15 Essential Dishes to Try in Dubrovnik

If you consider yourself a culinary enthusiast, embark on a European Dinogo® cruise and dive into the diverse flavors of Dubrovnik, Croatia. As you journey from port to port, you'll experience more of the world than you ever imagined while delighting your palate with new and exciting dishes. Upon arriving in Dubrovnik, get ready for charming old-world vibes, cultural treasures, and a delightful array of traditional meals to savor. Between your explorations and thrilling shore excursions, be sure to indulge in the authentic tastes of the city's many specialties. We've compiled a list of the 15 essential dishes to sample in Dubrovnik—share your favorites with us!

1. Charred Fish

Utilizing fresh, quality ingredients sourced from land and sea, many of Dubrovnik's dishes are straightforward yet hearty. Locals often prepare fish by simply brushing it with olive oil, adding a splash of lemon juice, and grilling it to perfection. Paired with seasonal vegetables, this dish is a must-try classic of the region.

2. Blitva

For a nutritious and flavorful side to accompany grilled fish, don’t miss out on blitva. This delightful dish combines chunks of boiled potatoes that are pan-fried alongside Swiss chard and sliced garlic. A sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances the flavors perfectly.

3. Black Risotto (Crni Rizot)

Situated along the stunning Adriatic coastline, Dubrovnik offers a wealth of seafood options. One standout dish is black risotto, which derives its striking dark hue from squid ink and typically includes shellfish such as mussels and clams. Be sure to taste this distinctive and beloved dish during your visit.

4. Šporki Makaruli (Dirty Macaroni)

Some recipes in Dubrovnik have been cherished and handed down through generations. Šporki Makaruli features macaroni smothered in a rich meat sauce reminiscent of Bolognese. Packed with flavors from beef, onions, olive oil, red wine, tomato sauce, garlic, and a hint of nutmeg or cinnamon, this dish is best enjoyed with plenty of napkins.

5. Buzara

If you're still pondering what to sample in Dubrovnik, consider trying buzara, which translates to stew in English. This Croatian cooking style is perfect for preparing seafood, especially shellfish. Locals whip up shrimp, mussels, or clams with breadcrumbs, olive oil, wine, garlic, and fresh herbs for an authentic taste of the sea.

6. Octopus Salad

During the warmer months, Croatians relish octopus salad. Each family has its own unique recipe, but they all begin with chunks of cold, cooked octopus, dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Additional ingredients may include diced potatoes, chopped onions, sliced olives, and minced parsley.

7. Bakalar

If you find yourself in Dubrovnik during winter, be sure to sample bakalar. Traditionally served in Croatian homes on Christmas Eve, this dish features dried cod and can be prepared in various ways, from a creamy fish and potato mash to a hearty fish stew with potatoes and garlic.

8. Pašticada

For the ultimate comfort dish, savor a serving of pašticada. This slow-braised beef delicacy is cooked for hours to achieve ultra-tender meat, and its rich and savory sauce is crafted with ingredients like bacon, onions, carrots, prunes, parsley, and nutmeg. Pašticada is best enjoyed with homemade pasta or gnocchi, making it an incredibly satisfying meal.

9. Fresh Oysters

Some of the finest oysters in the world are harvested from the seabed of the Bay of Mali Ston, located just north of Dubrovnik. The bay’s unique nutrient profile imparts a distinctive briny flavor to these oysters, attracting travelers who come specifically to indulge in these oceanic delicacies.

10. Rožata

For a delightful sweet treat, be sure to try rožata, a popular custard-style dessert. Although it resembles crème brûlée, rožata has a unique flavor thanks to the inclusion of rose liqueur in its recipe. Once you experience this exquisite dish, you’ll surely want to recreate it at home.

11. Ston Cake (Stonska Torta)

Another distinctive dessert available in Dubrovnik is Ston Cake, hailing from the village of Ston just up the coast. This intriguing “cake” is wrapped in a pie-like pastry and filled with cooked penne pasta—yes, you read that correctly—combined with chocolate, butter, cinnamon, sugar, nuts, and eggs. It truly encapsulates the flavors of the Dalmatian region.

12. Paški Sir (Pag) Cheese

Cheese enthusiasts will find Paški Sir to be a highlight of their culinary experience in Dubrovnik. This award-winning yellow cheese originates from the island of Pag, located off the Northern Dalmatian coast. Made from sheep’s milk, it is available in two varieties: young, which is light, salty, and mild, and aged, which is darker, firmer, and more robust in flavor. This cheese pairs wonderfully with wine and pršut, a type of Croatian smoked ham.

13. Candied Orange Peel (Narancini)

Candied orange peel is a beloved treat found in many Croatian households, often displayed in bowls or jars like sweets. To prepare this delicacy, wild orange peels are sliced into thin strips, soaked in water for several days, and then boiled until soft. Afterward, the strips are coated in sugar and left to dry for a few more days, resulting in a unique and delightful citrusy confection.

14. Green Stew (Zelena Menestra)

For a classic, rustic meal, zelena menestra is hard to beat. This hearty one-pot stew is made with three primary ingredients: meat, potatoes, and cabbage, and has been a staple in Croatian kitchens for centuries. The types of meat used can include ham hock, bacon, prosciutto, lamb, and/or sausage.

15. Olives

The Dalmatian region boasts ideal conditions for olive cultivation, resulting in a higher number of olive trees than residents in Croatia. Around Dubrovnik, you’ll find groves producing rich, deep-green olives that are delightful when cured and yield high-quality olive oil.

For food enthusiasts, a European cruise is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your culinary horizons. Ensure your Dinogo cruise ship includes a stop in Dubrovnik, Croatia, for access to uniquely flavorful recipes. With an abundance of fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and locally-produced olive oil, the delectable Croatian cuisine will have you longing to return to Dubrovnik time and again.