Best Bars in Dubrovnik 2025 - From Secret New Openings to Iconic Sea-View Classics

Tucked into a quiet lane just off Dubrovnik’s Old Town flow, The White Donkey is the bar locals are trying not to talk about too loudly. With a perfect 5.0 rating from its first wave of guests and a strong burst of fresh reviews, it is one of the city’s most exciting new openings.

Why it is trending:

• Very new opening with a small but enthusiastic crowd already leaving top scores
• Intimate, design-forward interior that feels more like a living room than a tourist bar
• Thoughtful cocktails that lean on Croatian spirits, herbs, and citrus

Expect a short, curated drinks list that changes with the bartender’s mood, chilled playlists instead of party anthems, and staff who are happy to talk you through local gins, liqueurs, and wines. It is the sort of place you hit for a first drink before a late dinner, or for a low-key night when you want to feel like you live here.

Insider tip: Arrive early in the evening. With its tiny footprint and rapidly growing word of mouth, seats fill up fast.

Narančino - Citrus-forward cocktails in a rising side street

Narančino is another newcomer, with a name that hints at its love affair with oranges and bright flavors. Even though it has not picked up many recent reviews yet, its early visitors rate it solidly, and locals say it is one to watch as the season ramps up.

Why it is trending:

• New on the scene, drawing curious cocktail fans away from the main tourist drags
• Citrus-led menu featuring orange, lemon, and grapefruit in clever, modern combinations
• Relaxed, neighborhood vibe that feels less crowded than the main Stradun strip

Inside, expect warm lighting, playful glassware, and bartenders who are happy to riff on classics like spritzes and sours using Dalmatian fruit. It is ideal for sunset pre-drinks if you prefer a more creative, less touristy option.

Insider tip: Ask about any off-menu seasonal specials that use local fruit from the Konavle region.

Mr Foster bar - Speakeasy-style favorite with serious fan loyalty

With nearly 1,200 reviews and a sky-high rating, Mr Foster bar is not exactly a secret, but it still feels like you have discovered something when you walk in. It is the place visitors keep returning to year after year, and recent reviews show that its momentum is holding strong.

Why it is trending:

• Consistently excellent service that regulars call out by name in reviews
• Cocktail craft that rivals big-city speakeasies, from smoked old fashioneds to signature house creations
• Cozy, dimly lit interior that works for date nights or small groups

The bartenders are the stars here. They are quick with recommendations based on your taste, and they are known for nailing the balance on both spirit-forward and fruity drinks. Despite its popularity, it keeps a chilled atmosphere rather than a rowdy one.

Insider tip: If it is busy, grab a simple highball or local beer first, then talk to the bartender about a custom cocktail once they have a moment to chat.

Gradska kavana Arsenal Restaurant - Historic arches with a refined bar feel

Sitting right by the Old Town harbor, Gradska kavana Arsenal Restaurant is famous as a restaurant and cafe, but its bar program deserves its own spotlight. With thousands of reviews and a strong rating, it is a polished choice when you want a drink with a sense of place.

Why it is trending:

• Iconic location under stone arches with views toward the harbor and city walls
• Reliable cocktails and wine list that match the upscale setting
• Buzzing terrace that turns into a prime people-watching spot on warm nights

You can come here for a full meal, but many visitors now treat it as a bar stop: a glass of Dalmatian wine, an aperitivo spritz, or a classic martini as the golden hour hits the harbor. Its recent review momentum shows that it remains a go-to for first-time visitors and repeat Dubrovnik fans alike.

Insider tip: Time your visit for late afternoon to early evening to enjoy a drink as the light shifts over the Old Town rooftops.

Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe - Fortress-side drinks with postcard views

Perched near the Pile Gate with a direct line of sight to the city walls and the Adriatic, Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe is one of Dubrovnik’s classic terraces. With a long history and thousands of reviews, it is firmly on the map, but its bar side is still evolving.

Why it is trending:

• Unbeatable views of the fortress and sea that make every drink feel like a special occasion
• Steady upgrade in drinks in recent years, with better cocktails and a broader wine selection
• High-energy terrace that hums from brunch until late evening

It is the perfect spot for a glass of local white wine or a spritz after walking the city walls. While it is touristy, the setting is so dramatic that even locals will admit it is hard to beat for a first or last-night drink in the city.

Insider tip: Prices reflect the location, so linger over one or two well-chosen drinks instead of treating it as an all-night bar.

How to bar-hop Dubrovnik like a local

To feel the city’s real rhythm, mix new hotspots with heritage terraces:

• Start at Dubravka 1836 for a golden hour drink with fortress views.
• Wander into the Old Town and slip into The White Donkey for a crafted cocktail in an intimate setting.
• If you want a second round, head to Mr Foster bar for bartender-driven creations.
• On another night, try Narančino to explore a more low-key, citrus-focused menu.
• Save Gradska kavana Arsenal Restaurant for a harbor-view nightcap.

Dubrovnik’s bar scene is changing fast, with small, creative spots opening alongside long-loved institutions. MapsBuddy keeps track of what is actually trending, so you can find the bars that match your mood before everyone else is talking about them.