Poje Hvar in Starogradsko Polje – Traditional Hvar Dinner, Local Food, and Cooking Workshops Among Olive Groves

Poje Hvar is a unique gastronomic experience located on a family estate in Starogradsko Polje, near the town of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar. Surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, almond trees, lavender, and ancient dry stone walls, Poje offers traditional Hvar dinners, private cooking workshops, and tastings of local products. The uniqueness of this place lies not only in the food but also in the opportunity to learn about the way of life that has shaped island cuisine for centuries.

Unlike typical restaurants, Poje accommodates a small number of guests, and each visit is organized as a separate gastronomic experience. The food is prepared according to family recipes, using seasonal vegetables from the estate's garden, homemade olive oil, and ingredients from local producers. Dinner is served outdoors in the tranquil setting of Starogradsko Polje, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2008.

Traditional Hvar Dinner – From Field to Table

The main offering of Poje Hvar consists of private dinners that present guests with authentic island gastronomy.

Instead of ordering individual dishes from a large menu, visitors enjoy a pre-designed sequence of traditional specialties.

The meal begins with homemade appetizers, followed by pasta and a main course, and concludes with a dessert made from local ingredients.

Notably, a large portion of the vegetables and herbs is grown directly on the estate. Guests can learn about the ingredients used in food preparation and sometimes participate in harvesting during a garden tour.

This approach connects food with the landscape from which it originates and gives the dinner a distinctly different character from a typical restaurant meal.

Hvar Plate with Homemade Goat Cheese and Olive Oil

The dinner at Poje begins with a traditional Hvar plate, which features several characteristic island ingredients.

Particularly noteworthy is the goat cheese aged in homemade extra virgin olive oil, served with artichokes, salted fish, olives, and capers.

An interesting addition is motar, a wild plant that grows by the sea and is traditionally used in Dalmatian cuisine. Its aromatic, slightly salty flavor pairs well with fish and olive oil.

Alongside the appetizer, a basil spread is served with fresh bread, while tasting the estate's own olive oil is an important part of the entire experience.

This plate serves as a simple yet excellent introduction to the traditional diet of the islanders.

Hvar Sauce with Homemade Pasta

One of the signature dishes of Poje Hvar is the traditional Hvar sauce.

This is a tomato sauce that is slowly cooked with island herbs. The prolonged cooking allows the flavors to meld, and the tomatoes develop their natural sweetness.

The sauce is served with homemade pasta and goat cheese aged in olive oil.

This is an example of a simple Dalmatian dish where a few quality ingredients provide a rich flavor without the need for complex preparation.

Such recipes are an important part of Poje's gastronomic identity.

Octopus Goulash and Homemade Polenta

Among the main dishes, the traditional Hvar octopus goulash stands out.

Octopus, and depending on availability, squid or cuttlefish, is slowly cooked in a rich tomato sauce with fragrant island herbs.

The dish is served with corn polenta seasoned with homemade herbs and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.

This preparation connects seafood with simple ingredients that have been present in island kitchens for generations.

For guests wishing to learn about traditional Hvar cuisine, octopus goulash is one of the most interesting dishes of this experience.

Eggplant with Goat Cheese – The Taste of a Mediterranean Garden

Poje Hvar also offers interesting vegetable dishes, among which eggplant with goat cheese stands out.

Eggplants are prepared in layers with goat cheese aged in olive oil, accompanied by a rich sauce and aromatic Hvar spices.

This is a good example of how traditional vegetables can be transformed into a hearty main dish.

The selection of vegetable specialties is particularly appealing to vegetarians, and with prior notice, a vegan meal can also be arranged.

Lemon Cake with Homemade Olive Oil

To conclude the dinner, a special lemon cake made with extra virgin olive oil is served.

This cake is made from local lemons from the village of Dol on Hvar and olive oil from the family estate.

The olive oil adds moisture to the cake, while the lemon brings freshness that is especially suitable after a richer Mediterranean meal.

This dessert beautifully encapsulates the philosophy of Poje: simple ingredients, local origins, and family recipes.

Private Cooking Workshops on Hvar

In addition to dinners, Poje organizes traditional Hvar cooking workshops.

Guests do not just observe food preparation but can actively participate in creating the dishes.

The workshops include learning about local ingredients, harvesting seasonal vegetables and herbs, and preparing recipes that have been passed down through generations.

During cooking, participants can learn more about the role of olive oil, tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and seafood in traditional island cuisine.

Notably, cooking takes place on the estate itself, among the plants and agricultural areas from which some of the ingredients come.

The workshops are a good choice for couples, small groups of friends, and guests who wish to take home more than just a typical tourist souvenir – knowledge of preparing authentic Hvar dishes.

Tasting of Homemade Wines, Spirits, and Olive Oil

An important part of the Poje Hvar experience is the tasting of homemade products.

Particularly highlighted is the family’s extra virgin olive oil, which is tasted alongside various dishes.

Local white and red wines, as well as traditional spirits and liqueurs, are served with dinner.

Tasting these products allows guests to better understand the connection between island gastronomy and the cultivation of olives, grapevines, and aromatic herbs.

Homemade olive oil, liqueurs, and other products are also linked to the estate's offerings.

Dinner Under the Open Sky Among Centuries-Old Dry Stone Walls

One of the greatest features of Poje Hvar is its surroundings.

The estate is located in Starogradsko Polje, among ancient dry stone walls, olive trees, vineyards, artichokes, and lavender fields.

The dinner table is set outdoors, in a natural setting far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

It is particularly beautiful during the late afternoon and evening when the sun illuminates the field, and the surrounding hills and olive groves take on warmer hues.

Poje is not a large hospitality destination with many tables. Its appeal lies in the small number of guests and the opportunity for dinner to become a pleasant, personal gathering.

Starogradsko Polje – 2400 Years of Agricultural Tradition

Poje is located in one of the historically most significant parts of the island of Hvar.

Starogradsko Polje, also known as Ager or Hora, was shaped during the Greek colonization of the island in the 4th century BC.

The Greeks divided the agricultural land into regular plots bordered by dry stone walls, and much of this layout has been preserved to this day.

The field remains an active agricultural area where olives, grapevines, and other Mediterranean crops are grown.

A visit to Poje is thus not only a gastronomic experience but also an opportunity to learn about a landscape that has been cultivated for over two millennia.

What to Expect When Visiting Poje Hvar?

A visit typically begins with arrival at the estate and an introduction to its agricultural surroundings.

This is followed by a walk among the crops, during which guests can learn about local plants and traditional cultivation methods.

Depending on the reserved program, guests then participate in a cooking workshop or tastings, followed by a communal meal.

The entire experience usually lasts about three hours or longer, depending on the selected program.

It is important to know that Poje is not a typical restaurant that you can visit without a reservation. Dinners and workshops are organized by reservation for a small number of participants.

Typically, up to six guests are accommodated daily, while larger groups can be arranged for special occasions.

How to Reach Poje Hvar?

Poje is located in Starogradsko Polje, east of Stari Grad, in an area of agricultural plots and dry stone walls.

The most practical way to reach it is by car, following navigation to the estate itself.

Unlike restaurants in the historic center, this location does not involve a short walk from the waterfront. The route goes through agricultural landscapes, so it is advisable to arrange your arrival in advance and follow the instructions provided during the reservation.

Arrival can also be organized as part of a broader excursion through Starogradsko Polje.

Parking and Practical Tips

For guests arriving by car as part of an organized experience, parking is available.

Since dinners and workshops are held outdoors, it is advisable to wear comfortable footwear and clothing suitable for the weather conditions.

During summer evenings, it is useful to bring mosquito repellent.

Special dietary needs, including vegetarian or vegan diets, should be mentioned when making a reservation.

What to Visit Nearby?

The main attraction in the vicinity is Starogradsko Polje, with its historic dry stone walls, vineyards, olive groves, and ancient field paths.

In the nearby Stari Grad, it is worth visiting Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, a Renaissance summer residence with a famous fish pond, as well as the Church of St. Stephen and the picturesque Škor Square.

In the interior of the island, the village of Dol is interesting, known for its traditional architecture and long agricultural tradition.

A visit to Poje can be nicely combined with a tour of the UNESCO landscape and the historic core of Stari Grad.

Why Visit Poje Hvar?

Poje Hvar is one of the more unique gastronomic experiences on the island as it combines traditional cuisine, agriculture, and cultural heritage.

Its main advantages are private dinners among olive groves, cooking workshops, homemade olive oil, and dishes that represent the authentic flavors of Hvar.

The Hvar plate, homemade sauce, octopus goulash, and lemon cake are just part of the experience that brings guests closer to the former diet of the islanders.

For lovers of homemade food, local culture, and quieter experiences in nature, Poje Hvar is a particularly interesting place in Starogradsko Polje.

Useful Information

• Name: Poje Hvar.
• Location: Starogradsko Polje, east of Stari Grad, Hvar Island.
• Type of establishment: Gastronomic experience on a family estate, private dinners, and cooking workshops.
• Cuisine type: Traditional Hvar, Dalmatian, and Mediterranean cuisine.
• Main specialties: Hvar plate, homemade sauce with pasta, octopus goulash, and eggplant with goat cheese.
• Dessert: Lemon cake with homemade extra virgin olive oil.
• Homemade products: Olive oil, seasonal vegetables, herbs, spirits, and liqueurs.
• Cooking workshops: Yes, with active participation in food preparation.
• Tastings: Homemade olive oil, local wines, and traditional drinks.
• Special feature: Family estate within the UNESCO-protected Starogradsko Polje.
• Ambiance: Dinner outdoors among olive groves, vineyards, and dry stone walls.
• Number of guests: Typically up to six daily, with arrangements possible for larger groups.
• Duration of experience: Approximately three hours or longer, depending on the program.
• Reservations: Required in advance.
• Vegetarian and vegan options: Available with prior notice.
• Parking: Provided for guests of the organized experience.
• Arrival: Most practical by car, following agreed instructions.
• Nearby: Starogradsko Polje, Stari Grad, and the village of Dol.
• Recommended for: Couples, small groups, lovers of local gastronomy, and guests interested in traditional ways of life on Hvar.