Rovinj: Where to Eat in Rovinj - the Best Beach Bars & Waterfront Restaurants
From the picturesque coastline and charming old town to vibrant bars and family-run restaurants, Rovinj will leave an unforgettable impression!
From a recent holiday, Rovinj is every travellers dream - sparkling Adriatic seas, Mediterranean allure and a vibrant cultural scene, we explored where to stay in Rovinj and what to do in our Rovinj blog. But, now it’s onto the food. From fisherman hauling in their daily catch, the bustling food market and the local liquors, Rovinj is the place where Mediterranean flavours blend seamlessly with local traditions.
From seafood delicacies, to classic Italian-inspired pizzas, Rovinj restaurants offer a large fusion of dishes to satisfy any foodie. Read on to uncover the hidden gems and must-try restaurants in Rovinj!
The Cuisine of Croatia
Menus are pretty similar all around Rovinj restaurants, with the typical menu of meat, fresh seafood, and an Italian influence with pizza and pasta often on offer. Following mediterranean flavours, the Croatian restaurants pay homage to their fresh seafood delicacies, local olive oil and regional specialities, including truffles and homemade cheeses.
We found Rovinj fairly expensive, with restaurants also pricey. However, at every restaurant you can find dishes around the €15 mark, with some a lot pricier. Whilst a litre of house wine can also be €15 at the family-run restaurants.
Make sure to also try their local Istrian wines and the local liquor. The most popular alcoholic drink in Croatia is Rakija, with flavours such as medica (honey), visnjevaca (cherry) and sljivovica (plum) are the most commonly drunk. Sliwowitz or sljivovica offers a sweet and enjoyable, yet, strong fruit brandy. Whilst in Istria, take the opportunity to try Terranino, a red wine liquor made from the Terrano grape variety, which thrives in Istria. Plus, it’s the perfect pairing for Istrian cheeses and hams.
Make sure to also try the herbal liquor Rovinjski Pelinkovac by Darna, the family-owned liquor factory of Rovinj. Carrying a bitter taste, this is produced from the essence of the Artemisia herb and is often served as an aperitif, either chilled straight or mixed, promoting excellent digestive. We picked up our liquors just outside of the Green Market at Terra Magica.
Our Favourite Rovinj Restaurants
📍Restaurant Graciano - panoramic views of Rovinj whilst dining
This restaurant has been opened to boast beautiful 180 degree sea views through wide-open windows. The family-run gem, situated in a beautifully renovated old property, promises the best sunset vistas and enchanting glimpses of the historic old town.
We lucked out big time with our 8:30pm Friday stroll-in as we got the perfect view. The staff were working hard to turn over tables to meet demand, although we could imagine it’s pretty tricky to secure a table if you are trying to walk in earlier.
Now, let’s talk food! Their menu follows the flavours of Istria with their gastronomic offerings. We went for the Fried Calamari, Pork Fillet and the Rovinj Style Fish Fillet with an olive and tomato sauce - which actually turned out to be shark (an unexpected twist, although we all really enjoyed it!)🦈. The pork was perfectly tender especially with that apple cream and red wine sauce, a must try! Although, the Calamari dish had plennnnnty of salt.
📍L’amore Per Il Gelato - the best late night gelato spot
With a constant queue, this newly opened ice cream shop always had high demand, even situated next door to another gelato store. With 100% natural and handmade gelato, we went for chocolate with crushed hazelnuts, the perfect after dinner treat. Reasonably priced and quick service means we would definitely recommend if you are looking to fix that sweet craving or in the need for the classic holiday ice cream. Plus, it’s got the perfect backdrop of the old town harbour.
📍BatimaR - Island Hotel Katarina, Maistra Select - Modern Snack Beach Bar
After a quick hop over to Katarina Island one day during our stay it was time for lunch. The Island doesn’t have many options except the main hotel restaurant and Batimar, the snack beach bar.
Looking for a refreshing lunch we went for “Our classic” salad - mixed leaves, tomatoes, cucumbers, lemon dressing and a garlic bruschetta with a side of french fries. Super quick and the perfect location, washed down with the zingiest fresh lemonade, Hugo Cocktail (€10.40) and Aperol Spritz (€9.40).
We definitely recommend Batimar if you are looking for a location away from the Old Town.
📍Mulini BeacH Bar - the perfect combination of Cocktails and sun Loungers
Mulini beach club did not dissapoint. This beach club offers snacks (including tramezzini salads, and toasties), cocktails and coffee with sun loungers and sofas at the water edge. Stopping with eyes only for drinks only I ended up getting the Illy crema cafee, a frozen, sweet coffee frappe - soooo good, the most refreshing and creamy coffee ever and only €5.4. We also got Strawberry Frozen Daiquiri’s at €14.30, making it not the cheapest cocktail spot.
Although a walk from the Old Town, it’s a great pitstop when walking along the ACI Marina to the Golden Cape Park Forest.
📍Restaurant Marina - Great dining At Rovinj Harbour
This one is the perfect place for people watching, plus it is a local busker hotspot so there is always entertainment. We stumbled across this on our first night as we had just arrived in Rovinj.
Great service, tasty food and the beautiful view made this one of our top restaurants and it is one of the oldest restaurants in Rovinj, with a long tradition of fresh, home made ingredients and Istrian cuisine.
Although we were swayed by the Italian influence, I had the home-made pljukanci with Istrian prosciutto, cheese and rucollo, a traditional hand-rolled Istrian variety of pasta found along the northern coast - chewy yet perfectly satisfying. Whilst, the pizza was a true traditional Italian base with prosciutto, olives and pomodori at €16.
Overall, a great restaurant to try whilst staying in Rovinj.
📍Viva Eufemia Lobby Bar - Best Rovinj Sunset Bar
The Viva Eufemia Lobby Bar is the focal of the Grand Park Hotel as you enter from the main entrance, apart from that jaw-dropping view. With the Old town, St Euphemia Church and Katarina Island as its focal points, this terrace offers the best view of Rovinj a bar can offer. 🌅
The central bar, private cigar lounge and large terrace is open everyday 7am to 1am as we visited for sunset drinks and a bar snack.
With a contemporary menu, we went for ‘Our Burger’, with a Veli Joze Croquette and Crispy Istrian Pancetta twist, and ‘Our Sourdough Club’, stuffed with Chicken, Slaw, Crispy Pancetta, Fried Egg and Avocado. 🍔🥪🥑 We found they were far from a snack, as the burger was huge but, sadly, a little overwhelming with so many elements. While a tad on the pricey side at €20 just for the burger, the view definitely adds to the premium!
Now onto the most important thing - drinks! Viva Eufemia boasts the most extensive selection of Champagne in Croatia (a little out of budget!), plus a large selection of exotic cocktails.🍸🍹Our favourite was the Harvey Wallbanger, a blend of vanilla infused vodka, sugar and orange - a refreshing treat after a day of exploring! The bar also offers complimentary nibbles - olives, vegetable crisps and sweetened walnuts. 🫒🥜 Staff were super friendly, although we did only get offered nibbles one of the two evenings we visited.
If you are staying at the Grand Park Hotel this is definitely still a must visit! We also had to get a few cocktails by the rooftop pool with a local San Servolo, Frozen Peach Collins and Frozen Strawberry Margarita overlooking the stunning town of Rovinj. 🍑🍹🍓🍺 The only disappointing factor was these drinks vanished too quickly! I could never have enough of this view though 😍
📍Puntulina - a one star Micheline restaurant in Rovinj
Sadly we didn’t make it to this one but we wish we did! Puntulina is perched on the rocky spur of the old town, as terraces line the sea with fresh seafood, modern twists and the perfect backdrop. Offering amazing sun set views and a one star Michelin restaurant, we thought it would be a lot more expensive than other restaurants, however, it isn’t too much dissimilar and fairly reasonable compared to other Rovinj restaurants. We wished we dined here, but at least it is an excuse to go back. Make sure to book ahead as the restaurant is in high demand! They also have Giannino or Rio snack bar as their sister restaurants.
📍Valentino - Cocktail and Champagne bar - Romantic setting on the rocks
Now this is another one we definitely should’ve visited, the perfect cocktail setting with cushions lining the rocks with underwater lighting creating the most romantic setting.
📍Katarina's Patisserie - perfect for a light snack in the Rovinj sun
In the mood for something sweet in Rovinj? Katarina’s Patisserie is the place to go set on the Marina Promenade, also known as the Lungomare Plaza Promenade, boasting selected shops, bars and restaurants. Priding themselves as offering the best espresso in town, the patisserie also serves artisan cakes, home-made ice cream, gorgeous macaroons and irresistible chocolates.
The menu features Italian-inspired aperitivo and refreshing cocktails with light snacks, salads and pizzas. The pricies of cocktails were reasonable priced on the doorstep of the Grand Park Hotel with a stunning view of the Mariana.
We went for a bag of warm foaccacia for €6 and the local mozzarella, Istrian tomato and pesto for €12, the perfect light lunch with fresh tomatoes and the freshest pesto, accompanied by a cooling Aperol and Limoncello Spritz. The Limoncello Spritz was our new fave cocktail with lemon liquor, prosecco and lime at €9, far fairer than the Grand Park Hotel bars.
On a second occasion we got the Capriciosa Neapolitian pizza - freshly topped with tomato, mozzarella, cookers ham, champions, artichoke and olives for €14.
Seeing as it’s a patisserie, we had to get some of their stunningly crafted cakes. The Hazelnut and Milk Chocolate Rocher cakes are a work of art and apparently the carrot cake is really good, although this was sadly sold out. All artisan cakes are priced at €4.50, dedicated to the idea of pastry science, whilst a homage to tradtions and local heritage.
Opened till 10pm meant we had to get some of their macaroons and chocolates for an after dinner treat as they specialise in giant macaroons, at only €1.50!!! (offered in three flavours; chocolate, pistachio and vanilla - chocolate was my winner).
📍Revera - tapas & Lounge - quaint Terrace over the water
This is a great little spot on the edge of the market with a welcoming vibe and a prime location overlooking the water edge. We only stopped for coffees and a Kamikaza as a light morning pick-me-up; vodka, lime, triple sec and blue curaçao - I mean when on holiday anything goes! They also offer mezze style meats boards if you are looking for a lighter dinner or lunch. Plus, it is a great spot for people watching and seeing fisherman hauling in their daily catch.
📍 stella di mare - a family-run restaurant
With a large and varied menu, we dined here twice during our week in Rovinj - obviously we just couldn’t get enough!! With a great atmosphere, friendly and welcoming staff, pretty good food, and perched at the waterfront you couldn’t go wrong. The restaurant always had a full house as staff work around the clock to fill tables full of happy customers. They did forget our table as we arrived for a reservation, but quickly made up to it by offering us each a glass of the house wine with a quick 5 minute wait.
Following the similar menu of Rovinj, the restaurant offered pretty much any fish and meat. We went for a mix of pizza, meat and pasta, whilst the chicken salad was tasty although small. I got the tagliatelle with a rich salmon and tomato sauce, at €15. They also had a large dessert menu, including chocolate fondant and a super creamy panacotta with the perfect fruit touch. And it was all washed down with a honey liquor on the house. The drinks were also the true winner here, in a prime location, yet at bargain prices with cocktails starting at €6 and the house white wine at €15 a litre.
Rovinj Restaurants That Left Us Disappointed
Among the culinary delights of Rovinj, there were a couple of restaurants that sadly did not live up to our expectations.
📍Ancora - A not so Welcoming Terrace
The hidden waterfront terrace, spotted through the kitchen archway, enticed us into Ancora. With a great view, I went for the seabass, two tasty fillets with a side of creamed spinach and potatoes. However, at 9.30pm they took the aorning away, creating a colder atmosphere as we felt the staff were rushing us away from the restaurant. A disappointing finish to the evening as we had such high hopes for the location!
📍 Restoran Lampo - seating lining the Adriatic Sea
It can’t get fresher right?! Fries, mussels and the house white wine, with seating lining the Adriatic Sea, this restaurant again captures the Istrian flavours with plenty of fresh seafood and meats. 🦐🐟🥩 Sadly, this is more a restaurant to avoid in our eyes. The fries were cold and staff weren’t too attentive, but we still had a lovely meal here, washed down with a local liquor (on the house!).
Though Rovinj restaurants may be on the pricier side, their charm and panoramic views are worth every cent. From the delectable treats at Katarina's Patisserie, panoramic views at Restaurant Graciano and the bustling family-run atmosphere of Stella di Mare - we would always return for more.
While we couldn't visit every restaurant on our list, we encourage you to savor the local flavors, try the unique liquors, and indulge in the Mediterranean delights that Rovinj has to offer. It’s the perfect place for a food enthusiast, sun seeker or a casual traveler. So, raise a glass of Rakija or Istrian wine, and here's to adding Rovinj to your bucket list.
Ready to explore Rovinj? Head to our Rovinj Guide to find out everything you need to know about Rovinj.