Split City Restaurant Recommendations (2024)
Introduction
The following list is not meant to be an ordered list of the best restaurants in Split. Instead, the restaurants are picked as best-of-the-bunch and are the ones that should best represent the city’s culinary tradition. Keep in mind that there are few if any, restaurants in Split that can withstand the pressure of the tourist season without lapses. These are heartfelt recommendations where I believe you will have a great experience.
Villa Spiza
Featured in the Guardian and TV shows like Bizzare Foods with Andrew Zimmerman, there is nothing bizarre in this small restaurant that has quickly earned a reputation that extends beyond Split. Focusing first and foremost on fresh local ingredients, their menu changes every day based on the offers on the markets, and all of their dishes are traditional Dalmatian classics. Villa Spiza is objectively one of the best restaurants in Split as far as food is concerned. Since they do not accept reservations, they are a perfect place to stop by at lunchtime when there is a greater chance of finding an open table than during the evening. The only drawback to the restaurant is that it is located on the same street as the most popular heavy-drinking bar in Split (Charlie’s Bar), so during the evening, the street is filled with young tourists beginning their night out, which is another reason why to chose this place for lunch.
Konoba Otprilike Ovako
One of the less talked about konobas in Split, they have quietly made a reputation as possibly being the best place in the city for seafood dishes. They are uncompromising when it comes to the quality and freshness of their ingredients, and are a step up from the more generic konobas found in Varoš neighborhood.
Dvor
Headed by famous Croatian chef Hrvoje Zirojević, Dvor is the number one place in Split for top-quality dining. Their menus are based on traditional Dalmatian dishes but with a fresh and modern twist This, combined with a great location above Firule Beach overlooking the sea, gives one of the best restaurant experiences in the city.
Zlatna Ribica
In the sea of generic restaurants and konobas that have flooded the market in recent years, Zlatna Ribica is as close as possible to authentic home-style Dalmatian cooking. Although fish on the grill is considered the quintessential way of preparing fish in Dalmatia, the quick-fried version, often using less expensive fish such as sardines, is what most locals eat regularly. Specializing in such fried fish, this restaurant is a culinary gem, ideal for a quick, budget-friendly meal.
Uje
The name “Uje” translates to “oil”, which refers to the staple of Dalmatian cuisine - olive oil. This restaurant is part of a larger company that produces high-quality olive oil and traditional products such as vinegar, candied fruit, and jams. Their menu is based on traditional Dalmatian cuisine and offers a unique olive oil tasting experience.
Pizzeria Gušt
To be honest, there are better pizzerias than Gušt in Split. Basta, Bokamorra, Sete Sorella, Skipper, all honestly make objectively better pizzas, but there is a geed reason why they are not on this list. Unlike the ones mentioned previously, which are either copycats of Neapolitan-style pizzas or are trying to be trendy and modern, Gušt is a classic example of an old-school Dalmatian pizzeria, of its homely atmosphere and the style of pizzas on which generations of locals have been brought up. So for all visiting Split, go to Naples or Roma for the true authentic stuff, but while you are here, enjoy the heartwarming places like Gušt.
Konoba Matoni
Matoni is one of the more unique “konobas” in Split, and the one that breaks away from the classic concept, offering a modern menu based on traditional dishes, but with an emphasis on great meat and steaks. As part of the restaurant, they have a specialized wine shop where they sell some of the highest quality wines found in Croatia.
Konoba Argola
If one comes to Split with your car or a rental, do not miss the opportunity to go to this restaurant. Located outside of Split, on the southern slopes of Perun mountain, it offers an unmatched view of Split, and just the view alone makes this an unforgettable dining experience. They do not have a large menu, focusing primarily on fresh local ingredients cooked on the grill. Since they do not have much space, they require a reservation at least a day in advance.
Pandora’s Green Box
The only true dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Split, they are known for their creative dishes and focus on fresh, seasonal vegetables. Dalmatian cuisine is unfortunately horribly unsuited to a vegetarian lifestyle, and a lot of restaurants will just keep something like a vegetable risotto or a random salad as an option for vegans and vegetarians, so luckily a place like Pandora’s gives an opportunity to try uncompromising, great-tasting meals.
Salt
For all gluten-free sufferers, this restaurant is a lifesaver. They offer great-tasting meals, from pizzas to risottos and grill dishes, all made to the highest quality standard ensuring one hundred percent that there is no gluten contamination with your food. They also have a fast food place for a quicker meal, but my recommendation is their restaurant which offers a variety of dishes along with gluten-free pizzas.