Adventures in Croatian Cuisine | 10 Exquisite Gourmet Excursions for Your Luxury Croatia Yacht Charter

With over 1,200 islands and islets to explore and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites that can be reached by yacht – from Dubrovnik Old Town to the architectural wonder of Trogir – Croatia has emerged as one of the world’s most exciting new yacht charter grounds in recent years.

In addition to its world-class attractions, Croatia’s culinary scene is also having a moment. Here we bring you 10 of the best ways to get to the heart of the country’s culinary story on your Croatia superyacht charter, from heritage food experiences to dining in some of the best Michelin star restaurants in Croatia.

Gourmet Croatia: fresh and local cuisine that can easily rival that of its neighbours

Croatian cuisine is influenced by the country’s rich heritage that sees Mediterranean, Central European, and Balkan styles of cooking combine to create a unique array of dishes. While similarities to Italian cuisine can be found in the pasta dishes and olive oil – Croatian olive oil (especially that produced in Istria) is often ranked among the best in the world – Croatia’s cuisine can easily stand on its own.

Seafood features prominently in the nation’s dishes, such as in the heartwarming fish stew known as ‘brudet’ and the cuttlefish or squid used to ink the famous black risotto, while the nation’s meaty signature dish of ‘peka’ exemplifies the simple, unassuming approach to cooking here.

With over 800 wineries and 20,000+ registered vineyards, Croatia is also gaining a reputation among connoisseurs for its indigenous grape varieties, which include Pošip, Grk, Plavac Mali, and the golden, layered aromas of Malvazija Dubrovačka.

10 Adventures in Gourmet Croatian Cuisine from a Luxury Croatia Yacht Charter

1. Truffle Hunting & Wine Pairing in Motovun, Istria

In this beautiful part of rural northern Croatia you can take an authentic foray into Croatian cuisine by joining a private truffle hunt into the forests of the Mirna River Valley where the (usually rare) delicacies are found in abundance.

From the foodie hotspot of Rovinj, private car or helicopter transfers can be arranged deep into the rural heartland of Istria to join the hunt, after which you can indulge in a white and black truffle tasting menu, followed by a visit to the revered Benvenuti Winery.

2. Istria Olive Oil & Wine Masterclass at Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery, Bale

This exclusive experience at the Relais & Chateaux Estate of Meneghetti also offers a luxurious deep dive into Istrian terroir, where you can revel in a fine dining Michelin-level lunch in one of the best wineries in Istria and decide for yourself if Istria food is deserving of the hype.

The award-winning estate is set near a coastal location just south of Rovinj, making it exceedingly easy to get to from your Istria and Pula Croatia yacht charter, while the mill of Chiavalon is just 5km away and a tour of the olive groves here is a must.

3. Historic Fine Dining at Restaurant 360, Dubrovnik

As of 2024 there are 10 Michelin starred restaurants in Croatia, including this romantic eatery set within Dubrovnik’s historic city walls.

With both Adriatic and Old Town views and lantern-lit ambiance, the seasonal tasting menu by Chef Marijo Curić at Restaurant 360, Dubrovnik is the perfect accompaniment to any Croatian yacht charter. Curic’s elevated interpretations of famous Croatian dishes create something quite sensational that you’ll remember long after your holiday is over.

4. Seafood & Island Wines at LD Restaurant, Korčula

For Michelin-starred dining in an island setting, try this wonderful restaurant on the island of Korčula, where the menu focuses on Adriatic seafood with indigenous Croatian wine pairings.

With marina-side dining in the island’s charming Old Town, it’s incredibly straightforward to factor lunch or dinner at Korčula’s LD Restaurant into your Croatia superyacht charter.

5. Oyster Tasting & Boat Safari in Ston Bay, Pelješac Peninsula

Uncover some of Croatia’s food heritage on a private boat trip to Ston Bay, where the local oysters have been prized since Roman times.

Take a guided boat tour of the oyster beds to learn about local cultivation before indulging in a Ston oyster tasting. Tucking into freshly shucked oysters onboard, paired with crisp local wines such as Pošip is surely the simplest but most satisfying gourmet Croatia experience.

Ston was once the second most important town after Dubrovnik – a fact attested to by its incredible city walls – and its wealth was built on the salt industry.  After your decadent dining experience, take a trip to the region’s salt pans, which are the oldest in Europe, to hear about how the industry survives today.

6. Intimate Food & Wine Pairing at Bibich Winery, Skradin

For a dining experience delivering traditional Croatian food and cultural connections, take a trip to the soulful Bibich winery in the hills above Skradin, just north of Sibenik on the Dalmatian Coast, made famous by Anthony Bourdain.

Intimate dinner parties hosted by members of the Bibich family include storytelling and multiple courses that draw on the region’s natural produce, paired with estate wines like Debit and Lasina.

Located near the entrance to the Krka National Park, a trip here can also be paired with a Krka River yacht excursion and a waterfall tour to Skradinski Buk.

7. Modern Dalmatian Dining at Pelegrini, Sibenik

The Michelin-starred gem of Pelegrini is known for reviving Dalmatian cooking traditions through a modern culinary lens and is a must on any Croatian superyacht charter.

In a historic setting next to Šibenik’s 15th-century cathedral, it offers an ideal yacht stopover in the Adriatic city that acts as a gateway to the beautiful Kornati Islands.

Guests can dine on a terrace overlooking the sea as they surrender their senses to the seasonal tasting menu by Chef Rudolf Štefan, which puts local ingredients such as shellfish, lamb, and wild herbs in the spotlight.

8. Private Wine Tour in Konavle Valley, south of Dubrovnik

For the ultimate wine tasting experience in Croatia, ask the crew of your Dubrovnik yacht charter to arrange a private wine tasting with a sommelier in this lush wine region, which is an easy transfer from the ancient city.

Your expert guide will introduce you to some indigenous varietals, such as Malvasija and Dubrovačka, all served with some delectable local food pairings.

9. Enjoy a Traditional Hvar Cooking Class, or a Picnic with a Private Chef on Hvar Island

Hvar Island, which lies off the Dalmatian coast, may be known for its glamorous parties and resort atmosphere, but there’s a more authentic side to the island too, which is best experienced during a private Croatian cooking class.

Taking place in a rustic villa, your cook will teach you how to make traditional Croatian dishes such as peka and brudet, using fresh ingredients, all of which you can enjoy during a sunset dinner afterwards.

For those to whom cooking is not a passion, your yacht’s private chef can prepare a picnic to be eaten amid ancient olive groves, with Hvar home to one of the world’s oldest olive trees, which dates back an incredible 2,500 years.

10. Beachside Sunset Tasting at Zori Restaurant, Palmizana, Pakleni Islands

In the laid-back Pakleni Islands, Zori restaurant offers a barefoot-luxury dining experience with refined tasting menus serving up some of the best Croatian food in the region.

The restaurant is easily reached by tender from Hvar and once in this yachtie playground you can expect to dine on ingredients found right here in the Adriatic – from plump red lobster to fresh calamari – all given an international twist and paired with exquisite local wines.

Discover Croatia by Luxury Yacht Charter

From its ancient walled towns through its natural wonders, such as Plitvice waterfall, Mljet National Park, and the Blue Cave, Croatia’s treasures are never-ending.

Whether you are looking to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival or travel in the shoulder season to enjoy wine harvest celebrations, a luxury Croatia yacht charter is the best way to explore these myriad isles.

With brokers with local connections and crew who know the islands inside out, Edmiston can create a bespoke Dalmatian coast yacht charter itinerary tailored to food, wine, and coastal indulgence that will leave you feeling fully satisfied.

Talk to Edmiston to arrange your adventure into Croatian cuisine today.