Split gastronomy – what to expect

Split is the gastronomic center of Dalmatia, offering a wide range of restaurants – from traditional taverns and local daily meals to modern fine dining locations. On this page, you can quickly find and book a restaurant in Split based on cuisine, price, location, and additional features such as parking, vegan options, or sea views.

Split’s gastronomy is based on Mediterranean cuisine and local ingredients, with a strong influence of tradition. One dish you should definitely try is black risotto, one of the city’s most recognizable specialties, along with pašticada and octopus cooked under the bell (peka).

Although Split has a strong culinary tradition, in recent years it has seen a growing number of tourists and younger visitors, leading to the rise of modern and “industrial-style” restaurants such as burger bars, pizzerias, and street food spots. As a result, it has become slightly more difficult to find authentic taverns and traditional dishes, although they still exist – you just need to look more carefully.

Samaštrani jezik

Samaštrani jezik is a traditional Split dish made from beef tongue. It is prepared using an old method that includes salting and pressing the meat for several days, followed by slow cooking with vegetables until tender.

Once prepared, the tongue is thinly sliced and served cold, usually with a sauce made from horseradish, apples, and capers. This dish is traditionally prepared for holidays, especially Christmas and New Year, but is rarely found in restaurants today.

Most popular dishes and desserts in Split

In addition to black risotto and pašticada, recommended dishes in Split include brudet, soparnik, and fresh grilled fish. For desserts, rožata and pinca stand out as traditional sweets that are an important part of Dalmatian cuisine.

Wines and drinks in Split

Dalmatian specialties are most often paired with local wines such as Plavac Mali, Pošip, and Babić. Traditional aperitifs like rakija and travarica are also popular, while prošek is typically served with dessert.

Events and landmarks in Split

Sudamja and Saint Domnius

The feast of Saint Domnius, the patron saint of Split, is celebrated every year in early May through the event known as Sudamja. It is one of the most important events in the city, when Split becomes a central gathering place with a rich program, gastronomy, and a large number of visitors.

Gastronomic events

Throughout the year, Split hosts a variety of gastronomic events such as the Gourmet Street Food Festival and Štorije o’ spize.

Marjan, Poljud and Hajduk

Split is a city with a strong identity and lifestyle. Marjan Hill is the green heart of the city and one of the most important places for recreation and relaxation. Poljud Stadium and the football club Hajduk are deeply rooted in everyday life, and many restaurants and cafés are part of this unique Split way of life.

Split as the center of Dalmatia

Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and the administrative center of Split-Dalmatia County. The city is strongly connected to islands such as Brač, Hvar, and Vis via ferry lines, making it a key transport and tourist hub on the Adriatic.

How to book a restaurant in Split online

With the Table Joe platform, you can quickly find available restaurants in Split, compare options, and reserve a table online in just a few clicks.

Gallery

Gallery