Where to Eat in Hvar, Croatia: Places You'll Actually Love
I spent days eating my way through Hvar…no generic roundups here. These are the places I personally tried (and one locals’ rec I’ll hit next time), with what to order, price vibes, and when to go. Save this for your trip.
1) Val Marina — sunset fine dining + gracious service
Vibe: Refined, waterfront, “treat yourself” energy
Why I loved it: One of my best meals on the island with attentive service and a sunset backdrop that does half the plating for you.
What to order: Fresh fish of the day, seafood pasta, a glass of local white.
Best time: Golden hour → sunset.
Save Tip: Ask for outdoor seating facing the harbor; arrive 20–30 minutes before sunset.
2) Bacchus (Paklinski Islands) — fish lunch right by the sea
Vibe: Boat-in lunch spot with toes-in-the-sand simplicity
Why I loved it: Fresh, unfussy, and everything tastes better after a swim. We ate the most delicious fish with crystal-blue water just steps away.
What to order: Whole grilled fish, octopus salad, house salad.
Best time: Midday during a Paklinski speedboat stop.
Save Tip: Build this into a Paklinski Islands boat day; you’ll thank me later.
3) Black Pepper — creative Dalmatian done right
Vibe: Modern spin on classics, intimate but lively
Why I loved it: Elevated takes on Dalmatian flavors without losing the soul of the dish. Service was warm; plating was Instagram-happy.
What to order: Seasonal seafood, any black cuttlefish special if available (I tried black cuttlefish on the island…surprisingly delicious).
Best time: Dinner, post-sunset stroll.
Save Tip: Perfect “first-night-in-Hvar” dinner to set the tone.
4) Luviji Rooftop — traditional dinner with a view
Vibe: Rooftop terrace, relaxed, romantic
Why I loved it: Classic Dalmatian dishes, charming service, and views that make you eat slower on purpose.
What to order: Grilled seafood/pasta pairing; ask staff for a local wine match.
Best time: Dusk → evening; bring a light layer.
Save Tip: This is where you go to unwind after a big day (Red Rocks, anyone?).
5) Terra Arnaica — 200+ year-old home & countryside lunch
Vibe: Heritage-rich, rustic, family stories over food
Why I loved it: Lunch plus demonstrations of island history in a traditional home. It felt like eating inside Hvar’s memory.
What to order: Whatever is homemade that day: breads, olive oil, seasonal plates.
Best time: Midday as part of a countryside cultural tour.
Save Tip: Ask about the history of the house—this is living culture, not just a meal.
6) Morning Coffee at Amfora Grand Beach Resort — slow starts, easy views
Vibe: Resort-level calm; terrace coffee with sea air
Why I loved it: I stayed here and grabbed morning coffee on property, perfect for planning the day before wandering Hvar Town.
What to order: Espresso + pastry; keep it simple and slow.
Best time: Morning before the streets heat up.
Save Tip: Treat this as your quiet ritual, then head into Old Town on foot.
Bonus: Blacklane Craft Cocktails (local rec I didn’t get to)
Vibe: Craft cocktail bar in Hvar Town
Why it’s on the list: Highly recommended by locals for serious cocktails and a smart, cozy atmosphere. It’s on my must-try list for next time.
Best time: Post-dinner drinks.
Save Tip: If you go, order something off-menu and ask the bartender for a local-spirits twist.
How to plan your eating days
Morning: Coffee at Amfora → Old Town wander
Midday: Terra Arnaica countryside lunch or boat day with Bacchus
Sunset: Fortress viewpoint (optional) → Val Marina or Luviji Rooftop for dinner
Nightcap: Try Black Pepper one night, Blacklane Craft Cocktails for drinks another
Budget snapshot
$ coffee/pastry, simple bites
$$ Bacchus, Terra Arnaica, Luviji Rooftop
$$$ Val Marina, Black Pepper
Hvar’s food scene is at its best when it blends sea, story, and simplicity. From fresh fish lunches with your feet in the sand to slow rooftop dinners under a glowing sky. these are the meals I’d repeat in a heartbeat.
Save this guide for your trip, and check my Croatia Instagram highlight for videos from each spot. Curious about the best things to do in Hvar, see this travel guide of the places to place.