We had a nice dinner in Dubrovnik at the Konoba Ekvinocijo, near the wall. Actually, we went there after watching the sun set from the Buza Bar, just outside the walls.

And in Korcula we had a memorable lunch at Adio Mare. Supposedly only open for dinner, but they had a tour group in the main restaurant. We ate up on the outdoor terrace.

I hope you like fish. There's lots of it along the Dalmatian coast. They bring a tray and you get to pick your dinner.

As much as I love Croatia, we did not find the food very good. That being said, I second Konoba Ekvinocijo in DBV. It was a great place and not overly expensive.

Yes, in Dubrovnik Konona Ekvinocijo is good, though I've only been there at lunchtime.

I would have recommended Rosarij, but since it has (quite controversially) changed ownership in recent months I can't say so any more. Certainly the head chef and front man is no longer there, that I do know. Without him it would not be the same place for me any more.

In fact, in Dubrovnik I quite like to eat on the harbour front, and Lokanda Pescarija is terrific. A 'bucket' of their fried calamari is wonderful with a carafe of the local white wine. Company at adjoining tables is always good, and the ambience as dusk falls fulfills most people's dreams.

I've not been to Hvar, and only to Split in the daytime. I did have a nice meal there, in a little alley off to the side of the Baptistery of St John, opposite the cathedral. I think it would be nice to eat on the Riva somewhere - hopefully someone will give you a recommendation.

Have a great time, it is a beautiful place to visit.

A new restaurant has opened recently, it is Komarda just ouside of the Ploce (plo-cha) gate on the eastern entrance into the old town. The food is typical Dalmatian style, service is excellent , prices are very good and the view is fantastic. This is my personal favorite and I have not ever had a bad meal there.
Another very nice place is the Dubrovnik Restaurant, part of it is located on an upper terrace away from the crowds. Food is again is typical Dalmatian cooking, nothing fancy.
Do visit Taj Mahal for some very tasty Bosnian type food and it's the only place in town to have Cevapic. They only have a few outdoor tables and inside is small but quaint.
There are many restaurants in the old town and everyone has a personal favorite. I would, however not eat at any of the places on restaurant row called the Prijeko other than Nishta.
Do try the local Adriatic squid, grilled on the fire - not fried, "Lignji na Zaru." Once cooked the squid turns pink and is one of my favorites.
Finish your meal with our Dubrovnik speciality, "Rozata" a lovely type of custard. And please do drink a good bottle of Dingac wine, the local red from the Peljesac peninsula.
You might want to try another local favorite called "Lamb cooked under the bell." It does require 24 advance notice and only Komarda has the outdoor facility to cook it properly.
Carol
American expat
Enjoy your time in Dubrovnik.
www.komarda.hr

For a more high-end meal I would recommend Proto in the Old Town. Sesame just outside the Old Town is also very good and they specialize in using the best products from all over Croatia. If you are from NYC then I would skip Gils as you will only be dissapointed and it is overpriced. Maybe fo there for drinks. Croatian food is not haute cuisine, so (other than Proto, Sesame, or Komarda) you are better to stick to casual places like Taj Mahal, Kamenice, Nishta, and Oliva (all in the Old Town). And make sure to try "lamb under the iron bell". There are a few places in Konavle that have it, but you need to order one day in advance. Konoba Konavle and Monkovic and two of the best.

Thank you all for the feedback so far! We are making our list and will include all of these ideas. We went to Greece last year and were rather disappointed in the food, and had not in advance, asked for any advice. Who would have thought it would be so hard to find good octopus in the land known for fire grilled octopus! Most restaurants tended to seriously overcook their fish and shellfish. We had better Octopus in NYC many times! So, suspecting we may have similar problems in Croatia, I thought to reach out to you all this time around. Thanks again

What did you find? Any memories of a great meal, laurenanne? We're headed there in Sept with 4 friends and sound similar to you!

The pizza in Croatia (thin crust)is the best I have ever eaten, and it is cheap.

Beware of ordering fish as it is market priced by the kilo, so depending on how big your eyes are,you may be surprised at the bill. We did find a tiny fish shop/restaurant in the market square that had really good fried fish and shellfish at good prices. A German woman at the table next to us assiduously deheaded and gutted every single one of her whitebait, which are of course meant to be eaten whole.

The Croatian wine I drank was not nearly as good as they seem to think it is, but the beer is generally excellent.

Hi, we found a little restaurant in Split that we ate at twice and enjoyed it both times. We had an excellent, very fresh "fish plate". If you stand with the bay behind you looking toward the town, its on the left corner, slightly out of the main tourist area.
http://www.aussieinfrance.com/2012/04/my-croatian-itinerary-part-4-split-mostar-dubrovnik/

We were in Hvar for a week last August. One of the nights we ate at the hotel, and the other nights we walked down into town.

We ate once at Hannibal (it came highly recommended in the Michelin guide) and it was the most disappointing of all. The food was so-so, and at the end they tried to convince us that they only took Mastercard, while trying to convince the next table that they only took Visa.

We liked Konoba Menego (not really a restaurant, more cold cuts and salads and cheese, but very good) and Divino, a place right by Carpe Diem (you have to climb the stairs and there are plenty of tables overlooking the sunset). We had to book for DiVino, but it is well worth it.

Rgds, Cova