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There is no shortage of places to eat in Split, Croatia. From fine dining to affordable take-away, visitors will find an array of Split, Croatia restaurants serving local Croatian cuisine and international fare. After recently spending more than a month in Split – both revisiting our favorite eateries and discovering new gems – we have rounded up a list of the best restaurants in Split.
Split, Croatia Food
The first question is not where to eat in Split, Croatia but what to eat. Traditional food in Split is a blend of Balkan and Mediterranean influences. Platters of savory grilled meat, meals of whole Adriatic fish, heaping portions of pasta and black risotto with cuttlefish are all typical Dalmatian fare found on Split restaurant menus. For quick Split eats on-the-go, there are numerous places that sell burek, cevapi and pizza-by-the-slice (pizza cut). There are tasty Split, Croatia food options to fit every budget – and we feature a range of price points on our list of Split restaurants.
Croatia Food Prices
Split, Croatia prices are relatively affordable compared to other parts of Europe. However, the cost of eating out in Croatia has been steadily rising. There is a wide range of Split, Croatia restaurant prices depending on the location, style and offerings. Local fast food meals at cheap restaurants in Split can cost as little at 12 kuna ($2 USD). However, the price of a dinner in Split Old Town at a traditional eatery will likely be in the 200 kuna range ($30 USD per person).
Best Restaurants In Split, Croatia
Our list of the best places to eat in Split, Croatia are based on our own opinions. We have included links to Google Maps and TripAdvisor Split restaurant reviews. At the end of the post, we include a link to a Google Map to all our 13 top restaurants in Split, Croatia.
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#1 Articok
Patrons can easily find Articok by following the tantalizing scent of Croatian fare that floats from the front door. The pungent aroma of truffles, roasted meat and seafood hang heavy in the air – cleverly inviting passersby to come in and eat. Inside, artwork is featured in the modern space and professional waiters warmly welcome guests into the small dining room.
While not extensive, the seasonal menu has numerous options from starters and soups to mains and homemade pastas. When we ate dinner at Articok, we feasted on two of Croatia’s most popular dishes – Black Risotto and Truffle Pasta – as well as a roast beef salad that we shared as a starter. Each delicious dish was perfectly presented and garnished with fresh herbs that were plucked from the flowerpots behind the sleek bar. Map | Reviews
#2 Trattoria Bajamont
Not to be confused with Bajamonti Restaurant Split, Trattoria Bajamont is a small Split restaurant that is tucked down a lane in Diocletian’s Palace. The menu, which is handwritten, features a selection of Mediterranean cuisine that is heavily focused on pasta and seafood dishes. With a charming interior, open kitchen and friendly staff, we felt as if we were dining at a friend’s house.
That said, we highly recommend sitting at one of the outdoor tables on the cobblestone lane for an atmospheric meal. If you are looking for a good seafood and fish restaurant in Split, look no further than Trattoria Bajamont. Top Tip: For a great place to sip a before or after dinner drink, try Uje Oil Bar Split, which is just down the street! Map | Reviews
#3 Konoba Kod Joze Restaurant Split
A classic Croatian restaurant in Split, Konoba Kod Joze is located out of the hustle and bustle of the Old Town – yet, it can be easily reached on foot. The restaurant’s stone interior is a dimly-lit and cozy space, but there are also tables on an outdoor, covered patio. Featuring traditional Dalmatian dishes, diners have a choice of seafood, pastas and meat dishes.
One of our favorite things to eat at Kod Joze is peka – an authentic dish that is slow-cooked in a covered pot over the embers of an open fire. The dish is comprised of either octopus or meat and in-season vegetables. Peka is a meal that is shared by at least four people (so if you are a couple, find another couple to share in the experience). It must be ordered a day in advance and it’s incredible! Map | Reviews
#4 Apetit Split, Croatia
The upscale restaurant Apetit Split is located in a 15th century palace on a picturesque lane between the busy Riva and the spacious Narodni Square. Although the uninviting entryway can be off-putting, the historic interior, which is located on the 2nd floor, is stylishly decorated and well-suited for groups or couples.
The extensive wine list is nearly as long as the food menu, which focuses on Dalmatian cuisine with an elegant flair. We have enjoyed fresh grilled fish and pasta dishes at Apetit but also recommend checking the chef’s specials before ordering. Map | Reviews
#5 Villa Spiza
Tucked down the narrow and popular Petra Kuzica Street, Villa Spiza is actually split into two spaces across from one another. However, getting a table still requires excellent timing, as they proudly don’t take reservations and tables are always in high demand.
The hand-written menu adjusts daily and of course always features loads of seafood and meat dishes. On our most recent visit, I went with the grilled lamb (tender and tasty) and Kris had the truffle pasta (melt in your mouth incredible). The staff are always enthusiastic and helpful, and most importantly, the food is simply amazing! Map | Reviews
#6 Chops Restaurant Split
The modern Chops Grill steakhouse is located in Old Town Split, Croatia just steps from the wide, pedestrian Marmontova Street. The selection of meat is sourced from top-grade producers around the world, while the seafood selection is fresh-caught from the Adriatic.
We feasted on generous portions of rosemary lamb chops and local beef tenderloin – a meal which remains one of our most memorable in the city. With an emphasis on cooking orders to perfection and attentive, knowledgeable staff who can make wine pairing recommendations, Chops is one of the best restaurants in Split Old Town for steaks. Map | Reviews
#7 Galija Pizzeria
Pizzeria Galija is one of the Split Old Town restaurants that we return to time and time again – and it’s because their pizzas are simply delicious. A city institution, the pizza restaurant opened in 1980 and has been creating incredible wood-fired pizzas ever since. The Pizzeria Galija Split menu includes a range of classic and regional pizzas, as well as a handful of other Italian dishes.
Although there are many pizzas (and we’ve tried our fair share!), the Seljacka pizza ranks as my favorite. The first time I ordered it, I was leery of the unique toppings, which included beans. However, odd as it might sound, in my opinion, it is the best pizza in Split! Map | Reviews
#8 Plan B Pub
When we think of what to eat in Croatia, burgers are not the first thing that come to mind. However, when we are craving a burger in Split, we skip the Old Town offerings and make the effort to go to Plan B. Located 1km east of the Old Town, Plan B has a limited menu, offering only burgers, pizzas, French fries and onion rings.
Rather than menus, guests get a small slip of paper and a pen to mark food choices. Although not a big selection, unique flavor combinations are offered. For example, the BBQ Burger that has a meat patty topped with BBQ sauce, cheese, lettuce, pancetta, caramelized onion, mushrooms and an egg. As a bonus, the casual and spacious pub has local craft beer on tap, including our absolute favorite, Nova Runda. Read our tips on the Best Bars in Split for Croatian Craft Beer! Map | Reviews
#10 ST Burek
Split Burek, which uses the abbreviation ST Burek, is one of the best places in Split for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s also one of the cheap places to eat in Split, with a hearty portion of burek costing just 14 kuna, which is about $2.25 USD.
A Balkan classic, burek is phyllo dough stuffed with spiced minced meat that is baked and served like a pie. Available at many bakeries and shops in Split and the region, the burek at ST Burek is perfection. Variations at ST Burek include fillings of cheese, apple or spinach – but, trust us, the meat burek, called meso, is by far the best. We often eat at ST Burek for lunch, but it’s also consumed as a favorite late-night snack or morning hangover remedy. Map | Reviews
#11 Kantun Paulina
Kantun Paulina – or Paulina’s Corner – is another of the classic Split places to eat. For almost 50 years the unassuming corner restaurant has been serving up some of the best food in Split, Croatia. Popular with locals and visitors, guests line up for Kantun Paulina’s famous cevapi. Although considered the national dish of neighboring Bosnia, cevapi are popular throughout the Balkans.
The little grilled sausages – made from a mixture of beef and pork – are stuffed into pillowy somun bread along with raw onions and then slathered with a pepper sauce, called ajvar. To make the sandwich even better, we always order it with kajmak, a clotted cream. Cevapi are considered one of the top cheap eats in Split, Croatia and Kantun Paulina is the place to get them! A sandwich with five sausages and added kajmak costs less than 30 kuna (about $4.25 USD). Map | Reviews
#12 Bartulovic at the Split Market
Most people go to the Green Market for fresh produce…we go for the food at Bartulovic. We found this inconspicuous rotisserie when when we were searching for turkey legs to have for our Thanksgiving Dinner…and we just keep going back! Don’t be put-off by the no-frills street vendor kiosk; their meat – pork, lamb, turkey and chicken – is grilled to perfection. There are no in-house seats, so the only option is to get the meat – and an accompaniment of potatoes – to-go (and maybe grab some fresh fruit from one of the other market vendors).
Bartulovic is located on the east side of the market in a long line of butchers. It’s easy to pass by…unless you catch the scent of sizzling meat wafting from the grill. The cook starts the grilling process in the morning and they only stay open until mid-day – so it’s best to go for lunch (or, if you are staying in an Airbnb apartment with a kitchen, you can get it to go and re-heat it for dinner!). Map
#13 Luka Ice Cream and Cakes
Exploring the historic Old Town with an ice cream cone in hand is one of the best ways to experience Split. Small ice cream shops are found along the Riva and down nearly every lane around Diocletian’s Palace. In our search for the best places in Split, Croatia for ice cream, we discovered Luka. With an emphasis on homemade treats, Luka creates new flavors daily. We have tried flavor combinations like Currant White Chocolate and Salted Caramel Nut – and we’ve never been disappointed. Map | Reviews
More Top Restaurants In Split
A few more good restaurants in Split for you to consider!
Konoba Matejuska
Located in the quaint Varos neighborhood, Konoba Matejuska offers a menu of traditional Croatian food in Split. We ate here once and while it was good, it fell short of being great. Perhaps our lackluster meal was due to it being off season. Based on reviews, fellow travelers have had exceptional experiences. Other restaurants in Varos – that we have not eaten at but are highly rated – are Sperun Split and Konoba Marjan. Map | Reviews
International Food In Split, Croatia
Opened in summer of 2018, Silk provides a taste of Asian street food, which is a welcome break from the many meat- and carb-heavy dishes of the Balkans. A little on the pricey side, Silk has a good selection of dim sum, as well as various mains (including salads, curries and okonomiyaki). Map | Reviews
As former desert-dwellers of America’s southwest, we often get a desire for Mexican food – which is incredibly difficult to find in Croatia. Panchos to the rescue! The fresh and made-to-order burritos completely satisfy our cravings. 2021 UPDATE: It appears Panchos has closed. We suggest checking out Sexy Cow for amazing wraps and if you’re looking for a sit-down Latin food meal, stop by To Je Tako as well!
Split Restaurant Map
Use this link to Google Maps to find all the Best Restaurants in Split, Croatia!
Michelin Restaurants Split, Croatia
As of 2018, there were three Michelin restaurants in Croatia…but none of them are located in Split. However, even though there are no Split Michelin Star restaurants, Michelin did provide recommendations for five restaurants in Split: Konoba Fetivi, Zrno Soli, Zoi, Restoran Dvor Split and Kadena. We have not yet dined at any of the eateries – so, sorry, no personal recommendations from us. Top Tip: If you are looking for the Michelin list of best restaurants in Croatia, you can find the complete guide here.
Food Tour Split, Croatia
Looking for a guided food tour of Split’s culinary scene? Check out this affordable tour on Viator. Participants visit the two markets in Split – Fish Market and Green Market – where they purchase local product to be prepared by a professional chef for lunch.
The Best Things To See In Split, Croatia
Need more tips for your trip to Split, Croatia? Check out our detailed travel articles on Split Day Trips, Best Beaches in Split and our 3 Day Split Travel Guide!
Start planning your trip to Croatia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page!
We Want To Know: What would you add to our list of Best Restaurants in Split, Croatia? Where are your favorite places to eat in Split? Give us your best tips and advice in the comments!
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