Where To Eat In Split – Top Restaurants And Hidden Gems
Split is a city that knows how to eat well.
Whether you’re in the mood for a coffee, a fancy seafood dinner, or just the cozy family atmosphere, you’ll find plenty of memorable options tucked into its stone alleys.
I thought I was visiting Split for its history and beaches, but it turned out the food was as amazing as everything else. Usually, I try to avoid eating in the old town, or the top-known restaurants, as they can be less authentic and tourist scams. That was definitely not the case in Split.
I’ve rounded up my favorite spots, ranging from cozy family-run konobas to modern cafes and seaside restaurants. The list below is based on places I visited, and where I had great food and experience. Here’s where to eat in Split, plus two gems just outside the city that are well worth the trip.
List of Recommendations in Split
Best Coffee: Kava2
If you’re a coffee enthusiast, Kava2 is a must-visit. I learned about this place from a local girl I met in Hvar. There is a second shop of Kava, Kava37, in Hvar. When I complimented their coffee in Hvar, saying it was the best I had had in days, a girl next to me mentioned that they also have a store in Split.
However, she did not mention that Kava2 has a garden filled with lemon trees that you can sit underneath to enjoy your coffee.
This specialty coffee shop is a local favorite for its expertly brewed espresso, smooth cold brew, and minimalist vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can start your day with a perfect cappuccino and a pastry, or linger with a book, chat with friends, and enjoy its lovely garden.
Family-Owned Sandwich Bar: Caffe bar @noon
This non-Pinteresty family-owned bar makes the most delicious sandwiches in the city. Their menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, such as prosciutto, marinated veggies, and homemade spreads, served on crusty bread. I ordered a Caprese sandwich, and my husband ordered All or Nothings. We both enjoyed the food and the hospitality there.
I was delighted that they could make me cappuccino with almond milk, as I didn’t expect a small place to have plant-based milk options. It’s the ideal stop for a quick, satisfying meal before heading back to the beach or exploring more of Split’s old town.
📍Google Maps
📲 Caffe Bar @noon
Delicious Seafood with Sea View: Restaurant Adriatic
Located on the steep cliffs just a short walk from the city center, Adriatic has a spacious terrace with a 270° panoramic view of the sea and nearby islands. The setting is perfect for sunset cocktails, laid-back afternoons, or lively evenings.
The menu is a celebration for seafood lovers, with daily catch seafood sourced from local fishermen and prepared in the best way. You’ll also find lobster straight from the aquarium, along with a range of meat options, including veal steak and lamb rack.
When you select your fish from the display, your waiter advice the best way to have it cooked. We selected the last seabass. We arrived around 7:30 pm, and most of the fish were already gone. We ordered a raw platter (with bass, cuttlefish, shrimp, scallop, and more), and homemade gnocchi with shrimp as starters.
My husband had reserved Restaurant Adriatic to celebrate my birthday. We have ordered a cake from loveisapieceofcake. And when it was time to cut the cake, our waiter brought me Excalibur to cut it, saying, “if you are gonna do it, better do it the right way.“
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a special celebration, Restaurant Adriatic delivers with high-quality food, attentive service, and one of the best views in Split. You have to make a reservation weeks in advance, especially for terrace seating during sunset.
📍Google Maps
📲 restaurantadriati.com
Top Reviewed Truffle Pasta: Bokeria Kitchen & Wine
Bokeria Kitchen & Wine is a popular restaurant in the heart of Split. Every person I know who has been to Split has told me to dine at Bokeria Kitchen and try their Truffle Pasta.
The restaurant offers a menu focused on Mediterranean and Croatian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
For starters, we ordered the Chevice, which is seabass marinated in lemon, served with red onion, mint, and pomegranate. It was the definition of umami.
Then it was time for the truffle pasta, rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced. Meanwhile, my husband enjoyed his lamb shank.
Bokeria also features an extensive wine list, showcasing both Croatian and international wines, making it easy to find a suitable pairing for your meal.
Our waiter suggested local wines to pair with our dishes, and it was a perfect match. It is very popular, but is totally worth it. Make sure to make reservation beforehand, and specify if you would like to seat outside.
Coziest Konoba in Old Town: Kod Sfinge Van Europske Zviri
If you are looking for cozier, family-run restaurants, then look for “Konoba” in Croatia. We were told the real Konoba is when a grandpa makes your dish in his garden with the catch of the day, and grandma gathers veggies to make salad, and they serve you with homemade wine they made. I believe Kod Sfinge Vaneuropske Zviri is the next best thing.
This konoba is located in the Old Town, and the name roughly translates to “At the Sphinx, the non-European Beast”. The restaurant gets its name from its location near the ancient Egyptian sphinx in front of the Temple of Jupiter in Diocletian’s Palace. This quirky name highlights the unique historical setting of the konoba and hints the special touches they bring to the local cuisine.
Four ladies of the same family run the restaurant. One sister is the chef, and the other handles the administration. The chef’s daughter and the daughter of the third sister are the waiters, and delightful people to chat with. Since we were there early in the season, the restaurant was less crowded, but I expect in a busy season we would not be lucky enough to learn so much from them about life in Split.
The food and house wine were as delightful as the conversation. We ordered a house salad to share. My husband ordered black tagliatelle with seafood. I have to tell you, my order was more delicious, one of their signature dishes, ravioli prawns, mussels, and saffron. Its taste is out of this world.
Most Creative Tastes: Fig Split
Fig Split is so popular and hidden at the same time. If you are not looking for it, you might miss it hidden in a cozy garden. It’s where you’ll want to go if you’re craving something a little different.
Their menu is full of inventive dishes, like a jalapeno-blueberry burger, and a salad filled with figs, goat cheese, and nuts. The laid-back garden seating is perfect for stepping out of the rush of the palace, and the kitchen is happy to accommodate gluten-free and vegetarian diets.
We ate at Fig Split twice during our stay. We ordered Sweet Potato Fries, Fig and Farm Cheese Flatbread, Chicken Quesadilla, and Burrito. Portions were bigger than I expected. Although we were lucky with finding a table, I would highly recommend having a reservation.
📍Google Maps
📲 figrestaurants.com/split
Worth the Trip: Dining Outside Split
If you have a car or don’t mind a short taxi ride, I would like to recommend you two standout restaurants just outside Split that are perfect for dinner.
The best Konoba near Krka National Park: Konoba Dalmatino
Located in Skradin, a small village near Split, Konoba Dalmatino is all about authentic Dalmatian cuisine in a laid-back, countryside setting. The menu features slow-roasted lamb, homemade pastas, seafood and plenty of local wine.
We visited this konoba at the end of our Krka National Park visit. I was positively surprised when it was fully booked in early season. However, we did not have a reservation. Luckily, they arranged a table for us that was available for the next hour, and we promised not to take long to choose what to eat.
We ordered a house salad and ajvar with bread. You have to try their homemade breads with olives. Konoba Dalmatino specializes in seafood. I ordered yet another must-try traditional Croatian food, Black Cuttlefish Risotto. Make sure to reserve this place beforehand and try this risotto.
📍Google Maps
📲 Konoba Dalmatino
Best kept secret of locals: Restaurant Perlica
Restaurant Perlica is located in Klis, and a perfect place to visit after visiting the iconic Game of Thrones location, Klis Fortress. This is the only place we were not lucky enough to dine at. Several people, including locals from Split, recommended that I visit this place and try their lamb on a spit (janjetina na ražnju), a beloved Croatian specialty.
The lamb is slowly roasted over an open fire until the meat is tender and the skin is perfectly crisp. Served with simple sides like potatoes and fresh salad, this dish is a must for anyone wanting to experience the flavors and traditions of the Dalmatian countryside.
However, the moment we entered the restaurant, they informed us that they were out of lamb. Learn from our mistake, and be sure to call ahead, as lamb on a spit is often prepared to order and is especially popular on weekends and holidays.
📍Google Maps
📲 restoran-perlica
Whether you’re a serious foodie or just looking for a great meal after a day of sightseeing, Split’s dining scene offers something for everyone. From artisanal coffee to family-style feasts, you’ll find plenty of reasons to linger at the table, and maybe even plan your next trip back.
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