Tested for You: Croatia’s top 2024 dining spots and anchorages

We have sailed in Croatia for a few weeks this year and have picked out a few of our favourite places. Where is a safe place to take the boat out in Croatia, have a nice meal or a nice morning walk, jog, coffee or swim?

Sailing out from Split, Trogir, Šibenik, or Rogoznica? You’ll find these northbound tips useful.

Located at the top of Primosten’s charming historic streets, Konoba Dvor is a must-visit whether you’re anchored in the bay, moored at a buoy, or opting for the shelter of Marina Kremik. This restaurant has consistently maintained its high standards over the years, offering warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and a delightful atmosphere. Their mussels and vongole na buzaru are among the best we’ve tasted in Croatia, and you can’t go wrong with their steak in truffle sauce or the classic black risotto. For something truly special, try the shrimp tartare, a rare delicacy that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Formerly situated on the island of Tijat, Spirito Summer Place has now relocated to Kaprije. You’ll find a large buoy field at Otočić Oštrica, though you can also dock by the pier or anchor slightly further out by prior arrangement. This spot is a haven for gourmets who appreciate high-end cuisine, presented with a modern touch using authentic ingredients, and unique flavour combinations inspired by Asian fusion. The restaurant offers top-notch service in a relaxed beach club atmosphere, providing a fresh and distinct experience compared to traditional Croatian taverns. Don’t miss out on their expertly mixed cocktails — they’re truly exceptional.

One of the sunniest and most popular tourist destinations, Hvar is a must-visit. It has it all — wineries, picturesque coves, historic towns, and excellent restaurants.

The island of Ščedro, a protected natural area, is renowned for its stunning beauty and tranquillity. Boasting three sandy beaches — a rarity in Croatia — it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful escape. Whether you choose to anchor in Tufera Bay, Porteruša, or spend the night on a buoy in Uvala Porat, you’re in for a treat. One of our favourite spots here is the Amfora restaurant, run by a young couple who pick out the freshest catches from local fishermen and grow their own vegetables right behind the restaurant. For those who enjoy a morning stroll, the hiking trails on Ščedro offer a serene start to the day.

The lounge bar and restaurant Laganini, a long-standing institution on the Pakleni Islands, continues to deliver exceptional quality in service, drinks, and food. While the prices reflect the premium experience, the atmosphere is nothing short of spectacular. Specialising in crawfish and lobsters, Laganini caters to both lovers of modern cuisine and those who prefer traditional Croatian dishes. You can moor your boat at ACI Marina Palmižana and take a short walk over the hill, or anchor at a buoy in Vinogradišče Bay, right next to the restaurant.

If you’re craving the party scene while cruising, Carpe Diem is the place to be for an unforgettable night. With a free water taxi from the town of Hvar, it’s easy to get to the club whether you’re moored in Hvar or at ACI Marina Palmižana. Carpe Diem is a club with style! By day, it’s a relaxed beach bar, but by night, renowned DJs take over, and the energy ramps up. The open-air setting, complete with lasers illuminating the surrounding trees, creates an electrifying atmosphere that feels like the ultimate summer party.

While the town of Hvar boasts many excellent restaurants, options for delicious meat-free dishes can be limited. That’s why we want to highlight Fig, a standout spot that offers a wide variety of healthy and vegetarian meals. In addition to their tasty dishes, they also make their own kombucha, as well as fresh vegetable and fruit juices and smoothies. It’s truly a paradise for anyone who appreciates a healthy lifestyle.

While exploring the island of Hvar, don’t overlook Hotel Adriana. More than just a hotel with a wellness centre, it also houses a restaurant and bar that welcomes both guests and visitors. After years of passing by this place, we finally decided to stop in for a meal, and it turned out to be one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in Croatia. Even the simplest details, like the couvert of fresh ripe tomato, are executed with care. The service is professional and welcoming, making you feel like a valued guest, and the food is truly exceptional.

In Maslinica Bay on the island of Šolta, you’ll find the perfect place to recharge at the marina with the intriguing name of Martinis Marchi. The marineros here are always ready to assist, and the marina offers excellent facilities, including spotless showers and a café right by the pier. In the evenings, the atmosphere is often enhanced by live music concerts in the atrium, making it an ideal spot to unwind.

If you’re staying overnight, don’t miss the chance to dine at Šampjer restaurant, perched on the opposite hill. The views are stunning, and the restaurant’s location away from the bustling promenade allows it to focus on crafting high-quality, original, and delicious dishes. Simply call ahead to arrange their taxi service, which will transport you up the hill and back. We always enjoy the leisurely walk back — it's an easy descent after sunset.

We haven't forgotten about those sailors who venture a little further from the mainland and their home marina.

This year, we had some of the finest fish at Triton restaurant on the island of Lastovo, located in the bay of Zaklopatica. This family-run establishment offers a warm, personal touch — the owner himself assists with docking your boat at their private pier, while his wife introduces you to the day's fresh catches. It’s an intimate and authentic dining experience. Just be aware that there’s a fee to enter the Lastovo National Park, which we found to be around 30 euros per boat.

ACI Marina Korčula, with its narrow entrance and closely spaced pontoons, offers a bit of a challenge for those wanting to practise their docking skills. However, it’s well-equipped with all the essentials: showers, a supermarket, a café, and even assistance from a rubber dinghy if needed. While Korčula boasts numerous restaurants serving classic Croatian cuisine, one that stood out to us this year was an Asian restaurant. It might seem unusual to crave Asian food in Croatia, but after a week at sea, something a bit different can be just what you need. Silk restaurant not only offers a stunning view, but the service is also friendly and efficient, and the food is genuinely delicious and exciting. The place fills up quickly in the evenings, so we recommend making a reservation. For cocktail enthusiasts, their signature drinks are a must-try.

The popular Kornati National Park offers numerous bays. Which ones did we try this year, and where did we stop off along the way?

One of our all-time favourite spots in Kornati is the cove on Levrnaka Island, home to the charming Levrnaka Konoba. If you plan to visit, be sure to reserve a spot at the pier in advance, as well as their infamous peka, which is slow-cooked for several hours and must be ordered ahead of time. For a relaxing experience, take an early evening or morning walk over the gentle hill to the sandy beach of Lojena, where you might spot flounder on the sea bed while snorkelling. This hidden gem remains a must-visit for us year after year.

Lake Mir, with its salty waters and dramatic cliffs, is one of the most sought-after destinations on the island of Dugi Otok within Telaščica National Park. For those looking to anchor nearby, we recommend the buoy field in Uvala Mir. It’s conveniently located near the Gospoja restaurant, where you can enjoy high-quality traditional Croatian cuisine in a modern setting with excellent service. This spot provides the perfect combination of natural beauty and culinary delight.

A long-standing staple of quality gastronomy in Croatia, Fešta restaurant on the island of Žut remains the top choice for both large luxury yachts and smaller boats at the pier. With a restaurant reservation, you can also request a seat on the pier. If you’re not ready to commit to a visit to Fešta, you can take advantage of the ACI Marina Žut located next door. The fish dishes, from carpaccio and tartare to fish pate, are absolutely delicious here. Be sure to take a morning walk up the hill, where you’ll find man-made stone towers and a great view of the Kornati archipelago.