The seafood cannot get any fresher than what is available in Split. Even Italians come across the Adriatic searching for fresh seafood.

After a busy day exploring or shopping in Split, our Split restaurants guide below will tell you all you need to know to find a great meal in the city. Also take a look at our Croatia Restaurant Guide for more information on the local food and cuisine found throughout the country.

Food & Cuisine in Split

Croatia's coastal cuisine is largely influenced by that of Italy and one of the most popular dishes is Risotto accompanied by black calamari or tender white scampi. Another popular dish is Ćevapi or Ćevapčići, the latter being smaller Ćevapi. A great favourite across the Balkan nations, Ćevapi are small rolls of grilled minced beef, lamb or pork or a combination of all three. They are generally served with chopped onions and cottage cheese or ajvar, which is a relish or pickle made of aubergines, bell peppers, chilli and garlic.

Istrian and Dalmatian hams, which are similar to Italy's Speck and Parma hams, cheese from Pag Island, and the many varieties of Croatian beers and wines are well worth a taste.

Stroll along the Riva and discover authentic Adriatic dishes such as crni rizot or black squid risotto, brodet or mixed fish stew, and lignje na zaru or grilled squid. Pizzas are easily available too. A 20-minute walk from Riva towards the Firule area after crossing Bačvice will take you to a number of fine dining Split restaurants. The area is in the midst of a residential neighbourhood and a short and steep climb from the sea.

Restaurants in Split do not experiment too much and most of the menus stick to local favourites. Since the locals prefer Croatian cuisine, most restaurants generally serve stewed meat, pasta, fluffy pizza and grilled fresh fish. What they lack in variety, restaurants here more than make up for by quality, which is usually excellent. The prices are reasonable too. Although certain kinds of seafood and rare fish can be a little expensive, an average dinner bill for two, including wine, amounts to about €25.

Diocletian's Dining: Diocletian's Palace

You will find a number of busy Split restaurants within the walls of Diocletian's Palace. Splurge on robust portions of Balkan grills, fresh local seafood and pizza as good as any that you would find in Naples.

Ravishing Riva: Riva

You can dine in style on the Riva waterfront while watching the boats. The boats and the Adriatic islands in the distance make a wonderful picture. You can people watch too - watch the smart Splicani make their way among the swaying palms. Enjoy fresh seafood and pizza while seated outdoors in one of the many Split restaurants here.

Split Specials: East

Get off the beaten track and head east towards the many casual dining outlets in the Bačvice waterfront entertainment complex. The Splicani throng to restaurants here for their excellent seafood.

Dining Tips

The fish market is located west of Diocletian's Palace and is worth a visit in the morning when fresh seafood is sold straight off the boats. A local bar here serves fresh fried seafood too.

Nightlife

The Diocletian Palace is the most "happening" place in the evenings with a number of popular bars and nightclubs, many of which attract a very fashionable and elegant crowd.