Established in 1886, Proto once served dinner to Edward VIII and Duchess of Windsor Wallis Simpson, and the restaurant takes pride in the dignitaries it has hosted ever since. Today, it’s known for its fresh seafood menu which depends exclusively on the daily ingredients available. The vegetables on offer are also worthy of trying, they’re all organic and come from the region’s rural homesteads.

This elegant restaurant in a medieval arsenal comes with sublime views of the Old Port. Restaurant 360° is the place to sample top-class Mediterranean fare, especially through its tasting menu, which includes scampi and sea bass along with richer options like pigeon that’s served with royal foie gras and pickled peach. Reservations are essential and the restaurant closes for winter.

This beacon among Prijeko street’s run-of-the-mill tourist restaurants belongs to the equally classy Prijeko Palace hotel above. Chef Damir Šarić uses contemporary techniques to prepare traditional dishes. Think incredibly succulent lamb cooked in olive oil, ox cheeks with walnuts and honey and seafood dishes fresh from the Dalmatian coast.

Diners at Lokanda Peskarija can choose between eating in a candlelit dining room or on the romantic waterside terrace, overlooking the old harbour. The fried squid and mussels are both excellent and come served in attractive black pots. The restaurant gets busy in the summer months thanks to its prime location, and bookings are recommended.

Not everyone is a fan of seafood and for those looking for alternatives, a visit to the first vegetarian restaurant Nishta is a must. Cosy, colourful, wallet-friendly and only a few minutes from the main square, Nishta also caters to people with various food intolerances.

Orhan is another one of Dubrovnik’s renowned seafood eateries, with an outdoor terrace offering stunning views over the Old Town walls and the Lovrijenac Fortress. Dalmatian specialities dominate, and menus are dependent on the catch of the day.

Sesame specialises in serving Mediterranean cuisine in atmospheric surroundings densely decorated with old photos of Dubrovnik. The restaurant itself is set in a 200-year-old family home and is surrounded by citrus trees. As it’s close to the university, it’s a popular hangout for students.

Fancy an octopus burger to go? Barba is a family run street food restaurant that prides itself in locally sourced ingredients. Ideal for a quick lunch while exploring Old Town, beware that their portions are bigger than expected. 

Restaurants in Dubrovnik don't come much cheaper and any more cheerful than this busy outdoor place. The name means 'oyster', and they’re great value here, alongside the generous seafood dishes, especially washed down with affordable local wines.