Taste Croatian Dishes: 7 Foods and Drinks You Can’t Miss!
Croatia’s culinary charm blends rustic tradition with coastal freshness, creating a perfect balance of flavours. Each region has something to offer that is unique and invites travellers to become a part of its lively food culture.
The locals take pride in the meals served to tell stories of family, history, and friendships. Experiencing these dishes and drinks at the best restaurants Dubrovnik gives you a glimpse of the Croatian lifestyle, where dining is more than a routine, and it’s a shared celebration filled with warmth and authenticity.
Must-Try Croatian Foods
- Cevapi
Locals never miss a plate of cevapi, Croatia’s most-loved street food. These skinless sausages are made using minced meat, mostly a combination of beef and lamb, then grilled until perfectly smoky. They come to the plate with a flatbread, diced onions, and ajvar, which is a red pepper that ranges in flavor from mild and sweet to very hot.
Found everywhere from fancy restaurants to grills on the roadside, the cevapi embodies the essence of the Balkans and Dalmatia combined through taste and tradition.
- Oysters
Croatian oysters are a real culinary treasure that should be tried by any seafood lover. They can mostly be found near the town of Ston, and their rich, briny flavour and freshness are highly valued.
According to locals, cooler spring waters bring out their finest taste, especially in March and April. Visitors usually enjoy them raw or lightly dressed, often with a glass of crisp white wine accompanying every bite, which captures the spirit of the Adriatic Sea and the love of coastal dining in Croatia.
- Black Risotto
Each restaurant on the coast has its own version of this classic Dalmatian dish. Crni, rizot, or black risotto, owes its dramatic color to squid ink and its irresistible flavor to freshly caught seafood.
The creamy rice gently absorbs the richness of the ink and the natural sweetness of the squid. Served with a drizzle of olive oil and a glass of local wine, it is the heart of the sea in every mouthful.
- Pasticada
This hearty beef stew characterizes the warmth of Croatian hospitality. Tender cuts of beef are marinated and then braised in a sweet and sour sauce made with prosek, a local dessert wine.
Gnocchi or homemade pasta usually completes the dish. Its roots trace back to 15th-century Dubrovnik, proving traditional recipes remain part of family gatherings and festive celebrations. Every single bite of pasticada tells stories passed down through generations.
- Rozata
Though Rozata may physically resemble creme caramel, it will surprise each visitor with its different floral aroma. This silky custard dessert features Rozalin, a rose liqueur, giving it a signature Croatian twist.
Chilled and with caramel on top, it feels like a spoonful of sun. Locals love to have it after lunch or after dinner, and thus, this has become a staple dessert across the coastal cafes and restaurants.
Must-Try Croatian Drinks
- Posip
Posip wine epitomizes the winemaking tradition of Dalmatia. Native to the island of Korcula, this white variety is characterized by a floral delicacy and crispness, going well with seafood dishes.
For centuries, local families have grown Posip grapes on the slopes of their stunning hillslides, and tasting them on their home island provides a link with history and nature. Bottles of Posip are available throughout Croatia in the wine bar, each one reflecting the sun-kissed vineyards facing the Adriatic coast.
- Slavonian Plum Brandy
This beloved drink is a true representative of the rustic charm of eastern Croatia, crafted from ripe plums of this very fertile region of Slavonia. The brandy is distinctively amber and has a smooth taste.
Residents often serve it in honor of a wedding or as a drink of welcome when guests arrive. Every sip reflects Croatia’s deeply ingrained craft of distillation and her pride in simple, honest ingredients that speak for themselves.
Summing Up
Croatian food and drink create an unforgettable journey of the senses. Every recipe has its story of place, passion, and people who treasure their culinary roots. It’s a country where each plate brings delight to visitors, making them discover flavours so familiar yet still unique. Sharing meals warms up every moment in culture.
At Bacchus Bistro, these traditions are at the forefront and a must-visit in Dubrovnik. It is a perfect place for ultimate brunches or casual wine and dining in Dubrovnik with friends. Bacchus Bistro is an authentic urban Mediterranean oasis loved by locals from all walks of life.