At Otium Yachts, we are all foodies and have children, so we understand this challenge. We love giving genuine recommendations to our guests. This is why we decided to write this blog, to share what we consider the best family-friendly restaurants in Split.

Relaxed Atmosphere, Great Food

Ciri Biri Bela

First up is Ciri Biri Bela. This restaurant is tucked down a little alley, away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets. It has a cute courtyard in the front, and a gorgeous garden courtyard hiding in the back. Ciri Biri Bela is perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. You won’t find a quality brunch menu in many restaurants as it isn’t really a thing in Croatia, but Ciri Biri Bela does it well. Their lunch and dinner menu are fresh, fun, and creative. They do classic Croatian dishes with a twist, as well as some fun options like flatbread – which kids will love! They source the best ingredients and also have plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Brasserie on 7

Brasserie on 7 is another great spot for families. Brasserie on 7 is located in the middle of the Riva with a view to the sea and a large outdoor terrace. Brasserie is well-known for its brunch menu and excellent cakes. For families, it has a great selection of dishes on their lunch and dinner menu, from salads and burgers to pasta, fish, and steak dishes – there is something for everyone. They also have a great drink list – from fresh-made juices to craft beers, kombucha, wine, and craft cocktails. The food is great with a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for families.

Corto Maltese and Pandora Greenbox

Corto Maltese is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Corto Maltese is located in the heart of the old town and is well-known for its friendly and relaxed service and great menu. Corto’s menu is mostly traditional local dishes with a modern twist, and kids will have fun reading the names of the dishes – you’ll see what we mean when you visit. Corto also has a sister restaurant directly opposite – Pandora Greenbox, which is one of the few vegetarian restaurants in town. Pandora also has fun décor and a menu that the whole family will enjoy.

Bokeria

Bokeria restaurant is a stunning restaurant residing in the heart of the old town. Bokeria was inspired by the La Boqueria market in Barcelona. The high ceilings, chandelier, and Aperol-lined wall create a fun atmosphere. The service is friendly, and the menu is simple Mediterranean meals based on seasonal produce. It’s also worth noting that this restaurant is often a hotspot for visiting celebrities – even Ronald Weasley, excuse us, Rupert Grint, has visited, which is a fun fact for kids!

Chops Grill

This restaurant maybe deserves a category of its own for excellent food, service, and the best steaks in town. Chops Grill is always a crowd favorite. The service is friendly and professional, yet the ambiance is still somehow relaxed. The menu offers a selection of dishes to satisfy everyone – salads, pasta, fish dishes… But what they are really famous for is their steaks! They have a selection of Premium steaks from the U.S., Uruguay, Argentina, and Europe, all the way to Japanese Wagyu beef. For meat lovers, this is your restaurant.

Local and Traditional

Villa Spiza

Villa Spiza is another local favorite and must-visit. Located in the heart of the old town, Villa Spiza has been serving top-quality local food for years. With a gastronomy scene that is constantly changing, this is a rare constant in Split. It started as a ‘hole-in-the-wall’ with just a few seats, but recently acquired the space opposite, meaning it has more tables. Villa Spiza changes its menu almost daily, which is why it is handwritten, and when a dish runs out, it runs out. Understated, flavourful, traditional food in a warm environment where you feel like you are at home. You will not regret visiting this restaurant.

Otprilike Ovako

Otprilike Ovako is an unassuming traditional konoba (tavern) in the old part of Split known as Varos. This restaurant specializes in fish; with a no-frills approach, it is focused on traditional dishes, quality ingredients, and friendly authentic service. The gastronomy scene in Split has boomed in the last few years. Absolutely, try fine dining restaurants, but try and visit local restaurants like this one too. Otprilike Ovako has excellent reviews and you will see the word ‘authentic’ mentioned everywhere.

Everybody loves Pizza!

Let’s be honest, dining out is always about fancy restaurants, especially when you have kids. Sometimes, all you want is a good pizza, so here are some of our top picks.

Galija

We can’t very well talk pizza without mentioning one of the oldest Pizzerias in Split. Pizzeria Galija is located in the heart of the old town and is a favorite among locals. The menu is simple but with quality pizzas, homemade pasta, and salads, we are sure it will keep the whole family happy.

Basta

Gourmet bar Basta is located on the West Coast promenade, perhaps right where you disembark your yacht. With a view of the sea and an open-air environment, Basta makes for a relaxing atmosphere. On the menu, you will find some great-tasting platters with local cheeses and pršut (prosciutto) Napoletan sandwiches, calzone and focaccias, big salads, and of course – pizza! With a view of the sea and of Split, a great menu with reasonable prices, and a relaxed atmosphere, this is a perfect spot for families.

Bokamorra

Bokamorra was the first Pizzeria to come on the Split food scene with unique gourmet Napolitano-style pizzas. Before they opened, the owners even went so far as to visit some of the best Pizzerias in Naples, and their pizza oven is also from Naples. Yet, while drawing inspiration from Naples, Bokamorra wanted to put their unique stamp on pizzas, and have created unique flavour-combos representing Croatia. The setting is a little more high-class, but the service and atmosphere are warm and friendly. While kids will be happy with their pizzas, parents can try some of the brilliant craft cocktails that Bokamorra is also famous for. Win-win.

Fine Dining Experiences

We don’t want to assume that fine dining experiences are ruled out just because you are traveling with kids. Having worked in the industry for years, we have seen that many children are also foodies! So, it would be wrong of us to leave this out. Here are a few of our favorite fine-dining restaurants in Split.

Makarun

When it comes to an overall brilliant dining experience, Makarun has a longstanding reputation for delivering excellence in food and service. Makarun is hidden behind the walls of Diocletian’s Palace in its own private oasis. The menu offers a degustation menu with wine pairings, or a la carte, and offers everything you’d expect from seafood to meat. Makarun is especially famous for its handmade traditional Macaroni (Makarun) – a centuries-old recipe from the island of Korcula. Makarun is passionate about sourcing the best local ingredients, they have their own garden, and are also a part of the international gastronomy Association - Chaîne des Rôtisseurs which brings together enthusiasts who share the same values of quality in fine dining and the culinary arts.

Zrno Soli

Zrno Soli is another exceptional restaurant that resides in the ACI Marina with views over the Marina towards Split. Since 2018 they have been a Michelin-recommended restaurant and are also included in the Gault and Millau Gastronomic guide. The cuisine is contemporary with a focus on seafood, the service is professional, and they have an excellent wine list.

Zoi

Zoi restaurant is undoubtedly the most beautiful setting and location in Split, resting on a terrace of the walls of Diocletian’s Palace high above the Riva. This setting is more formal, so maybe not recommended for very young children, but for older kids who are used to fine dining, you can make this work. Zoi’s menu is focused on Mediterranean cuisine with a gastronomic flare, and they offer a 3-course or 7-course menu, with an excellent wine menu to complement. Enjoy the stunning views and dining experience.

Dvor

A 5-minute taxi ride or 30-minute walk from the heart of the city will bring you to the gorgeous Dvor restaurant which has a garden vibe, with views to the sea and islands. Dvor is a Michelin-Guide recommended restaurant and is also in the Gault and Millau gourmet guide. The restaurant is overseen by respected Croatian chef Hrvoje Zirojevic, who is particularly known for his seafood dishes. The menu is modern and fine dining with an emphasis on seafood dishes. But because most of the tables are outside, it still has a relaxed vibe and is suitable for families.

 

Contact us today and let us create your yacht charter itinerary according to your food preferences for a true family gastronomic experience!