Restaurants & Bars

 You don’t want to cook every day when you are on holiday. Going out for dinner gives you the opportunity to get a taste for the Croatian cuisine and experience the friendly ambiance of the people and their traditions. There are many nice places to go for lunch, dinner, a cocktail at night or a nice coffee in the morning. However the diversity of cuisine is local, either Croatian or Italian. Most of the restaurants are known for a specific dish.

Pojoda

The restaurant is located in one of the traditional palaces in Kut, near the small port that is filled with boats during the summer. Pojoda seats about 80 guests and during high season it is advised to make a reservation a day or two ahead. Especially on Mondays and Tuesdays it can be very busy as most rental sailing boats arrive at the island.

Pojoda’s kitchen is traditional with a twist of the chef and owner Zoran Brajčić. Zoran has built a reputation with his imaginative use of old recipes from Vis Island for simple, meals such as pasta and bean stew and octopus fritters. Pojoda is famous for its daily fresh fish from the grill, but if you are a lover of squid we recommend the stew with lentils and as hero the squid. The restaurant serves great wines from the island.

Pojoda is one of the few restaurants open throughout the year.

Restaurant Pojoda – Ulica don Cvjetka Marasovića 10 – Kut/Town of Vis – Tel: +385 (0) 21 711 575

Villa Kaliopa

In the exotic gardens of the 16th-century Garibaldi mansion, Villa Kaliopa is a restaurant full of romance and yachting enthusiasts. Tall palm trees, bamboo and classical statuary provide the setting for a menu of Dalmatian specialities, which change daily. Big platters with the catch of the day to choose from and lovely grilled vegetables are our favourite. We recommend the fried squid or tuna carpaccio as a starter. If you are not in the mood for fish, try the lamb chops. As most restaurants, Kaliopa offers you their own brewed liqueur while having dessert.

Kaliopa is situated half way the road towards Kut, next to the small police station. You will recognize the 16th-century wall and illuminated garden full with palm trees and bamboo.

Villa Kaliopa – Ul. Vladimira Nazora 32 – Vis – Tel +385 (0) 91 271 1755

Pizzeria Karijola

Everybody knows Karijola, if you walk the small road along the shore towards Vis you can’t miss it. Just before the church you will find Karijola. The restaurant has its seating mainly outside with a magnificent view on the marina. The pizza is absolutely great, Italian thin dough and crispy from the wood oven. Together with a local beer the evening comes to a perfect start. Make sure to come a little early before Mediterranean dinner hours. As Karijola is not a hidden secret anymore it can be rather busy and the waiting time pretty long. Karijola is a perfect place to eat with children; easy food and they can play without any danger on the little square next to the restaurant.

Tip! If you call Karijola 30 to 45 minutes ahead pizzas will be ready for pick up.

Pizzaria Karijola – Tel: +385 (0) 21 711 358

Konoba Roki’s

We love Roki’s because of its authentic feeling. It’s really like being in the backyard of your grandmother; large tables with blotted tablecloths, the Sicilian atmosphere is in the air. Fresh fish and their famous Peka dishes are served amid olive groves and vineyards, accompanied by Roki’s own Plavac or Vugava wines. Book by calling or dropping by at their wine shop near the Bejbi Bar in the harbour of Vis. As Roki’s is located outside the village in the mountains you can arrange a pick up (free for 4 or more, else 60kn return per car). The preparation of Peka takes about 3 to 4 hours, upon reservation you have to choose which kind of Peka you would like to have.

Roki’s – D117 3, 21480, Plisko Polje – Tel + 385 (0) 98 303 483 – https://www.rokis.hr

Fort George

Standing on a high promontory with a commanding and breathtaking view of the island Fort George, originally built by the British in 1813 and named after King George III, is situated on one of the most breath-taking places on the island. After the British left, the Austrian-Hungarian Empire and Yugoslav Army later used this historical place.

About six years ago the fort has undergone a major renovation to become a multi-purpose venue. A lounge bar, restaurant and music venue, all things considered, this is probably the most exciting nightspot to hang out to party.

If you plan to have dinner at the Fort make sure to arrive before the evening sets.

Enjoy a cocktail seated between a forest of pine trees, accompanied by a panoramic view of the Adriatic that is particularly fantastic when watching the sunset. Other than most of the local restaurants Fort George aims a little higher and serves a fusion between traditional and contemporary cuisine.

Fort George hosts numerous musical events, parties and private celebrations throughout the high season, make sure to check their calendar before heading up the mountain. Pick up from town can be arranged when making a reservation.

Fort George – Utvrda Sv. Juraj bb – Vis – Tel: +385 (0) 91 265 6041 – Email: info@fortgeorgecroatia.com – www.fortgeorgecroatia.com

Senko

On the Southern side of the island, in the Mala Travna bay, Senko Karuza has his little restaurant on the cliff of the bay. Senko ‘the philosopher’ is a legend on the island. Ask any local and they will come with a great story. Together with his wife, daughter Hannah and her best friend, the restaurant, which is their home during summer as well, is run in a serene, tranquil and warm ambience. No rush, no menu’s, you eat what is cooked for the day. Local cheese with rock samphire, capers, olives and fried anchovies are most likely to be served as a starter. Furthermore Senko is known for his famous dried Forkbeard fish soup, fish grilled on spruce wood and fisherman’s pasta-fagioli. Not to forget the home made kroštule for dessert., they are to die for. We think Senko is the most original Robinson cook of the Dalmatian cuisine, a must go if you spend time on the Island of Vis. We love everything about Senko and his little restaurant on the cliff.

Senko’s place can be reached by boat; a few moorings are to be found in the bay. By car you must be an adventurous driver to reach his place, the last 4 km is a rural road. Reservation is advisable. Most of the guests will have late lunch. Senko only accepts cash.

Senko – Mala Travna – Tel: +385 (0) 98 352 5803

Frutarija

Frutarija has the best morning coffee, a perfect place to start the day. Halfway from Luka to Kut you will find Frutarija on your left hand side, approximately 200 meters past pizzeria Karijola. A few steps down from the road you will enter a beautiful palm tree terrace were you can drink your coffee while paddling your feet in the sea. A small breakfast and fresh juices are also available. During summer nights you can drink great cocktails while enjoying live acoustic music.

Bisto Frutarija – Ulica Viški Boj 13 – Vis

Lola

Another wonderful place to have cocktails, gin tonics and dinner is Lola. Lola has a completely different cuisine from most restaurants on the island. It serves gourmet food with a touch of Spain as the chef has spent years living in Spain. The restaurant is situated in a magnificent garden surrounded by 16th-century buildings.

Lola – Ulica Matije Gupca 12 – Vis – Tel +385 (0) 95 563 3247 – www.lolavisisland.com

Budikovac

If we would have to pick our favourite food, we can say without any doubt Budikovac. Owner Andro created his restaurant on the island of Budikovac (South side of Vis) years ago. Nowadays it is a very popular bay to moor. Boats from Bisevo, Vis and Hvar come and go throughout the day to have a swim in the crystal clear water to continue their trip to the Green Cave just around the corner at the island of Ravnik.

As many restaurants on the island, Budikovac is run by family and Andro is his own regular customer. The large terrace has a wonderful view of the bay. You can shoot a picturesque image if you bring your camera. If you have time, stroll the island. The family produces their own wine, grows vegetables, holds donkey’s and their turkey guards the outside toilet.

Our absolute favourite dish is pork from the grill with grilled vegetables and potatoes. Just like Peka, you need to order the pork in advance as the cooking takes a few hours. Starters are traditional; Dalmatian ham, tomato’s with onion, little pickled fish. For dessert kroštule, watermelon or home made cake from the Carob tree. And not to forget home made grappa and liquor!

If you do not have a boat to your disposal, drive to Rukavac, on the South side of the island and watertaxi across. Just like Senko, only cash is accepted.

Budikovac – Island of Budikovac – Tel: +385 (0)91 7544069

Aerodrom Gostionica

When not spending the day on the water, but touring the island by car or scooter make sure to have a stop at Aerodrom Gostionica. The wine house Aerodrom is located at the end of the formal military air landing strip on the island. It’s one of our favourite places to have a great glass of wine, eat local dried Dalmatian ham and cheese and meet the locals from the island. Don’t expect a fancy modern wine bar, at Aerodrom time stood still. Have a look inside, you can feel the history of great wine making tradition.

Aerodrom Gostionica – D117 24 – Plisko Polje

Kantun

Kantun is located in the lively area of the port of Vis, a nice place to dine outside and enjoy the people walking by. The small menu at this seafront restaurant offers flavourous local dishes made with top-quality ingredients. The garden area is vine-covered and intimate, while the interior is a tasteful rustic space of exposed stone.

Restaurant Kantun – Biskupa Mihe Pušića 17, Luka/Vis – Tel + 385 (0) 21 711 306