7 Best Restaurants in Korčula, Southern Dalmatia

Head to the hills around Žrnovo to this tiny stone konoba, rustically strung with lavender and bouquets of elderflower, and feast on whatever the Marović family has dreamed up for lunch. No matter what the dish of the day, you can be sure it'll be seasonal, local, homemade, and delicious. Call ahead to book lunch, which might include platters of grilled vegetables pulled from their garden, traditional Korčula macaroni, and homemade ice cream.

The village of Lumbarda is known for two things: beaches and Grk wine, and you can enjoy them both at this beachside konoba. You’ll tuck into uber-fresh octopus and other catches of the day right beside the beach while sipping Grk made by the charming local brothers who own the restaurant. Great for a lazy lunch or a romantic dinner, this is one of the best and most reliable spots on Korčula.

In the courtyard of an old stone cottage in the tiny village of Pupnat (34 km [21 miles] west of Korčula Town), this welcoming restaurant is worth the effort to get there, thanks to its gourmet fare prepared from the family's own farm. The menu changes seasonally, but look out for the house specialty: a platter of homemade pršut (prosciutto), goat's cheese, olives, and eggplant pâté.

Follow the scent of fresh basil to Aterina, a playful restaurant occupying a square on the periphery of the Old Town, with views to the palm-lined promenade and sea below. Order the "small plate" to try a sample of each of the tapas-style starters including cheese, smoked ham, anchovies, and marinated vegetables. Don't leave without trying one of the excellent desserts, such as basil cake or peaches in Grk.

European food rule number one: if you see locals lining up for ice cream, get in that line. That's certainly the case with KIWI, the island's oldest ice cream shop; grab a seat outside to try traditional pastries such as klašuni (walnut pastries) and cukarini (handmade biscuits), as well as muffins, strudels, and homemade ice cream that does Korčula's Italian heritage proud.

For such a small village, Žrnovo is home to a surprising number of great restaurants, most located in old stone homes and run by the families who own them. Konoba Belin is one of the originals and the best, where you'll linger for a few hours over platters of grilled seafood or the local delicacy Žrnovski makaruni; call ahead to arrange a lesson on how to roll macaroni.

Head chef Marko Gajski's menu here elevates exclusively seasonal Croatian produce—think wild asparagus in spring, strawberries in the summer, truffles and root vegetables in the fall—and local seafood such as lobster, Ston oysters, and scorpion fish into fine-dining creations. With an outdoor seating area stretching along the Old Town's fortified wall and panoramic views of the Pelješac Peninsula and the archipelago, you can enjoy your meal while admiring the very terroir from which it was gathered. As Lešić Dimitri Palace did for lodging on Korčula, LD Restaurant brings a whole new level of sophistication to the island's dining scene, along with its first Michelin star.