Restaurant Kopun in Dubrovnik offers a variety of delicious traditional Croatian cuisine- July 2025

Written by Marie Llug

Restaurant Kopun in Dubrovnik is a charming culinary gem nestled in the peaceful Rudjer Bošković Square, with a view of the grand Saint Ignatius Church. With a mission rooted in celebrating Croatia’s rich and diverse gastronomic heritage, the restaurant blends the coastal and continental traditions of the country. Drawing from centuries of cultural influences—Italian, Turkish, Austrian, Hungarian, and more—Kopun revives old Croatian recipes and emphasizes wholesome, organic, and locally-sourced ingredients. Their approach is artistic and intentional, treating each ingredient like a vital note in a beautiful culinary composition.

We were warmly welcomed by the manager, Dražen Galić, whose genuine hospitality immediately set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. He guided us through a selection of local specialties blending both land and sea, offering insights with warmth and confidence. Our waitress Carmen was equally gracious and attentive, and both she and Dražen spoke perfect English—Dražen also speaks fluent French, which added a personal touch to the evening.

We began with a delightful trio of starters: a meat plate featuring Dalmatian smoked ham, pancetta, Slavonian kulen, and capon pâté; a Croatian cheese selection from small organic producers; and a seafood plate with marinated anchovies, shrimp pâté, smoked tuna, and mussels—all beautifully complemented by excellent homemade bread.

For the main courses, we savored the traditional black risotto with cuttlefish ink and parmesan chips; Dubrovnik capon stew inspired by a 16th-century recipe with figs, raisins, and sour orange marmalade; “Šporki makaruli,” a delicious cinnamon-scented beef pasta; and the royal seafood stew Brodet, bursting with fresh fish, seafood, olives, and capers in a rich tomato-wine sauce served over polenta.

Our meal was perfectly paired with outstanding local wines: a crisp Pošip white and a bold Plavac Mali red, both from Smokvica. To finish, we indulged in traditional desserts—Dubrovacka torta (almond and orange cake) and paradižot (a light custard with egg whites and ladyfinger biscuits)—accompanied by a smooth Godfather digestif (Scotch and Amaretto).

With its peaceful location in Dubrovnik’s Old Town and a view that captures the city’s elegance, Restaurant Kopun is an experience not to be missed. Highly recommended—be sure to book your table in advance through their website: