Tim S.
Google
Dubravka 1836 – Spectacular food and views, almost perfect
The location alone is worth the visit: that sweeping terrace overlooking the old fort, Lovrijenac, and the Adriatic is one of the most beautiful dining spots in Dubrovnik. On a sunny December day it’s pure magic.
Food was genuinely excellent.
The seafood risotto was creamy, perfectly seasoned, and loaded with fresh mussels, clams, and prawns — easily one of the best I’ve had on the Dalmatian coast. The gratinated beef arrived tender, rich, and bubbling under a golden cheese crust. Paired with a chilled bottle of Pošip, it was a proper feast.
Service started off strangely- i acknowledge I made a mistake by coming too early for lunch, and may have caused some of the awkward energy from my server, to be fair these rules are unspoken, not advertised anywhere.
I arrived at 11:00 for coffee and a bread basket (breakfast menu only), and when lunch service officially began at 11:30 I let the older, bald gentleman who seated me know I was ready to order. What followed was a 20-minute wait, a couple of strained smiles, and a genuinely surprised “For you, alone!?” when I ordered the risotto, the beef dish, and a full bottle of wine. It felt oddly judgmental for a solo traveler ordering a perfectly normal two-course lunch.
Thankfully, midway through the meal the staff swapped in a younger server who was warm, attentive, and professional — night-and-day difference.
I rarely leave anything less than glowing feedback (check my history), but that initial interaction was unnecessarily awkward and, frankly, unprofessional at a restaurant of this caliber.
Still, one bad server shouldn’t drag down what is otherwise a 5-star experience. Management might want to have a quiet word to protect your excellent kitchen and service crew’s reputation going forward. If he was management, owners should have a word with him.
Granted, I ordered a heavy meal, my arrival was poorly timed for sure- however I did not have breakfast and will not have dinner as I’m flying- this substantial meal is my entire day, but that’s none of his business remarking as he did.
Just take the damned order. As someone who worked in food service I couldn’t give a lower score, mad respect to this crew, but almost gave 3-star if not for the excellent replacement waiter.
Will I return? Absolutely — the food, the view, and the rest of the team are too good to miss. Just hoping next time I get the younger server from the start.
Highly recommended with that small caveat. Four very strong stars