Nautika Restaurant

Nautika opened in 1994 in the former Nautical School building just outside Pile Gate, and it has held the title of Dubrovnik's finest restaurant for most of the years since. It is not the place for casual jeans; it is the place for the anniversary, the marriage proposal, the once-a-year splurge on a plate that Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II and Tom Cruise have all eaten from before you. Two open terraces stretch out toward the sea, one facing Lovrijenac and one facing Bokar, with the walls behind you and the Adriatic in front.

The menu is unapologetically Dalmatian seafood - whole grilled sea bass on salt, black risotto with cuttlefish ink, fillet of dentex with truffle, langoustine tartare - executed with French technique and served by staff in full white jackets. Wine list is 300 bottles deep and heavily Croatian, so ask for a Pošip from Korčula or a Plavac Mali from Pelješac. A main is €40-70; a full three-course meal with wine will land at €120-180 a head. It is expensive by Croatian standards, cheap for the setting.

Book at least a week ahead in high season, longer for a sunset terrace table. Dress smart-casual (no shorts at dinner). Come for a long lunch instead of dinner if the budget is a concern - the menu is the same but two-course lunches start at €55. Combine with the walls walk (whose Pile entrance is 30 seconds away) or with drinks at Buža earlier in the afternoon.

Hours & entry

Not free to eat, free to reserve

Daily 12:00-15:00 and 18:30-23:00 · Closed 15 November-15 March · Reservation strongly recommended

What to see

• Sea bass in salt crust — Signature main - flambéed at the table
• The Bokar-facing terrace — Ask when booking for the eastern terrace
• Croatian wine list — Ask the sommelier for a Pelješac Plavac Mali

Tips from the ground

• Book two weeks ahead for a sunset terrace table in July-August.
• Lunch is better value than dinner and the light on the walls is spectacular.
• Ask for the Croatian wine flight - the sommelier will pick five glasses for €50.