Bowa

The story

Bowa on Šipan Island Near Dubrovnik | Award-Winning Coastal Dining

The Family Legacy and Kitchen Philosophy

Bowa sits in Vrbova Bay on Šipan island just outside Dubrovnik, where the Šare family cultivates a distinct Adriatic cuisine. Božidar and Tanja Šare founded their first hospitality venue in the late 1980s, establishing a standard that their children now extend across the region. This kitchen builds its menus around ingredients sourced within a fifty kilometer radius, growing vegetables organically on the property and relying on local fishermen for daily catches. The approach reflects a quiet commitment to regional traditions rather than fleeting trends.

Standout Dishes and Local Ingredients

Guests typically begin with Mali Ston oysters and a selection of fresh tuna or swordfish prepared as tartar or sashimi. The menu also features fish pâté, octopus, and grilled swordfish paired with zucchini carpaccio. Main courses present a traditionally styled grilled sea bass served with young cheese, rosemary, and chard. The seasonal offerings adapt to what the shallow waters yield, keeping the focus firmly on coastal cooking without unnecessary embellishment.

Secluded Bay and Relaxed Atmosphere

Dining takes place inside sturdy wooden gazebos or on an open terrace shaded by carob, fig, and olive trees. The setting encourages a slower pace, allowing visitors to step into the Adriatic waters between courses for a refreshing break. A dedicated fishing team guarantees daily deliveries of bluefin tuna, swordfish, and greater amberjack to keep the menus precise. The Gault&Millau guide awarded the venue a fourteen rating this year, highlighting how the calm setting complements every island gastronomy offering.