BEST RESTAURANTS IN SPLIT, CROATIA: A GUIDE TO SPLIT’S TOP RESTAURANTS

Looking for the best restaurants in Split? Here’s a detailed list that will give you way too many amazing options to choose from!

Split is, along with Dubrovnik, one of the most popular cities in Croatia, and also the second largest in the country. Because of that, it has an incredible food scene, so if you’re a foodie, you’ll absolutely love it here.

This list includes some of the best restaurants in Split I’ve personally tried, as well as places with consistently excellent reviews that I feel confident recommending. Just make sure to check in advance if reservations are needed, since many of these spots fill up quicklyyyy!

Keep reading to find out where you should eat once you get to Split!

ŠUG €€€

Šug Restaurant is one of Split’s most well-known restaurants, located just about 5 minutes from Diocletian’s Palace. It’s known for serving traditional Dalmatian dishes with a modern twist, with a strong focus on fresh, local ingredients.

The menu changes seasonally and isn’t overly extensive, but honestly, whatever you choose will be delicious. You can usually find dishes like homemade pasta, slow-cooked meats, and fresh seafood.

The atmosphere is modern but relaxed, and there’s a small terrace where you can sit during the summer. I’d highly recommend Šug if you’re looking for excellent food and great service. It is on the pricier side, but even locals love it, which says a lot! Just make sure to reserve your table in advance because they’re always full.

DVOR €€€

If you’re looking for a restaurant for a special dinner like a birthday or anniversary, Restaurant Dvor is exactly what you need. It’s set in a peaceful garden outside the old town, and it offers incredible views of the sea, especially at sunset.

The terrace is absolutely beautiful, and the whole atmosphere feels really special. The menu is Mediterranean with a modern touch, focusing on fresh seafood, grilled fish, and seasonal local ingredients. You can go for one of their tasting menus or order à la carte, depending on what you prefer.

The service is excellent, and overall it’s a truly memorable dining experience. Definitely make a reservation if you’re planning to visit!

ZRNO SOLI €€€

Zrno Soli is another fantastic restaurant located in the ACI Marina, with some of the best views in the city over the sea and the old town.

They serve excellent Mediterranean dishes and have great tasting menus to choose from. One of the highlights is that you can even pick your own fish from the display, and they’ll prepare it fresh for you.

Since they have top-quality food, beautiful views, and great service, this is another great choice for a special dining experience in Split.

View this post on Instagram

PORTOFINO €€€

Portofino is one of the best restaurants in the old town, and it’s a place I recommend often when people ask where to eat in Split.

It offers a more upscale dining experience, with a strong focus on fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients, and beautifully presented dishes. On the menu, you’ll find favourites like seafood risotto, tuna, and carefully prepared meat options.

The setting is absolutely stunning, whether you’re seated inside the charming stone interior or out on the small terrace in the historic streets. With excellent service and amazing food, it’s a very popular choice for a special dinner, so reservations are definitely recommended!

View this post on Instagram

BOKERIA KITCHEN AND WINE €€

Bokeria Kitchen & Wine is a well-known restaurant in the old town, and it’s so beautiful you’ll probably notice it just walking by.

If you’re looking for more variety than just seafood, this is a great choice since the menu combines Dalmatian and international dishes. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, and the service is consistently excellent.

They also have an impressive wine list, which makes it a great spot for a more modern dining experience in Split. Just make sure to reserve a table because it’s extremely popular and very busy!

RESTAURANT DUJE €€

Restaurant Duje is a well-known local spot just outside the old town, about a 15-minute walk from Diocletian’s Palace.

It’s popular for traditional Dalmatian cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood, meat dishes, and homemade pasta. The atmosphere is simple, relaxed, and very local so not a tourist hotspot at all.

All the recommendations I’ve heard about this place have come directly from locals in Split, which says a lot. The service is excellent, and it’s a great choice if you’re looking for authentic Croatian food in a casual setting.

ZINFANDEL €€

Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar is a modern restaurant located in the old town and it offers excellent Mediterranean dishes and a great selection of Croatian wines.

The menu is known for fresh seafood, risotto, and modern meat dishes, so you definitely won’t leave hungry. It works well both for a relaxed dinner and for a slightly more special occasion without going into full fine-dining restaurant.

Service here is consistently excellent, with staff going the extra mile to make the experience enjoyable. Overall, it’s a great all-round choice for a quality meal in Split’s historic centre.

FIG €€

If you’re looking for a modern, trendy, and very Instagrammable restaurant that still serves genuinely great food, FIG is definitely one to check out. It’s located just a few steps from Diocletian’s Palace and it’s especially popular because it caters really well to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. But honestly, even if you’re not, you’ll find plenty to love on the menu. The dishes are seasonal, fresh, and very creative, with strong Mediterranean flavours and locally sourced ingredients.

What makes it stand out is that you’ll find combinations here that you probably won’t see anywhere else in Split. It’s a bit different from the usual coastal restaurants. It works perfectly for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and in the evening it’s a really nice spot to come with friends since they also serve great cocktails.

Overall, I’d definitely recommend it if you want something casual but still stylish and a bit unique. Just keep in mind they don’t take reservations, so you simply walk in and wait for a table if needed.

View this post on Instagram

BAKRA €-€€

Bakra Steak & Pizza Bar is a casual restaurant known for its big portions and simple, satisfying food. It’s especially popular for grilled meats, burgers, steaks, and pizzas, so it’s a great choice for meat lovers.

The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, and the location is very convenient, just outside the old town but still within easy walking distance. Prices are reasonable, and the service is usually quick and professional. Overall, Bakra is a great option if you’re looking for hearty, delicious, and affordable food in Split.

BUFFET FIFE €

Buffet Fife is a casual, local eatery located near the Riva promenade. It’s well known for generous portions, affordable prices, and traditional Dalmatian home-style cooking.

We always love eating here when we’re in Split. The food is great and the prices are very reasonable. The menu changes daily and usually includes dishes like grilled fish, fried sardines, stews, pasta, and different meat specials. The atmosphere is lively, simple, and very local. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with proper local food, this is definitely a great spot to check out!

FOCACCINA €

If you need a quick bite, Focaccina could be the perfect stop! They’re known for their Italian-style focaccia sandwiches, and they’re honestly mouthwatering.

It’s located right in the old town, so it’s super convenient for a quick lunch or snack while exploring Split. The sandwiches are made with freshly baked bread and filled with quality ingredients like prosciutto, cheese, vegetables, and sauces. It’s more of a grab-and-go spot than a sit-down restaurant, but the quality is excellent and definitely worth trying!

View this post on Instagram

CONCLUSION: BEST RESTAURANTS IN SPLIT

These are some of my favourite restaurants in Split that I’d highly recommend to anyone visiting, depending on your budget and what kind of food you’re after.

In the higher-end category, Šug Restaurant and Portofino are definitely my top picks. But for more affordable options, I also really enjoy Buffet Fife, Bakra Steak & Pizza Bar, and especially Focaccina for something quick and casual.