Gastronomic Experiences in Dubrovnik

Perched on Croatia’s Adriatic Sea coast, Dubrovnik is one of the region’s most prominent destinations, and is easily recognizable with its distinctive Old Town and massive 16th-century stone walls. With its rich history, Dubrovnik is full of well-preserved buildings with styles of architecture ranging from Renaissance to Gothic.

But it’s not only the buildings in the city that are diverse – there are endless opportunities for gastronomic experiences in Dubrovnik. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, foodie or beer lover, there is something for everyone to discover and taste in and around the city.

In addition to tours focusing solely on Dubrovnik’s delectable food, wines and beers, you can also opt for a tour that combines activities like zip lining, kayaking, boat cruises or oyster farm visits with a gastronomical experience.

Wine tours and tastings

Dubrovnik is situated on the Dalmatian coast, and is renowned for producing some of Croatia’s best wines. A Dubrovnik wine tour is an excellent way to experience the region’s wine culture while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Croatian countryside. Several wineries offer guided tours, tastings and wine-pairing sessions.

The Plavac Mali grape is one of the most commonly grown varietals and produces robust red wines, while Posip and Malvasia are the more popular white wines. Most vineyards are family owned, and the winemakers are happy to share stories about the region’s history and traditions of local wine-making.

Many day tours incorporate a wine tasting or an opportunity to sample some of Croatia’s distinctive wines. So if you want to combine action, culture or a meal with your wine tasting in Dubrovnik, you will be able to find a tour to accommodate you.

Food tours

A food tour in Dubrovnik is one way for you to discover the city’s gastronomic treasures, learn about local ingredients and taste authentic Croatian cuisine. Croatia is a literal melting pot of the region’s different cooking styles and popular dishes. The city has a rich culinary history and seamlessly blends flavors of the Mediterranean and Balkans.

Gastronomic experiences in Dobrovnik’s Old Town offer an authentic taste of Croatian cuisine. Food tours travel to places like local restaurants, cafes and markets, and family-run establishments are among the best places to sample traditional seafood dishes like black risotto and peka, a slow-cooked meat dish. If you have a sweet tooth, most food tours also include a local dessert, rožata and kotonjata.

If you are looking for a food tour with a difference, or if you are an adventurous foodie, you can book a walking tour that includes a blind food tasting. See the city sights before closing your eyes and allowing the city’s foods to satisfy your appetite. You can also travel a bit further afield to Croatia’s Konavle Valley, where you can enjoy a taste of the Old World with a home-cooked family meal in the countryside.

Cooking classes

Dubrovnik’s cuisine is a fusion of various cultures and echoes the history of the region. A cooking class is a fun and hands-on way to learn about the region’s cooking techniques and ingredients. You can join a cooking class in Dubrovnik at one of several culinary schools and restaurants in the city.

A professional chef or experienced host will talk you through the steps of creating your own Croatian meal, including traditional dishes like seafood risotto, octopus salad or even burek, a savory cheese and meat filled pastry. During your class, you’ll learn to use local ingredients, spices and herbs, and discover all the methods behind preparing the delectable Croatian dishes.

After a few hours in the kitchen, this type of tour includes time to eat your meal and typically involves a pairing with local wines.

For a cooking class that combines culinary exploration and spectacular sights, board a private boat to visit the heavenly Kobaš bay for a cooking class under the tutelage of seasoned professionals using freshly sourced ingredients.

Beer tastings

Although wine is the drink of choice in Dubrovnik, the city is also home to several craft breweries that produce some of Croatia’s best beers. A beer tasting in Dubrovnik is a fun and unique way to experience the local beer culture and learn about the brewing process.

Breweries like Dubrovnik Beer Company and beer Factory Dubrovnik offer tastings and tours where you can sample a range of beers from pilsners to lighter ales. Tastings often include a selection of cured meats, cheese, barley seeds and bread to complement each beer. Otherwise, you can get a taste of barley and hops by ordering one of the local brews when stopping at the pubs and restaurants in the city.

Dinners

As a diverse and cosmopolitan city, Dubrovnik has an impressive culinary scene that offers an array of dining options, from traditional taverns to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Dinners in Dubrovnik are an enthralling experience, with restaurants offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and a wide range of seafood and meat dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

The city’s best restaurants together with many other family-run eateries serve up Croatia’s finest cuisine.