Split Food Guide: taste the traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a modern twist

Croatia nurtures a rich culinary heritage that differs noticeably from region to region. Due to its favorable location at the junction of sea, land, and sun, the region of Dalmatia is perfect for the cultivation and production of local foods. Fresh ingredients are an integral part of Dalmatian cuisine, which is unimaginable without olive oil, tomatoes and fish, as well as different herbs, such as the bay leaf, sage, oregano and rosemary. In addition to the high-quality ingredients and unique taste and smell of the Mediterranean, this type of diet is often highlighted as the healthiest diet in the world, which was recognized by UNESCO by including it on the list of world intangible cultural heritage.

Food plays an important part in every Dalmatian home. Dalmatians are famous gourmets and love eating in good company, enjoying every bite, while sharing stories and laughter. The Mediterranean tradition, as well as the family spirit and kindness towards each guest, are transferred into the atmosphere of Marvie hotel and Da’Mar restaurant. Da’Mar brings a combination of traditional and modern Dalmatian cuisine, which is the basis for our gluten-free menu, as well as our customized menus for guests with special dietary needs. Martin Grubiša, the chef of the restaurant, very carefully designs the gastronomic offer based on traditional, local cuisine, but presents it with a modern twist.

Dalmatian cookbooks are rich with many traditional dishes, making it very difficult to single out just a few that represent the wealth of Mediterranean tastes and aromas. But, in order to truly experience all the flavors of Dalmatia during your stay at the Marvie hotel, we recommend Dalmatian prosciutto, which goes perfectly with a selection of local cheeses (cow, young goat and Pag), chicken stew, and Dalmatian pašticada. If you prefer fish, then you definitely have to try the octopus salad, homemade gnocchi à la brudet, prawn risotto, and crispy sea bass fillet.

Meat-based menu: local cuisine recommendations

Prosciutto is certainly one of the trademarks of Dalmatia. Given that it can only be produced in certain parts of Croatia, prosciutto is protected by the geographical origin indicator by the European Union. It is traditionally served as an appetizer, but since it is extremely delicious, it often becomes the main course as well. Prosciutto is made of specially selected pork salted with sea salt, smoked, and matured for no less than 12 months. It is recognizable by its characteristic aroma and full salty taste, which is achieved through natural production without added preservatives or additives. To be ready for consumption, the meat must be of a uniform color ranging from dark to light pink with white or soft pink bacon. It is served cut into thin slices, with homemade bread, olives, and nuts.

Dalmatian cheese definitely goes well with prosciutto. In Da’Mar restaurant you can try the local cheese platter of specially selected traditional cheeses. It is served with fig jam and dried fruit, making it a perfect combination that accentuates all the different flavors of local cheese. Cow cheese is of mild smell and texture, while goat cheese is known for its tangy taste and creamy texture. It also has numerous health benefits and is low in calories. The most estimated cheese in Croatia is Pag cheese (Paški sir), produced on the island of Pag. Given that sheep on the island of Pag is fed on hills exposed to the wind that brings salt to the grass and plants, their milk, which is used to make Pag cheese, is full of essential oils that give a characteristic aroma and texture that crumbles under your fingers. Pag cheese is the winner of numerous awards and recognitions, so it definitely deserves your attention when in Da’Mar restaurant.

Following to the main dishes of traditional Dalmatian cuisine, we should definitely highlight the chicken stew, which many Dalmatians associate with their grandmothers’ kitchen. Locally known as tingul, the stew is characterized by soft and juicy chicken meat in a delicious tomato and vegetable sauce. This original Mediterranean dish is prepared slowly, with lots of love, resulting in amazing flavors and aromas that you will enjoy. It is usually served with pasta, gnocchi, or rice, while in Da’Mar restaurant we serve it with creamy polenta, mascarpone, and pumpkin seeds, which give this dish a unique taste.

If looking for something exclusive, then be sure to try pašticada – the queen of all festivities, served only on special occasions in every Dalmatian home. Considering that vacation is definitely a special occasion, you must treat yourself to this traditional dish at Da’Mar restaurant. Dalmatian pašticada is prepared from beef meat which is marinated for a long time and then braised slowly with vegetables for 4 to 6 hours. The meat prepared in this way is full of flavor and melts in the mouth. Home-made gnocchi are almost always served as a side dish.

Fish-based menu: local cuisine recommendations

If you prefer fish, Da’Mar restaurant in the Marvie Hotel offers a wide selection of the highest quality fish, mollusks, and seafood prepared in a way that retains all the nutrients while ensuring the full flavor of each dish. As an appetizer, we recommend the octopus salad. Octopus, which was once considered the meal of the poor, has today acquired the status of a valuable food with a rich taste. Its soft meat is low in calories, but rich in protein, vitamin B, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. Octopus salad preserves the nutritional ingredients of the octopus, while combined with other vegetables, fresh spices, and olive oil, contains an abundance of vitamins and minerals.

Prawn risotto is one of those dishes that becomes everyone’s favorite meal at the very first bite, both adults and children. This traditional Dalmatian dish is a real delicacy, which is not surprising considering that the best quality prawn meat combined with autochthonic Dalmatian spices is used for its preparation. Prawns are one of the best dietary sources of iodine, a mineral important for maintaining thyroid health, so it is definitely recommended to include them in the weekly menu as often as possible. At Da’Mar restaurant, traditional prawn risotto is prepared in a modern version that includes sun-dried tomatoes and black olive tapenade.

If you are ready for the main course, traditional Dalmatian cuisine also has a lot to offer. We recommend gnocchi à la brudet, and crispy sea bass fillet. Brudet is a dish prepared with various types of fish, shellfish, or crabs. This dish is actually prepared throughout the Mediterranean and is known as brodetto in Italy and bourdeto in Greece. Dalmatians will often point out that their brudet tastes the best, although everyone makes it in their own way. A Dalmatian version of brudet is most often prepared from eel, monkfish, and grouper, but in Da’Mar restaurant, you can try a modern variation of this traditional dish, prepared from octopus and squid, while homemade gnocchi, perfectly complemented with other ingredients, add a special touch.

Grilled fish is a classic of Dalmatian cuisine, locally known as riba na gradele. It is a traditional way of preparing fish on the grill, which allows food to be served in its most original form. Dalmatians often debate on the best way to prepare the fish on the grill, and everyone will share their secret ingredient on how to make the fish perfectly juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. At Da’Mar restaurant, we have perfected this technique, which you can experience yourself if you try crispy sea bass fillets, served with another traditional Dalmatian dish – Swiss chard and potatoes. Swiss chard is often referred to as a guardian of health because it is rich in numerous vitamins and minerals, so it is recommended to consume it as often as possible. If you treat yourself to a glass of wine with this dish, you will ideally blend into the Dalmatian culture.

The listed dishes are only a part of the rich offer of Da’Mar restaurant in the Marvie hotel. If you want to know what other traditional and modern Dalmatian dishes we serve, please check our menu.

For all the information and reservations at the restaurant, feel free to call +385 21 279 800. For all the other questions regarding room reservations or your stay at Marvie hotel, our team is available at booking@marvie.hr.

Da’Mar is almost the only restaurant in Split with delicious and creative gluten-free dishes. If you follow a special diet, you can freely enjoy the dishes and desserts prepared in Da’Mar restaurant. Embrace the Dalmatian way of life, enjoy shared moments with your family and friends over a delicious and healthy meal knowing that you are eating the best of Dalmatian cuisine.

Split Food Guide: taste the traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a modern twist

Meat-based menu: local cuisine recommendations

Fish-based menu: local cuisine recommendations

Contact us

Cijene

Raspon datuma

Cijena po noćenju

Full price list

Date range

Price per night

Full price list

Date range

Price per night

Full price list

Date range

Price per night

Full price list

Date range

Price per night

Full price list

Date range

Price per night

Full price list

Date range

Price per night

Cjenik

Raspon datuma

Cijena po noćenju

Cjenik

Raspon datuma

Cijena po noćenju

Cjenik

Raspon datuma

Cijena po noćenju

Cjenik

Raspon datuma

Cijena po noćenju

Cjenik

Raspon datuma

Cijena po noćenju

Cjenik

Raspon datuma

Cijena po noćenju

Cjenik

Raspon datuma

Cijena po noćenju

Cjenik

Raspon datuma

Cijena po noćenju

Cjenik

Raspon datuma

Cijena po noćenju

Full price list

Date range

Price per night