Restaurants in Croatia: Dining in the Back Streets of Hvar Town

Choosing a restaurant from Hvar Town's excellent selection of Dalmatian fare can be daunting. Here are some tips for a bite away from the waterfront.

With such a strong culinary offer in the first street behind the main square, tourists could be forgiven for not venturing any further, but there are plenty of other restaurants to try in the back streets to the right of the main square for diners looking for a break from the sea views and in search of an authentic stone dining experience.

First Side Street: Paradies Garden and Passarola

Turning right from the Cathedral, there are two excellent restaurants in the first side street to kick off a culinary tour.

With its leafy courtyard and covered terrace, Paradies Garden is a romantic setting to enjoy warm Hvar hospitality in a pretty setting. The service is excellent and all the food is good, although the fish dishes are among the better offerings in the town.

Opening for the 2010, Restaurant Passarola entered a competitive market and quickly won over many guests with its superb food and great service. A more modern style and decor than its more traditional neighbours, there is good outside space, generous portions and friendly service.

Climbing a Few Steps: Macondo and Menego

A short climb away from the square towards the fortress brings one to two small but atmospheric and well-recommended restaurants. Macondo has a cosy feel with its simple wooden tables and open fireplace. The mixed seafood platter is particularly good. Round the corner a few steps up is Menego, a beautifully restored stone building and small family business. During the renovation, a 14th Century coin was found in its walls, testament to the history of the building, and the excellent local recipes have maintained that Hvar heritage.

Just off the Square: Leporini

Local favourite Leporini is nestled in a side street going up to the fortress round the corner from Luna. With its tables outside and cosy interior, it is a friendly place and as good a place as any to dive into the Dalmatian menu. Excellent fish dishes, all freshly prepared and locally caught... by the owner. There is a decent local wine list.

Near Hotel Park: Dalmatino and Marinero

In front of Hotel Park, there is a little street to the left with a couple of eateries well worth checking out. The first is Dalmatino, which regularly tops the Trip Advisor ratings for the town, a steak and fish house with excellent service, while a little further on is Marinero, a keenly priced and pleasant dining spot which can cater to larger groups.

Less Fashionable Location, Better Value: Alviz

Less fashionably located opposite the bus station, Alviz is a local favourite, very reasonably priced for Hvar (pizzas starting at 38 kuna) and offers a warm welcome, good portions and generous inside and outside space.