The story
The name Dvor is the Croatian word for a traditional courtyard garden, and the restaurant lives up to it. Set on a cliff above Firule Beach, the outdoor terrace is shaded by olive and evergreen trees, with uninterrupted views of the Adriatic. The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried – the kind of place where a meal stretches into the evening. Inside, the décor is warm and understated, equally suited to a quiet dinner or a celebration.
This Mediterranean restaurant has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction, and the kitchen team, led by chef Hrvoje Zirojević, focuses on Dalmatian traditions elevated with modern precision. The menu changes with the seasons, but regulars return for dishes that balance bold flavours with clean technique. The lamb tartare – served with mustard, black garlic, hazelnut and demi-glace – is a signature, as is the rack of lamb that reviewers describe as “melting in your mouth”. Grilled fish, selected from the day’s catch, is simply prepared and perfectly cooked. Seafood pasta and ceviche also draw consistent praise.
The wine list leans Croatian, with local bottles that pair naturally with the coastal cooking. Service is attentive without being intrusive – several reviews mention the warmth and professionalism of the staff, especially Tomo and Marko.
Dvor’s setting is integral to the experience. The courtyard garden – “dvor” in the local sense – is where people come to relax with friends. The restaurant has been serving for over ten years, and the consistency of both food and atmosphere keeps guests returning. Whether you sit closest to the sea, under the olive trees, or in the cosy indoor dining room, the focus remains the same: straightforward, excellent Mediterranean food in a place that feels like a genuine escape.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
Dvor is located in the southern, residential part of Split, in one of the most peaceful and prestigious areas of the city. Located right on the coast, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the tourist crowds of the historic centre, it offers a sense of peace and privacy with an open view of the sea and islands. Such an environment is the ideal backdrop for a refined gastronomic experience of traditional Dalmatian dishes with the spirit of contemporary gastronomy. Along with the extraordinary ceviche of fish, scampi and scallops in a citrus emulsion, be sure to try the prawn carpaccio - fresh and aromatic, lightly marinated in citrus, with orange pulp and dried olive powder. The signature dish of their famous chef Hrvoje Zirojević, who recently left, is also a must: a tuna cannellon stuffed with foie gras, served with Jerusalem artichoke mousse and a light sprinkling of pistachios. A delicious and creative dish are the baked cannelloni richly filled with octopus ragout, while the osso buco, served with lightly baked potatoes in a ceramic pot, is exceptionally juicy. For those who prefer lighter dishes, we recommend the smoked seafood risotto with fresh and smoked prawns, smoked mussels and caramelized aged parmesan ice cream, which gives this non-traditional risotto an extra freshness. We rounded off the meal with a dessert Cherry Lady, with sour cherries, whiskey and chocolate. Dvor is a restaurant we return to often for its pleasant, calm atmosphere, but above all for its excellent food. The personnel are friendly and professional and easily advise on the choice of wine from a rich selection of Croatian vineyards, well-matched with the chosen dishes.
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