Where to Eat in Hvar Town: A Guide from the Kitchen
A practical guide to eating in Hvar Town in 2026, from the best breakfast spots on the Riva to where to find the freshest seafood. Written from inside a restaurant that's been here since 1987.
We've been cooking on the Hvar Riva since 1987. In that time we've watched the restaurant scene here change considerably. Here's what we actually think, as people who cook food on this island for a living.
Breakfast and brunch in Hvar
This is where Hvar is underserved relative to its reputation. Most kitchens don't open until noon. If you're an early riser or someone who wants a proper sit-down breakfast before the boat crowds arrive, your options are limited. We open at 08:00 every day of the season with a full breakfast menu. The Riva at 08:30 is one of the best things about Hvar, and most visitors never see it.
The Riva vs the old town
The Riva is the seafront promenade. The old town climbs uphill behind it. Both are worth eating in, but the experience is different. Riva restaurants have water views and better cross-breezes; old town places are more sheltered and usually quieter at lunch. For dinner, the old town comes into its own once the heat drops.
Seafood: what to order
Ask where the fish is from. On a good day you'll get an answer that names a specific boat or bay. Shrimp, squid, sea bass, sea bream and octopus are all caught locally in season. Lobster and oysters from Ston appear on most higher-end menus. If a restaurant offers a fish of the day at a market price, that's usually a good sign.
Pizza and pasta in Hvar
Both are done well across the island. Croatian pizza leans Italian-style thin crust. Pasta is almost always fresh at the places worth going to. Don't skip the pasta just because you're on a seafood coast: a well-made Marigo Mediterrano (shrimps, tomato-cream sauce, baby spinach, parmesan) is the right kind of lunch after a morning swim.
When to book
July and August are extremely busy. If you want a specific table at a specific time in those months, book at least the day before. For lunch in June and September you can usually walk in. For dinner in high season, always book.
The speedboat option
If you want to arrive in style or explore the Pakleni Islands after lunch, we have two private speedboats available for daily rental - Enduro 705 and Noblesse 790. Perfect for island hopping, beach days, or a sunset cruise. Book through our website.
Written from the kitchen at Marigo Grill & Chill, Hvar.
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