Best Restaurants in Dubrovnik 2025 - Where Locals Actually Eat

Best Restaurants in Dubrovnik 2025 - Where Locals Actually Eat

From cliffside classics to a hidden new terrace, these Dubrovnik restaurants are trending for all the right reasons.

Dubrovnik is having a serious food moment. The city has moved beyond basic pizza and tourist menus into a scene where chefs play with local seafood, modern Dalmatian flavors, and smart wine lists. These five spots are where the buzz is real right now, whether because they are brand new, quietly blowing up in reviews, or staying surprisingly good despite the crowds.

Imperial Terrace - New-view newcomer with fine dining ambitions

Imperial Terrace is the fresh face on the Dubrovnik restaurant scene, and it already feels like a future classic. With a 4.9 rating and the advantage of being a new opening, it is trending because locals are whispering about it before the big tour groups catch on.

Expect a polished terrace setting that leans into the romantic side of Dubrovnik: soft lighting, elevated views, and a slow, unhurried pace. The kitchen focuses on modern Mediterranean plates built around local seafood and seasonal produce, often served in tasting menu style.

Why it is trending now

• New business energy, with a team that is clearly trying to impress
• High rating from early adopters, even before the review count explodes
• Terrace setting that rivals big-name hotels but still feels under the radar

What to order

• A chef tasting menu if available, to see the full range
• Local white wine from Peljesac or Korcula with any seafood
• A dessert featuring citrus or carob, two Dalmatian staples

Good to know

• Book ahead for sunset hours, which will become very competitive once word spreads.
• Dress is smart casual; this is a date-night kind of place.

Stara Loza - Romantic Old Town terrace with serious food

Stara Loza sits inside a historic stone building near the heart of the Old Town, with a rooftop terrace that feels almost suspended above the red roofs. It has been around for years, but its 4.5 rating and steady review growth show it is still trending with travelers who want a more refined experience inside the walls.

The vibe is intimate and grown-up: candlelit tables, thoughtful plating, and a menu that respects Dalmatian traditions without feeling stuck in the past.

Why it is trending now

• Rooftop views that remain some of the best inside the Old Town
• Reliable quality in a part of town full of hit-or-miss options
• Strong word of mouth from couples and small groups looking for a special night

What to order

• Adriatic fish or octopus, grilled simply with olive oil and herbs
• A risotto or handmade pasta with local shellfish
• Croatian sparkling wine to start, then a Dalmatian red like Plavac Mali

Good to know

• The rooftop space is limited; reserve specifically for the terrace.
• Great for anniversaries, proposals, or any big-celebration dinner.

Gradska kavana Arsenal Restaurant - Grand cafe with a front-row harbor view

Gradska kavana Arsenal Restaurant is one of Dubrovnik's most iconic addresses. With more than 6,000 reviews and a strong 4.7 rating, it is trending because it manages to be both a historic grand cafe and a solid modern restaurant in one of the most touristy locations in the city.

Set right by the Old Port, the outdoor tables are prime people-watching territory. Inside, you get high ceilings, classic decor, and a timeless European cafe feel.

Why it is trending now

• Massive review volume with consistently high scores, which is rare for such a central spot
• A flexible space that works for breakfast, coffee, lunch, aperitivo, or dinner
• Social media friendly views of the harbor and city walls

What to order

• Morning coffee and pastries if you want to see the Old Town wake up
• Light seafood dishes or salads for a long, lazy lunch
• A local wine or spritz at golden hour while boats drift in and out of the port

Good to know

• Prices reflect the location, but the quality and setting usually justify it.
• Ideal as a first-day stop to get your bearings and watch the city flow by.

Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe - Classic with fortress and sea views

Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe lives just outside Pile Gate, practically at the foot of the city walls and Fort Lovrijenac. With a 4.6 rating and thousands of reviews, it is trending because it offers one of the most cinematic dining backdrops in Dubrovnik.

The terrace looks out over the fortress, the sea, and the entrance to the Old Town. It is the kind of place where you can linger for hours and never get bored of the view.

Why it is trending now

• Longtime favorite that still delivers despite heavy foot traffic
• Perfect pre- or post-walls walk stop, so it features in many itineraries
• Highly shareable location that shows up often in travel photos and videos

What to order

• A relaxed breakfast or brunch before the crowds hit the walls
• Grilled fish, calamari, or a simple pasta for lunch
• A sunset drink with light bites if you have dinner plans elsewhere

Good to know

• Very popular with tour groups at peak times; reserve or come early.
• The front-row edge tables have the best views, so ask when booking.

Local Dubrovnik - Modern bistro that feels like a local secret

Local Dubrovnik is a compact, modern-feeling restaurant that has quietly built an almost perfect 4.9 rating from a few hundred reviews. It is trending because it hits the sweet spot between casual and creative, and it draws a mix of clued-up travelers and actual residents.

The focus is on fresh, seasonal ingredients treated with respect: think clean flavors, thoughtful plating, and a menu that changes with what is available. The atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal, which makes it a smart choice if you want quality without white tablecloths.

Why it is trending now

• High rating driven more by word of mouth than mass tourism
• Friendly, personal service that makes repeat visits likely
• A menu that feels current, not stuck in a tourist-template pattern

What to order

• Daily specials, especially if they feature local fish or vegetables
• Shared starters to sample more of the menu
• Natural or boutique Croatian wines if they are on the list

Good to know

• Space is limited, so bookings are wise even outside peak season.
• A strong pick for small groups and food-focused travelers.

How to plan your Dubrovnik eating days

• Book key dinners early: For sunset terraces like Imperial Terrace, Stara Loza, and Dubravka 1836, reservations are essential in high season.
• Mix icons with newcomers: Pair a grand cafe stop at Gradska kavana Arsenal Restaurant with a more intimate night at Local Dubrovnik or Imperial Terrace.
• Time your meals: Aim for early lunches and slightly later dinners to dodge cruise ship rushes.

Final bite

Dubrovnik's restaurant scene is evolving fast, and the most rewarding meals now sit just beyond the obvious tourist menus. Use MapsBuddy to track which spots are trending, find hidden terraces before they blow up, and build a food-focused itinerary that feels ahead of the curve.