Konoba Maslina Vrisnik – Škartoceti, Peka, and Dinner Among the Olive Trees

Konoba Maslina is located on the northern side of Vrisnik, about four kilometers from Jelsa, on a quiet hill surrounded by olive groves. The final part of the journey leads along a winding dirt road to the konoba, which is sufficiently distant from traffic and houses to create a sense of tranquility upon arrival, making this place special.

This is a small family konoba run by the Bojanić family, focused on traditional Dalmatian cuisine. Peka, fish, meat, homemade appetizers, and products from their own olives form the basis of the menu, but the dish that particularly distinguishes Maslina is škartoceti – an old Dalmatian specialty that is rarely found on menus today.

Terrace Among the Olive Trees

The outdoor terrace has about 40 seats and is situated in the middle of the olive grove, with an open view of the surrounding villages, the island of Brač, the Makarska Riviera, and Biokovo.

The hilltop location also brings a pleasant breeze during hot summer evenings. It is best to arrive while there is still daylight, as the view of how Maslina is set apart from the tourist bustle on the coast is most evident at sunset.

When night falls, the atmosphere becomes even quieter – without traffic and city noise, among the olives and nature.

Škartoceti – A Rare Traditional Dalmatian Dish

The most interesting specialty of the house is škartoceti.

These are beef rolls filled with a mixture of pancetta, parsley, garlic, and spices. The dish is prepared slowly over several hours, and the family recipe includes homemade prošek.

Škartoceti were traditionally prepared mainly for special occasions. Today, they are hard to find even in restaurants that focus on traditional Dalmatian cuisine, making them one of the best reasons to visit Maslina.

If you want to try something that is not offered in almost every konoba on Hvar, this dish should be highlighted.

Lamb and Veal Under Peka

Peka is another important part of the menu.

Lamb and veal are slowly cooked with potatoes and vegetables under an iron lid covered with embers. This method of preparation takes time, but the meat remains tender while the potatoes absorb the juices and aroma of the fire.

Peka is especially suitable for two or more people who want a shared main dish and a more relaxed dinner without haste.

Due to the lengthy preparation, it is necessary to order it in advance.

Octopus Under Peka

For those who prefer seafood, octopus is also prepared under peka.

The octopus is cooked with potatoes and vegetables, and the long cooking process under the embers gives it a tender texture and fuller flavor. During the summer, this version of peka is one of the more interesting choices as it is lighter than a large meat meal.

The octopus under peka should also be arranged in advance.

Octopus Salad and Homemade Fish Pâté

Dinner can begin with simple Dalmatian appetizers.

Among the characteristic choices are octopus salad and homemade fish pâté. Both dishes complement the konoba's ambiance – they are simple, Mediterranean, and do not attempt to disguise the main ingredient with a large number of additions.

They pair well with homemade olives, olive oil, and bread.

Olives and Oil from the Bojanić Family

The name Maslina was chosen not only because of the olive grove surrounding the konoba.

The Bojanić family has been engaged in the cultivation and processing of olives for many years, so their homemade olive oil, olives, and olive paste can be tasted at the konoba.

This is an important part of the identity of the place. The olive grove is not a decoration set around the restaurant, but part of the family production connected to the food that ends up on the table.

Homemade Prošek

Prošek holds a special place on the menu.

It is used in the preparation of škartoceti but can also be served chilled as a sweet wine. It pairs well after dinner or with dessert, especially if one wishes to remain within the framework of traditional Dalmatian flavors.

The combination of their own olives, homemade prošek, and old recipes gives Maslina a much more personal character than a classic restaurant.

Figs in Prošek for Dessert

Desserts follow the konoba's simple philosophy.

Figs aged in prošek, served with vanilla ice cream, stand out particularly. Homemade ice cream and a cake of the day are also available.

Figs and prošek naturally connect dessert with the Dalmatian region and nicely round off the dinner after peka or škartoceti.

No Music Here

One detail that particularly distinguishes Maslina from most restaurants is the absence of music.

This is an intentional part of the concept. Instead of music from speakers, in the evening, the sounds of nature, crickets, the wind among the olives, and conversation at the tables can be heard.

At a time when almost all tourist venues are filled with music, this silence becomes one of the greatest special features of Maslina.

Arrival by Car and Parking

The konoba is located off the main road through Vrisnik, and a car is the most practical way to arrive.

The last part of the approach leads along a narrow, winding dirt road through the olive groves. The road is passable for personal vehicles, but it is advisable to drive slowly, especially when passing and after dark.

There is free parking for guests next to the konoba, so there is no need to leave the car in the village or walk a long distance. The parking area has enough space for the usual number of guests at the konoba, which is particularly practical as the establishment is located away from the center of Vrisnik.

If visiting for the first time, it is useful to arrive before dark – it is easier to follow the final dirt approach, and one can also enjoy the view before dinner.

It Is Worth Strolling Through Vrisnik

If coming from Jelsa, it makes sense to arrive a bit earlier and explore Vrisnik before dinner.

Old stone houses line the slope towards the parish church of St. Anthony the Abbot at the top of the village, and the entire area has retained much more of a rural character than coastal tourist spots.

A visit to Maslina can easily be combined with a tour of Vrisnik, Pitava, and other villages in the interior of Hvar.

Who Is Konoba Maslina Best For?

Maslina is a good choice for guests who do not seek a large restaurant with an extensive menu, but rather a quiet dinner, homemade cuisine, and a special environment.

Peka is excellent for groups, but what truly sets the konoba apart are the škartoceti, their own olive products, the view from the hill, and the complete absence of music.

It is best experienced without haste – arrive before sunset, park next to the konoba, sit among the olives, order something prepared in a traditional way, and stay as evening falls over Vrisnik.

Useful Information

• Type of establishment: small family konoba
• Location: Vrisnik, in the interior of Hvar island
• Distance from Jelsa: approximately 4 km
• Position: northern side of Vrisnik, on a hill among olive groves
• Terrace: about 40 outdoor seating places
• View: surrounding Hvar villages, Brač, Makarska Riviera, and Biokovo
• Cuisine: traditional Dalmatian
• Main specialty: škartoceti according to an old family recipe
• Škartoceti: beef rolls filled with a mixture of pancetta, parsley, garlic, and spices, served with homemade prošek
• Peka: lamb, veal, and octopus with potatoes and vegetables
• Ordering peka: must be arranged in advance
• Appetizers: octopus salad and homemade fish pâté
• Olives: the family produces their own olives, olive oil, and olive paste
• Prošek: used in the kitchen and served as a drink
• Desserts: cake of the day, homemade ice cream, and figs aged in prošek with vanilla ice cream
• Music: no music; emphasis is on peace and the sounds of nature
• Pets: allowed
• Access: the last part leads along a winding dirt road
• Parking: free parking next to the konoba, with enough space for guests
• Best time to arrive: in the evening, to enjoy the view and sunset
• Special feature: rare škartoceti, family olive products, and an exceptionally peaceful dinner among the olive trees