularly Dingač wine which is made from the plavac mali grape variety and grown on the steep slopes of the Pelješac peninsula. The wine has a rich, full-bodied flavour and is best paired with red meat dishes.
• Grilled vegetables: Dubrovnik is known for its fresh and delicious grilled vegetables, including eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. These are typically seasoned with herbs and olive oil, making them a great vegetarian option.
• Fritule: A Croatian dessert made with flour, sugar, and raisins. They are fried and often served with powdered sugar or chocolate sauce.
• Ajvar: A common Balkan spread made from roasted red peppers, eggplant, and garlic. It is often served as a dip or spread for bread.
• Sarma: A Croatian dish with cabbage leaves stuffed with rice, vegetables, and spices. It can be made with or without meat, making it a great vegetarian option.
• Stuffed peppers: A popular dish in Dubrovnik and can be made with rice, vegetables, and spices. They are typically served with a tomato-based sauce.
• Vegetarian or vegan pizza: Many restaurants in Dubrovnik offer vegetarian or vegan pizza options with a variety of toppings, including fresh vegetables and herbs. Pizza is very commonly served in Croatian restaurants.
• Truffles: A delicacy in Dubrovnik and are often used to flavour pasta dishes and risotto. They are a great option for vegetarians and possibly vegans.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious foods that Dubrovnik has to offer. Your food tour guide should showcase the diversity and unique flavours of the local cuisine, including fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.

This guide is part of our series on the best food in Croatia that includes Dalmatian cuisine.

Map of the Walled City of Dubrovnik

Responsible Food Travel

Like many popular tourist destinations, Dubrovnik faces several sustainability issues related to food and tourism.

Here are some key issues to be aware of when taking a food tour in Dubrovnik:

• Overfishing: Dubrovnik is a coastal city and is known for its fresh seafood. However, overfishing is a major issue in the Adriatic Sea, and many fish populations are in danger of collapse. When taking a seafood tour, ask about the origin of the seafood and if they source their fish sustainably. Avoid species that are overfished.
• Waste management: Dubrovnik has struggled with waste management in recent years, and the high number of tourists exacerbates this problem. When taking a food tour, be mindful of the waste you generate, choose restaurants that use environmentally friendly packaging, and avoid single-use plastics.
• Carbon footprint: Tourism’s transportation and energy use can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. When taking a food tour, it’s important to choose tours that prioritise walking or biking instead of driving and to choose restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients to support local producers.
• Water conservation: Dubrovnik has experienced water shortages in recent years, and the tourism industry can put additional strain on the city’s water resources. When taking a food tour, try to be mindful of water use and choose restaurants that prioritise water conservation practices. Ask your tour guide for tips.
• Supporting local communities: Supporting local food producers and restaurants can help to boost the local economy and support the community. When taking a food tour, choose an independent tour guide who prioritises locally sourced ingredients and supports local food producers.

By being mindful of these sustainability issues, you can help to support a more sustainable and responsible food tourism industry in Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik is well-known for its incredibly fresh and tasty Croatian cuisine. You can get more information on things to do and what to eat in Dubrovnik at the tourist office’s official site.

If you have any questions or would like to leave a review or share your experience, please do so in the comments.

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Recommendations are independently chosen by our travel editors. This post contains affiliate links to tours in Dubrovnik, Croatia. This means we get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.