Dubrovnik Cafes You Need To Try Before Everyone Else Finds Them

The Food Bar Dubrovnik - New-wave cafe with foodie cred

The Food Bar Dubrovnik is the city’s breakout cafe of 2025. With a 4.9 rating and the momentum of a brand new opening, it is quickly becoming the place coffee people whisper about before it hits every list.

Tucked just outside the heaviest tourist flow, it blends specialty coffee with a bistro-style food menu. Think silky flat whites, carefully pulled espresso, and plates that feel like a chef’s brunch rather than basic cafe fare.

Why it is trending:

• New business with strong early reviews and a high growth score
• Fresh, modern interior that feels more like a creative studio than a traditional cafe
• Smart all day menu that works for breakfast, remote work, and pre-dinner drinks

Best for:

• Coffee-first travelers who care about beans and brewing
• A slow, stylish brunch away from the main Old Town crowds
• Digital nomads who want a comfortable, design-forward base for a few hours

Pro tip: Go earlier in the day for a quieter vibe and better odds of snagging the most comfortable seats.

Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe - Iconic views by the city walls

Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe is one of Dubrovnik’s most recognizable spots, yet it keeps trending because the setting is almost impossible to beat. Overlooking the fortress and the Adriatic right by Pile Gate, it has a 4.6 rating and thousands of reviews that keep rolling in.

Come here for a leisurely coffee with a postcard backdrop. You can sit under the umbrellas, listen to the city walls hum with life, and watch the Old Town gates frame every passerby.

Why it is trending:

• Prime location at the edge of Old Town that first timers and repeat visitors both love
• Constant review activity that keeps it high in search and on social feeds
• Reliable service and a broad menu that works for mixed groups

Best for:

• A first morning in Dubrovnik when you want views with your espresso
• Families and groups who want a cafe that handles food, drinks, and scenery in one place
• Golden hour coffee or dessert as the lights come up on the walls

Pro tip: If you want a calmer experience, aim for mid morning or late afternoon when cruise ship traffic dips.

Amici Café - Bistro - Casual local energy just off the main drag

Amici Café - Bistro is a relaxed, budget friendly option with a 4.2 rating and a loyal local following. It is trending with travelers who want something more low key than the Old Town’s front row cafes but still close enough to walk from the main sights.

You will find hearty portions, simple but satisfying bistro dishes, and coffee that does the job without the specialty price tag. The vibe is friendly and unpretentious, with a mix of locals, students, and visitors.

Why it is trending:

• Good value compared to many tourist facing spots
• Solid review base that keeps growing, especially from repeat guests
• Comfortable, everyday atmosphere that feels more neighborhood than postcard

Best for:

• Casual brunch or lunch after a morning on the walls
• Travelers staying nearby who want a regular spot
• People watching with a coffee or beer without Old Town prices

Pro tip: Ask about daily specials or set menus, which often give the best price to portion ratio.

Public Pub Dubrovnik - Night owl cafe bar hybrid

Public Pub Dubrovnik holds a 4.9 rating and is gaining attention as a crossover spot that works as both a cafe and a bar. It is especially popular with younger travelers and digital nomads who like their coffee culture with a bit of nightlife energy.

During the day you can grab a coffee, settle in with your laptop, or decompress after sightseeing. As evening hits, the mood shifts toward music, cocktails, and social buzz.

Why it is trending:

• High rating with strong word of mouth among repeat visitors
• Hybrid vibe that works from afternoon coffee to late night drinks
• Central location that makes it an easy meet up point

Best for:

• Afternoon coffee that casually turns into an evening out
• Solo travelers looking for a social but not intimidating setting
• Groups who cannot decide between “coffee place” and “bar”

Pro tip: If you want a quieter coffee session, aim for earlier in the day before the bar crowd builds.

Life According to KAWA - Design shop meets specialty coffee

Life According to KAWA is a concept store and cafe that blends Croatian design, local products, and well made coffee. With a 4.8 rating, it is a favorite among style conscious travelers and remains a quietly trending gem even without a spike of recent reviews.

Inside, shelves are lined with local ceramics, art, and small batch products. The cafe corner pours quality espresso drinks and simple snacks, making it a perfect stop when you want both a caffeine hit and a meaningful souvenir.

Why it is trending:

• Unique mix of specialty coffee and curated local design
• Instagram friendly space that still feels authentic
• Strong reputation that keeps it recommended in word of mouth guides and design blogs

Best for:

• Coffee lovers who also want to shop local
• Picking up gifts that are not generic tourist items
• A short, stylish coffee break between sightseeing stops

Pro tip: Take your time browsing. Many of the products come from small Croatian makers you will not easily find elsewhere.

How to choose the right cafe in Dubrovnik

• For serious coffee: Start with The Food Bar Dubrovnik or Life According to KAWA.
• For classic views: Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe is the go to.
• For local, everyday vibes: Amici Café - Bistro hits the mark.
• For coffee that flows into nightlife: Public Pub Dubrovnik is your best bet.

Wherever you land, MapsBuddy helps you spot the places that are quietly surging in ratings and local buzz, so you can enjoy Dubrovnik’s cafe scene before the crowds catch up.