Bringing together Mediterranean flavors with Croatian tradition, the food of Dalmatia is one of the highlights of any trip to Croatia. You’ll find everything from warming stews to delicious seafood dishes built around the fresh produce of Croatia’s coastal regions.
When you visit, you can dig into a variety of meals made with local produce and traditional cooking methods. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at a cozy konoba or a beachside restaurant, Dalmatian cuisine is sure to enchant. This is cooking to rival anything that you might find in Spain or Italy.
Now, join us as we select seven of the dishes we recommend you try when traveling in Dalmatia. If you will be in Dubrovnik during your stay, please join us for a Luxury Boat Tour from Dubrovnik or Day Trip from Dubrovnik. Options include our popular Wine Tour of the Elaphiti Islands and Food & Wine of Dubrovnik Experience.
Black Risotto (Crni Rižot)
Crni Rižot, or Black Risotto, is a visually striking dish that represents Dalmatia’s maritime heritage. Made with cuttlefish or squid, it gets its deep black color from cuttlefish ink, which also adds a rich, briny flavor.
The addition of garlic, onion, olive oil, and white wine enhances the overall taste, while the perfectly cooked rice creates a creamy, moreish texture. Crni Rižot exemplifies the region’s expertise in using simple ingredients to craft something truly splendid. And it’s also simply the perfect dish to enjoy when traveling in coastal regions.
If the sea calls to you as it does to us, don’t miss out on an exclusive Boat Tour from Dubrovnik — there’s no better way to admire the city’s epic medieval fortifications than from the sea.
Pasta and Beans (Pašta Fažol)
A staple in Dalmatian kitchens, Pašta Fažol is both simple and nourishing. This dish features pasta and beans simmered in a flavorful broth, often enhanced with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. In coastal areas, it may incorporate a hint of seafood, adding a salty twist to its rustic charm. Its origins lie in traditional peasant cooking, where accessible ingredients came together to create warming, nutrient-rich meals. Today, Pašta Fažol remains a favorite comfort food for Dalmatians.
Dalmatian Prosciutto (Dalmatinski Pršut)
Dalmatinski Pršut is a dry-cured ham renowned for its unique flavor and traditional preparation methods. It is made from carefully selected pork, which is dry-salted, air-dried, and smoked using locally sourced wood.
Curing can take over a year, allowing the ham to develop its signature depth and aroma. This delicacy is typically served thinly sliced alongside olives, fresh bread, or cheese, making it a staple of Dalmatian appetizers.
The production of Dalmatinski Pršut adheres to strict quality standards, reflecting the region’s commitment to preserving its culinary traditions. Whether paired with wine or enjoyed on its own, Dalmatinski Pršut offers a perfect introduction to Dalmatian gastronomy and its attentiveness to ensuring the highest quality!
Brodeto
Brodeto is a flavorful seafood stew with deep roots in the fishing communities of Dalmatia. Traditionally, it is prepared with a mix of fish, shellfish, and sometimes squid, slow-cooked in a base of tomatoes, garlic, onions, and white wine. The dish’s origins are influenced by Venetian culinary traditions but have been adapted to reflect local tastes. Brodeto is often served with polenta or crusty bread, emphasizing the importance of fresh, seasonal ingredients and the region’s rich maritime history.
Soparnik
Soparnik is a traditional savory pie that hails from the Poljica region. This delightful dish features a thin crust filled with Swiss chard, onions, and garlic, all baked on a hot stone and brushed with olive oil for added flavor. Often regarded as a forerunner to modern pizzas, Soparnik highlights the ingenuity of using simple, locally sourced ingredients to create something truly delicious. Typically prepared for special occasions, it holds a protected designation of origin status, which guarantees its authenticity.
Scampi na Buzaru
A quintessential Dalmatian dish, Scampi na Buzaru is another dish that celebrates the region’s access to the bounties of the sea. This classic meal features Adriatic scampi simmered in a delicious sauce crafted from olive oil, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, and white wine. The cooking technique brings out the natural sweetness of the scampi while creating an aromatic sauce that’s perfect for dipping crusty bread. Its roots can be traced back to traditional fishing communities, where minimal seasoning allowed the seafood to shine in all its nutritious glory. You can find Scampi na Buzaru offered in numerous local taverns and restaurants — an old favorite that never disappoints.
Pag Cheese (Paški Sir)
Produced on the island of Pag, Paški Sir is a celebrated sheep’s milk cheese known for its distinctive flavor and craftsmanship. The sheep graze on aromatic herbs and grasses that are dusted with sea salt from the island’s winds, giving the cheese its unique characteristics. Aged varieties are firm and nutty, while younger versions are creamy and mild. Paški Sir is often served with honey, figs, or prosciutto, making it a perfect pairing with Dalmatian wines. This cheese is crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations, symbolizing the region’s commitment to preserving its culinary heritage. It is a must-try for cheese lovers exploring Croatia.
This brings a close to our short introduction to the wonderful food of Dalmatia. If you are traveling to this magical region, why not join us for a Luxury Boat Tour from Dubrovnik or Day Trip from Dubrovnik?
