Dubrovnik’s Hidden Gems: Exploring Authentic Cuisine Beyond the City
Sometimes, you just need to get away from the crowd. Seeing the major attractions in a city can be rewarding, but most often, the sweetest moments you’ll have are in experiencing an authentically local way of life. And the best way to just that is to get away into the rural areas. There, everything is more simple, from how people view their lives, to how they prepare food. And in the words of the extraordinary Anthony Bourdain:
“Good food is very often, even most often, simple food.”
The nature’s never-changing fairy tale
Driving, flying, or sailing into the area around Dubrovnik feels like entering a fairy tale made real. Nestled along the picturesque coastline of the Adriatic Sea, this small city presents a breathtaking backdrop that effortlessly steals anyone’s heart. Its rustic landscapes paint a testament to nature’s ability to create masterpieces that inspire wonder.
Surrounded by olive trees, above a hillside near Dubrovnik, you can find Izletište Koraćevo. This hidden gem is a nature lover’s paradise where experienced local hands prepare only the traditional Dalmatian meals. An old stone house, a well-kept plot of land, peace and quiet, and a service that feels like you’re at a family gathering – this is the charm of Izletište Koraćevo. Make sure to stop by.
The Long Tradition of Home-like Hospitality in Dubrovnik
The famous walled city of Dubrovnik is not merely a visual delight; it’s a place where the warmth of hospitality has been part of its culture for centuries. Family-owned restaurants like Konoba Dubrava still value this tradition and welcome visitors with open arms and genuine smiles, making every traveler feel like an honored guest. Their entire family works hard to create traditional meals that are made to be shared with friends and family. With local recipes, made with ingredients from the surrounding villages, and a vibe that is as comforting as it is relaxing, it makes sense that Konoba Dubrava is a favorite for both locals and tourists alike.
By the way, it’s located on top of Srđ hill, where you can find some of the best views and picture-perfect sunsets along the entire Adriatic.
The Rich Food Culture Based on Homemade Meals
Embracing the charm of rustic landscapes is beautifully complemented by savoring the flavors of homemade cuisine. Dubrovnik’s food culture is a reflection of its deep connection to the rich land that surrounds it. Traditional dishes are crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, resulting in meals that are not just nourishing but also bursting with authentic flavors.
One restaurant, whose history goes over half a century, uses ingredients from this natural abundance, and safeguards and protects the nature it’s surrounded by. Hidden in an ancient forest, right on the shores of river Ljuta, Konavoski dvori is the first Croatian Eco-Green restaurant. Other than the respect it has for the protected natural habitat it’s a part of, Konavoski dvori are famous for their homemade cuisine, with signature dishes that originated in homes from all parts of Croatia. For those looking for a magical place where one can experience the diversity of Croatian cuisine, look no further. Get lost in the forest and the tastes!
It seems that rustic landscapes are always followed with a very important element. A feeling of home. The restaurants that are lucky enough to be nestled in nature’s embrace, tucked away from the crowds and busy streets of cities, seem to focus on treating their visitors as family. These are places where you feel more like a guest, rather than a customer. And it fits.
Being surrounded by vineyards, forests, lakes, and anywhere else that doesn’t make you feel like there will be a cruise ship group storming into your view, really does bring with it the feeling of home. Of safety. Of enjoyment.
So, on your trip to Dubrovnik, make sure to visit the surrounding area, filled with beautiful nature, amazing people, and of course, an unforgettable array of homemade tasty meals.