Elafiti Islands: Top Food & Drink You’ve Gotta Try

If you are visiting the Elafiti Islands, prepare your taste buds! Think clear blue water, stunning scenery and unbelievably amazing food. I mean it! This cluster of little islands, very close to Dubrovnik, is way more than a scenic escape; it’s a complete immersion into amazing Croatian tastes. I want to give you a tour of some awesome local food and drinks that will stick with you long after you leave these pretty islands. Get ready to treat yourself with deliciousness!

1. Fresh Seafood Platters: A Taste of the Adriatic

There’s basically nothing quite like tucking into a seafood platter while you have amazing views of the Adriatic – trust me. The Elafiti Islands do serve up some incredibly amazing, unbelievably fresh seafood platters that really show you what Croatian food is all about. Usually, you get this huge platter, so it’s a pretty big pile of grilled fish, shrimp, mussels, and calamari, I am talking about all the very best catches of the day. A lot of restaurants actually get their seafood straight from the local fishermen, is that cool? This means that what you are eating isn’t only very yummy but also helps support the local population. It is a winner. Picture this: you are seated almost on the beach, you are sipping some local wine, while digging into a seafood meal that just melts in your mouth. What can be better?

2. Pašticada: Dalmatian Comfort Food at Its Best

Okay, so if you ask anyone who knows about Dalmatian food what to try, they will almost always say Pašticada. This is kind of like your ultimate comfort food in Croatia. Usually, it’s this slow-cooked beef stew, but there is so much to it. It’s actually braised in a very rich sauce that has prunes, dried figs, and even Prošek, which is a dessert wine! Doesn’t that sound good? So, typically the beef is super tender, falling apart the minute you touch it, and soaked with the gorgeous sweetness of those dried fruits. People usually have it with homemade gnocchi or wide noodles, and it is seriously just amazing. You will find a bunch of konobas (which are those super cozy local taverns) around the Elafiti Islands serving up Pašticada passed down through families for generations, so they’re pretty good, usually. Definitely give it a shot!

3. Black Risotto (Crni Rižot): An Adriatic Adventure

Are you after a food that’s both a little bit dramatic and unbelievably delicious? Well, you really need to try black risotto! In Croatia they call it ‘Crni Rižot’, but don’t be intimidated. It is almost squid ink risotto, made with super fresh squid, so that is where that dark, deep color originates from. This kind of risotto isn’t only so amazingly flavorful, it’s so unique because of that subtle ocean-like taste and creamy kind of texture that gets just perfect with a splash of local olive oil and some fresh parsley. When you’re roaming the Elafiti Islands, you’re bound to stumble upon all of these lovely family-run places serving it with their own twist. It’s not only just a meal, it’s this absolute celebration of tastes you won’t forget.

4. Local Wines: A Sip of Croatian Sunshine

So, have you heard of Croatian wines? They are seriously worth finding. What could be better than enjoying the stunning Croatian sunshine, and sipping something super good? What a blast! You absolutely must explore the local wines while visiting the Elafiti Islands. This place, and particularly the wider Dubrovnik area, is really nicely known for wines that are powerful, rich, and a product of its unique climate. Try out the white wines from grape called Malvasija; its something local here. Also, there are fantastic reds that come from Plavac Mali – kind of like Zinfandel’s cousin. Lots of the restaurants are there for a reason and stock some local labels, and they typically go amazingly with meals! Consider going to a local winery if you could. A tasting with fantastic island views could really be something special. It brings something amazing to every sip!

5. Rožata: Dalmatia’s Sweet Secret

Let us get to deserts. The sweet treat you have to sample? It is Rožata! I can promise it’s a sweet that everyone in Dalmatia is obsessed with! It’s similar to crème brûlée or flan; this custard pudding is infused with all sorts of citrusy aromas, typically lemon and orange zest. Then, what takes it to another level is the caramelized sugar syrup drizzled on the very top – oh my! A few of the restaurants there make theirs totally in house following classic recipes, so I want you to ask everywhere you eat if they’ve made it at the restaurant, that means it will be extra yummy. I have had a lot, and let me say this. Every bite gives you that lovely smooth texture plus the caramel that shatters nicely in your mouth – what an unbelievable way to finish up a meal! Make sure to get yourself a bit; you’ll become a fan fast, I promise.