It was a nostalgic embrace returning to the tranquil shores of Mlini, Croatia. Eight years ago, we stumbled upon this idyllic haven, which has retained a special place in our hearts. Though it has become somewhat busier since our first visit, its allure remains unchanged. 

And even though our recent trip was curtailed by unfortunate wildfires, we still managed to explore and savor the culinary delights the village offers. 

This being said, here are some tips and tricks about restaurants in Mlini, Croatia, the delectable food in the area, and some must-try dishes.

Accommodation: A Place to Rest

On our second trip, we opted for the Hotel Astarea Mlini once more.

‍

‍

It was like coming home. With its private beach, bar, gym, and many amenities, it was a natural choice. 

However, if you are not a hotel-like kind of person or are on a more strict budget, Mlini boasts a plethora of lovely villas to choose from.

Anyway, if you're at the hotel, breakfast is sorted. 

Otherwise, consider visiting Bistro Oleander, which offers a breakfast menu. It's 15 euros including eggs, coffee, pastry and fruits.

Furthermore, I can tell you that their lunch offerings, particularly the tuna steak sandwich, became our daily delight.

‍

‍

The proximity to the beach and food quality made venturing elsewhere unnecessary, especially in the sizzling 40°C weather.

A Melange of Mlini's Culinary Offerings

And yes, Mlini might be a quaint village, but its dining options are plenty to choose from:

Konoba Lanterna:

Konoba Lanterna is located right in the heart of Mlini. You simply can't miss it. We ate there on our first trip to Mlini and wanted to start our holiday with a familiar place. 

So, after a tiresome 10-hour drive, we found solace in the cozy embrace of Konoba Lanterna. The moment we stepped in, a flood of memories from our previous visit washed over us. The family-run charm is palpable in every corner. 

Their superb wine selection, paired with the delightful dishes we savored, made us forget the fatigue of our journey.

‍

‍

We called and made our reservation a day before, which was the best decision as this place has become very popular. Therefore, don't expect to find a table without a reservation.

Konoba Marinero:

Amidst the quaint charm of Mlini, Konoba Marinero stands as an epitome of perfection. Each dish we ordered was a masterpiece, but the spicy shrimps? Absolute culinary art. 

‍

‍

Dining there was not just about the food; it was about the ambiance, the enchanting view, and the impeccable service. 

‍

‍

We found ourselves losing track of time, immersed in the experience. The wine also helped.

Puntizela:

As I previously said, our trip was during a really strong heat wave. So, imagine how happy we were to find Puntizela, a restaurant nestled amidst trees. This hideaway literally became our refuge from Mlini's summer heat. And yes, the location is serene.

‍

‍

But the food and the service were also great. Their unique crab rolls became an instant favorite. This was the only place that served such a dish. 

‍

‍

The only downside to the place was the desert. It didn't feel as spectacular as the rest of our plates. But nevertheless, Puntizela is a really nice place.

Basilico Pizza Pasta Restaurant:

Now, if you are on a budget but want to eat something good in a lively atmosphere, I might suggest Basilico. It's also in the village's center, and it has very good food and more than reasonable prices. A big pizza is around 10 euros. 

‍

‍

However, they don't accept reservations, and finding a table after 7:30 PM is a hassle. And since it's so crowded, the service is slightly lagging. But if you want to grab an early dinner, you should be fine. 

For us, it was perfect after spending a full day on a boat and wanting to eat something fast and close to the hotel.

A Stone's Throw Away: Srebreno

Walking in Mlini, Croatia is an experience in itself. It's peaceful and gives you time to take in the view and surroundings. For instance, a short, picturesque 15-minute walk through the park will take you to Srebreno.

This is a more lively village than Mlini, and if you want to make a change of scenery, you should not miss out on the experience of eating there at least once. Two standout eateries here are:

Bistro Lorenco:

Tucked slightly away from the hustle and bustle, Bistro Lorenco had an intimate charm. The terrace is filled with olive trees, giving our dinner a nice, cozy feeling. 

Each dish we had was delicious. But the oven-baked fish really stood out. 

‍

‍

As for their olive oil? It was an unexpected highlight, making every bite memorable.

Ruzmarin, Srebreno:

Another restaurant in Srebreno that I want to mention is Ruzmarin. Even though our evening was overshadowed by the looming wildfires, inside the restaurant, it felt like an oasis of calm. 

The staff went out of their way to create a comforting atmosphere.

‍

‍

And I can honestly say that they served us the best fish platter, buzara, and travarica we had during our Mlini holiday. 

Beyond Mlini: Dubrovnik and Cavtat

While Mlini is a culinary treasure trove, venturing out is worthwhile. Because yes, the iconic Dubrovnik Old Town is just 15 minutes away from Mlini. And you should not only visit it for its architecture but also because it offers a myriad of gastronomic possibilities. 

On the other hand, Cavtat is a nice small town that is the perfect compromise between Mlini and Dubrovnik. It's much more crowded than Mlini, but when compared with the big city, it's really a quiet place.

Anyway, navigating Mlini to Cavtat and Dubrovnik is seamless with water taxis. However, we found Uber and Bolt to be our best solution. As a matter of fact, Uber was slightly cheaper than Bolt.

Naturally, both Cavtat and Dubrovnik come with many restaurant choices, but here are our suggestions. You can choose whatever place you fancy, but remember that since they are more touristy locations, you can find more tourist traps. Also, going without a reservation in either of the towns is not wise. This being said, here are our recommendations:

Marco Polo, Dubrovnik:

As you can imagine, the heart of Dubrovnik's old town has many secrets, and Marco Polo is one of its finest. I remember our anticipation as we walked through the labyrinthine streets, guided by the memory of our last visit. 

When we arrived, we realized there had been a mix-up with our reservation time, but the warmth with which the staff handled it more than made up for the oversight. 

Our waiter, Ranko, was a revelation, effortlessly balancing professionalism with genuine care. 

The ambiance whisked us away from the bustling streets of Dubrovnik to a tranquil dining haven. 

Everything we had was more than delicious,  reminding us why Marco Polo had earned its place in the 2023 Michelin guide.

‍

‍

Yet, the oysters from Ston, which we had heard so much about, truly won our hearts.

La Boheme, Cavtat:

On the other hand, our evening at La Boheme stood out and was nothing short of magical. With each dish, we were introduced to a new dimension of flavors, each more exquisite than the previous. The impeccable service accentuated the experience, making us feel valued and cherished. 

‍

‍

Our evening ended with a powerful storm, giving us another reason to remember it. 

Rural Delights

One thing that you should know is that the Dubrovnik Riviera is about more than just small towns and touristy villages. It's also about the hidden gems that rural life has to offer. In other words, you shouldn't miss the allure of rural konobas. 

These often overlooked establishments exude a unique calm and cool vibe. One such gem we discovered was Steak House Zupaho. 

‍

‍

Its rustic charm, and great service, coupled with the best saint jacques, homemade french fries, and travarica made for a memorable dinner. We also had some local sushi there which was surprising. They weren't the best, but they were definitely a change of scenery.

Unfortunate Misses

Last but not least, I want to mention that we had 2 more bookings that we had to cancel due to natural causes that occurred during our stay. 

The first one was Gverovic Orsan restaurant which we were interested in because of its fresh fish, especially oysters. 

The second one was Konoba Komin which we wanted to try for its "under the bell" meals. Both of them were not in tourist areas, and we had really high hopes of finding authentic meals there. 

So, if you do get to try them out, please give us a heads-up and tell us what we missed.

Wrapping Up & FAQs

Before we say our goodbyes, I want to tell you that when it comes to things to do in Mlini, they extend beyond just gastronomy. 

The Elaphiti Islands, easily reachable by boat, are a must-visit. The Dalmatian coast's beauty is unparalleled, making boat trips essential.

I also gathered some of the most frequently asked questions when thinking of taking a trip to Mlini and tried to answer them with what we experienced there.

Q: How far is Mlini from Dubrovnik's old town? 

A: It's a short, scenic drive away. 15 minutes by car and I believe 20 minutes by water taxi.

Q: Is Croatia expensive? 

A: Like all tourist hubs, it varies. But with planning, it offers value for every penny. Furthermore, it is cheaper than in Italy, which is just on the other side of the sea.

Q: Is Mlini Croatia worth visiting? 

A: Absolutely. It’s a blend of tranquility, beauty, and gastronomic delights.

Q: How to travel around Mlini? 

A: While water taxis to Cavtat or Dubrovnik are available, we only traveled by Uber and Bolt. 

Q: Are oysters around Dubrovnik good? 

A: Seek oysters from Ston. We were particularly impressed by the ones at Marco Polo.

Q: Are there any Mlini bars? 

A: Well, I wouldn't say "Mlini bars." One bar called  Pirate's Social Club Gusar is quite popular but always crowded. We were never able to find a table there, and they don't accept reservations. 

On the other hand, Bistro Oleander offers a relaxed atmosphere with old-school live music in the evenings. 

However, we enjoyed our nightcaps at Hotel Astarea Mlini's bar. They had a great selection of cocktails and a very cozy terrace.

Q: What food is traditional for Mlini?

A: Although Mlini might not offer an expansive variety like some larger cities, its selection is undeniably rich in flavor and tradition. Here are some dishes and drinks you should not miss:

• GRILLED FISH: A testament to Mlini's coastal heritage, the freshness of the fish, coupled with the smoky aroma from the grill, creates a simple yet unforgettable dish.
• GRILLED TUNA: A meatier alternative, the grilled tuna steaks are often seasoned minimally, allowing the rich flavors of the fish to stand out.
• OCTOPUS SALAD: A refreshing mix, the tender chunks of octopus juxtaposed with fresh vegetables and a hint of lemon make it an ideal appetizer.
• BLACK RISOTTO: Infused with the ink of cuttlefish, this risotto is a creamy, luxurious treat that offers a taste of the Adriatic in every bite.
• OYSTERS: Often sourced from nearby Ston, these oysters are a briny delight, best enjoyed fresh with a squeeze of lemon.
• BUZARA: A traditional seafood stew often made with prawns or mussels, its garlicky, wine-infused broth is a taste of Croatian comfort.
• Ispod peke: A slow-cooked dish, often of lamb or octopus, prepared under a bell-like dome or 'peka'. The result? Tender, flavorful meat that melts in the mouth.
• As for drinks, the selection of white wines in Mlini is exquisite, reflecting the Dalmatian coast's rich wine heritage. Additionally, don't miss out on travarica. This herb-infused brandy provides a robust kick and serves as a fitting conclusion to a hearty meal.

In conclusion, Mlini is the ideal spot for travelers who prioritize relaxation and high-quality experiences. Its appeal lies in the balance it strikes: quiet beaches, excellent seafood, and a peaceful atmosphere while also being just a short drive away from the bustling energy of Dubrovnik. 

This unique combination makes Mlini a top choice for those who want the best of both worlds. Whether you're looking to unwind or explore, Mlini positions you perfectly for a memorable vacation.

If you are planning a visit to the Dubrovnik Riviera and still have questions, give us a message, and we will gladly help you in any way we can.

‍

**This article was written in August 2023. Please note that circumstances can change over time. If you discover that any venues mentioned have since closed, kindly inform us. Thank you!