Vala City Restaurant in Stari Grad on Hvar – Fresh Fish, Wood-Fired Pizza, and a Large Green Terrace by the Sea

Vala City Restaurant is located right on the waterfront in Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, featuring a large green terrace with views of the old town harbor. It is known for its diverse Mediterranean cuisine, which includes fresh fish, seafood, grilled meats, and wood-fired pizzas. It is particularly appealing to families and larger groups as it offers a wide selection of dishes, including fish and meat platters for two.

Vala is a restaurant for a relaxed lunch or dinner by the sea, without an overly formal atmosphere. Its location on the waterfront allows guests to enjoy views of boats and the daily life of the old town harbor during their meal, while the greenery surrounding the terrace creates a pleasant ambiance on warmer days.

Fresh Fish and Seafood Specialties

Fish and seafood are important components of the Vala City Restaurant's offerings.

The menu features grilled fish, which can be ordered by weight, making it particularly interesting for guests who want a classic Dalmatian fish meal. Simple Mediterranean sides and a glass of white wine pair well with the fish.

For couples and groups, the Vala fish platter for two is an interesting option for sharing seafood specialties.

Among the appetizers, the octopus salad and tuna tartare are noteworthy. Both dishes are good choices to start a meal, especially during warm summer days.

Shellfish lovers will find the mussels prepared in a traditional Dalmatian sauce appealing, while the shrimp in garlic sauce is an excellent choice for those who enjoy more pronounced Mediterranean flavors.

Black Risotto and Seafood Pasta

In addition to grilled fish, Vala also offers well-known dishes from Dalmatian cuisine.

Black risotto is one of the most recognizable Adriatic specialties. Its characteristic color and rich seafood flavor make it an interesting choice for guests wanting to try something typical of Dalmatian gastronomy.

The seafood pasta for two is particularly practical. This dish is suitable for couples who want to share a meal and enjoy a combination of pasta and seafood ingredients.

Thus, Vala is a good choice for guests who enjoy fish but do not necessarily want to order a whole grilled fish.

Wood-Fired Pizzas – From Classics to Interesting Combinations

One of the specialties of Vala is its pizzas prepared in a wood-fired oven.

In addition to classic combinations, the restaurant offers several more creative pizzas that set it apart from typical pizzerias in Stari Grad.

Among them, the Vala pizza, black pizza, and pizza with pistachios and mortadella stand out. The latter is interesting for fans of Italian cuisine who want to try something different from the classic Margherita or Capricciosa.

The diverse pizza offerings make Vala practical for family lunches, as pizzas, fish specialties, and meat dishes can all be ordered at the same table.

Grilled Meats and Vala Burger

Meat lovers also have good options.

Particularly interesting is the Vala meat platter for two, designed for guests who want to share multiple meat specialties.

Other grilled dishes are also available, while the Vala burger is a simpler choice for lunch or an informal dinner.

This combination of fish and meat cuisine suits larger groups where not everyone prefers the same type of food.

Large Green Terrace on the Old Town Waterfront

The biggest feature of Vala City Restaurant is its spacious terrace by the sea.

The greenery around the outdoor space gives the restaurant a pleasant character, and the tables are located along the old town waterfront, offering views of the harbor and boats.

Unlike smaller restaurants in the narrow stone streets of the historic core, Vala offers a more open space and direct contact with the atmosphere of the coastal promenade.

The terrace is particularly attractive in the late afternoon and evening when the daytime heat subsides, and the evening strolls along the waterfront begin.

For families with children and larger groups, the more spacious table arrangement is an additional advantage. High chairs for children are also available.

Croatian Wines and Relaxed Dinner by the Sea

Alongside Mediterranean cuisine, Vala offers a selection of Croatian wines.

White wines pair well with fish, shellfish, and risottos, while red wines can be an interesting choice with grilled meat specialties.

The restaurant is suitable for longer evening gatherings. Fish and meat platters, as well as pasta for two, allow for a relaxed meal with conversation and shared tasting of multiple dishes.

During the main tourist season, it is advisable to reserve a table, especially if you wish to sit on the terrace by the sea.

How to Reach Vala City Restaurant?

Vala is located on the old town waterfront, on a section of the coast near the Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović.

It is just a few minutes' walk from the historic core to the restaurant. Simply head to the coastal promenade and continue along the sea.

This location is particularly convenient for guests staying in Stari Grad or arriving by boat, as the restaurant is situated along one of the main pedestrian routes.

For those arriving by car from Jelsa, Vrboska, or other places on Hvar, it is best to park in designated public parking areas and then continue on foot.

Parking Near the Restaurant

Since the restaurant is located right on the waterfront, parking directly next to the terrace is not the most practical option.

Public parking is available around the center of Stari Grad, from which the restaurant can be reached on foot.

During July and August, especially in the evenings, it is useful to plan extra time for finding parking.

Guests staying in the historic core do not need a car.

What to Visit Nearby?

Vala City Restaurant is located near several of the most famous landmarks in Stari Grad.

Notable sites include the Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, a Renaissance summer residence with a well-known fish pond, and the Church of St. Stephen in the historic core.

Nearby is also the Škor Square, one of the most beautiful stone spaces in the town.

After lunch or dinner, a pleasant walk along the old town harbor is recommended, while for a longer excursion, the Stari Grad Plain, a historic agricultural landscape protected by UNESCO, can be visited.

Why Visit Vala City Restaurant?

Vala is an excellent choice for guests who want a diverse Mediterranean meal in Stari Grad on the terrace right by the sea.

Particularly noteworthy are the fish and meat platters for two, black risotto, seafood, and wood-fired pizzas, including interesting combinations with pistachios and mortadella.

The restaurant's greatest advantage is its green terrace overlooking the old town harbor. With a relaxed atmosphere and diverse offerings, Vala is suitable for family lunches, dinners for two, or gatherings with friends during a stay on the island of Hvar.

Useful Information

  • Name: Vala City Restaurant (Vala Restaurant).
  • Location: City waterfront, Stari Grad, Hvar Island.
  • Type of establishment: Restaurant, pizzeria, and grill.
  • Cuisine type: Dalmatian, Mediterranean, Croatian, and Italian.
  • Fish specialties: Grilled fish, fish platter for two, tuna tartare, octopus salad, and mussels in buzara sauce.
  • Risottos and pastas: Black risotto and seafood pasta for two.
  • Pizzas: From the wood-fired oven, including Vala pizza, black pizza, and pizza with pistachios and mortadella.
  • Meat offerings: Grilled dishes, meat platter for two, and Vala burger.
  • Wine selection: A selection of Croatian wines.
  • Terrace: Spacious green terrace by the sea, with views of the old town harbor.
  • Family-friendly: Yes, high chairs are available.
  • Reservations: Possible, recommended during the main season.
  • Takeaway food: Yes.
  • Card payment: Yes.
  • Wi-Fi: Free.
  • Pets: Allowed.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessibility is indicated.
  • Parking: Public parking available nearby the center of Stari Grad.
  • Arrival: On foot from the city waterfront and the historic core.
  • Nearby: Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, Church of St. Stephen, Škor Square, and the old town harbor.
  • Recommended for: Families, couples, larger groups, and guests wanting fish, pizza, or meat meals by the sea.