Food & Cuisine in Split
Food info sections | Eating locally
Croatia's coastal cuisine is very fresh and most of the produce available is organic. One of the best dining options in Split is the wide range of old family-run cafés, bars and Split restaurants. They range from the most sophisticated to the most rustic, and from the very romantic to the most vibrant. Restaurants in Split cater to every budget. Just as you will find a restaurant serving wonderful food in a classical environment, you will as easily find several fast food joints between the bus station and the Old Town. And for the gastronomically unadventurous traveller, there are two outlets of McDonald's in Split.
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.
