The Ultimate Dalmatian Meal

Take your time. To enjoy the moment, to enjoy life on holiday. To have the most delicious meal ever. After all, Dalmatian cuisine is widely known as one of the healthiest in the world. It combines healthy ingredients such as fish and seafood, meat of the best quality, locally produced vegetables, seasoned with native herbs and Dalmatian olive oil to create dishes which are a pure joy for fans of excellent dining.

Start with a delicacy, or two

Nibble a piece of Pag island cheese. Take a slice of authentic pork meat product Nin’s šokol. Try some locally produced dry cured ham, pršut. These are not only specialties of locally made meat and dairy products, they also reflect typical Dalmatian climate and environment in which the animals are bred.

Or you can dive in the exquisite world of seafood dishes. Let your taste buds feel the Adriatic Sea by trying a mouthwatering octopus salad or seafood risotto. Or learn just how well sardines or anchovies taste when marinated with olive oil.

Irresistible main course

Pag island is equally famous for its cheese and lamb meat. When seasoned with native Dalmatian herbs and prepared peka style, the meat has heavenly flavour. Patience and dedication are also necessary to prepare pašticada, a famous Dalmatian beef specialty. This typical dish is in its essence a beef stew, but it is so much more than just that. Similarly, fans of fish and seafood will be delighted to try a black risotto. This cuttlefish dish is absolutely divine.

Another traditional Dalmatian meal which will take you to culinary heaven are shrimps a la buzara, with shrimps, tomato sauce and wine as the most distinctive ingredients. When in Dalmatia, if you want to do as the locals do, then you must try sardines na gradele (grilled). Or any of many amazing fish from the Adriatic Sea prepared that way.

Dessert - as sweet as a honey

While small balls of doughnut-like pastry called fritule may be a universally liked dessert in Dalmatia, there is also a great choice of fig desserts. It is a much liked fruit that seems to grow everywhere in the region and simply melts in your mouth.

The right choice of wine

To fully appreciate a well-rounded Dalmatian meal, choose a wine from the region. Let a wine from Ravni kotari, the wine region of Zadar’s hinterland, complete your excellent meal.

Healthy, yet delicious

Seafood, fish and healthy meat. Locally grown produce and native herbs. Exquisite olive oil and wine. Most importantly, the food is freshly prepared, taken in moderately and with plenty of time. It is easy to see what makes Dalmatian cuisine not only one of the healthiest, but also the tastiest in the world. So, take your time, seize the day and don't miss the chance to calmly enjoy a full Dalmatian meal according to your preferences (there’s plenty to choose from). Just remember to take that (Marasca) cherry on top with a shot of Maraschino, the famous liqueur from Zadar!