Me & Mrs Jones – Mediterranean Restaurant by the Sea in Jelsa

Me & Mrs Jones, also known by its former name Napoleon, is located at Mala Banda, on the quieter side of the Jelsa harbor. The restaurant is just steps from the sea, and from the outdoor terrace, the view extends over the harbor towards the old part of Jelsa.

This is not a typical tavern with a few standard Dalmatian dishes. The cuisine remains firmly Mediterranean, featuring fish, seafood, and meat, but traditional ingredients are often served and combined in a more contemporary manner.

This combination of location, serious cuisine, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere makes Me & Mrs Jones one of the more distinctive dining spots in Jelsa.

At Mala Banda, Across from Old Jelsa

The location is one of the restaurant's strongest assets.

Mala Banda is situated on the opposite side of the harbor from the main promenade and Pjaca, allowing diners to gaze towards the old center of Jelsa, the coastal houses, and the boats in the harbor.

It is particularly pleasant in the evening when the light changes over the harbor, and later the lights on the opposite side of the town are turned on.

The restaurant is a short walk along the sea from the center, eliminating the need for a car.

Two Terraces, Two Different Atmospheres

Me & Mrs Jones features two interesting seating areas.

The outdoor terrace faces the sea and the harbor and is the best choice for dining with an open view of Jelsa.

The indoor terrace has more of a Dalmatian character, with stone and a more intimate ambiance, making it pleasant for those seeking a quieter table or when the weather is not ideal for sitting right by the coast.

Thus, the restaurant does not solely rely on the view – the area behind the promenade has its own character.

Fish and Seafood in the Spotlight

Fish dishes are one of the strongest parts of the menu.

On the table, you will find tuna, octopus, shellfish, shrimp, various types of white fish, and seafood risottos, depending on the current menu and available ingredients.

Notable dishes include tuna steak, octopus salad, and cold fish pâté as appetizers. Grilled fish dishes and combinations of fish and seafood are also popular.

The cuisine is not overly complicated, but the presentation and combinations go beyond the ordinary tavern.

Homemade Pasta and More Modern Mediterranean Plates

If grilled fish is not desired, it is worth looking at the pasta and risottos.

Regularly featured dishes include ravioli, various pasta with seafood and truffles, and risottos. These plates best showcase the more modern aspect of the Me & Mrs Jones kitchen.

There are also vegetarian options, making the restaurant a suitable choice if not everyone at the table is a fan of fish or meat.

Meat is Not Just an Addition to the Menu

Although the restaurant naturally leans towards fish and Mediterranean cuisine, the meat offerings are not secondary.

The menu includes steaks, lamb, and other grilled dishes, allowing a group where one guest wants tuna, another pasta, and a third meat to easily find various options here.

This makes Me & Mrs Jones more practical than restaurants that are almost entirely focused on fish.

Panna Cotta for Dessert

Among desserts, panna cotta has been particularly associated with the restaurant for years, providing a simple and light finish after a fish or meat meal.

Other sweets, including chocolate desserts and ice cream, are also available, but panna cotta is one of the more recognizable classics of the house.

Wine Plays an Important Role

This is a restaurant where it makes sense to take some time for wine.

The wine list is not limited to just a few basic labels, and Hvar and other Dalmatian wines pair particularly well with Mediterranean cuisine.

With fish and seafood, fresh white wines are a natural choice, while there is enough room for more serious red wines with steak and heavier meat dishes.

Me & Mrs Jones therefore functions much better for a quiet dinner with a bottle of wine than as a place for a quick meal on the go.

Why Does the Name Napoleon Still Appear?

Older generations and some long-time guests still associate the restaurant with the name Napoleon.

The hospitality tradition at this location dates back to 1986, and the restaurant was known for years as Restaurant Napoleon or Konoba Napoleon. The current name Me & Mrs Jones later became the main one, but the old name has not completely disappeared from local usage or tourist guides.

Therefore, the full name Me & Mrs Jones (Napoleon) often appears online.

It is useful for guests to know that these are not two different restaurants.

A Good Choice for Dinner in a Quieter Part of the Harbor

The best time for Me & Mrs Jones is in the evening.

At this time, Mala Banda has a more pleasant rhythm than the main promenade, and a table by the sea makes complete sense. The view over the harbor, the evening lights of Jelsa, and a more serious kitchen create an atmosphere more suitable for a longer dinner than for a quick lunch between two beach visits.

The restaurant is also popular among guests returning to Jelsa, so it makes sense to reserve a table for dinner during the peak season, especially if you wish to sit on the outdoor terrace by the sea.

Who Will Enjoy Me & Mrs Jones the Most?

This is a good choice for couples, groups, and guests who want dinner by the sea but seek something more than a standard menu with grilled fish and fries.

It is particularly worthwhile if you want to try tuna, octopus, fresh fish, homemade pasta, or good meat with wine while staying in Jelsa.

If you are looking for a completely informal pizza or a quick meal, there are simpler places in Jelsa. Me & Mrs Jones stands out when you want to take some time for dinner.

Useful Information

  • Type of establishment: Mediterranean restaurant
  • Location: Mala Banda, right by the Jelsa harbor
  • Other name: Napoleon; the old name of the restaurant still in use
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean and Dalmatian with a modern approach
  • Fish and seafood: an important part of the offering
  • Highlights: tuna steak, octopus salad, fish pâté, grilled fish, pasta, and risottos
  • Meat dishes: available steaks, lamb, and other grilled dishes
  • Vegetarian options: available
  • Desserts: panna cotta is one of the more recognizable choices
  • Wine: a good selection of wines suitable for a more serious dinner
  • Terraces: outdoor terrace by the sea and a more intimate indoor terrace with a Dalmatian character
  • View: over the Jelsa harbor towards the old part of the town
  • Access: a few minutes' walk from the center of Jelsa
  • Reservation: recommended for dinner during the peak season
  • Special feature: a blend of the old tradition of Restaurant Napoleon, modern Mediterranean cuisine, and one of the nicer views over Jelsa harbor