Salt & Rosemary in Stari Grad on Hvar – Dalmatian Specialties and Dinner in a Hidden Mediterranean Garden

Salt & Rosemary is a restaurant located in a quieter part of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, just a few steps from the town's waterfront. Its main feature is a spacious Mediterranean garden surrounded by olive trees, rosemary, and other greenery, where guests can enjoy dinner away from the crowds of the coastal promenade. The restaurant combines traditional Croatian cuisine with more contemporary Mediterranean dishes, with a particular emphasis on fish specialties, Hvar's gregada, homemade bread, high-quality olive oil, and wines from local producers.

Opened in June 2026, Salt & Rosemary quickly gained attention from food enthusiasts. Although it is close to the lively center of Stari Grad, the ambiance is entirely different from the waterfront restaurants. Tables are arranged among Mediterranean herbs, providing ample space for a relaxed dinner for two, a family meal, or a gathering with friends.

Mediterranean Cuisine with a Focus on Local Ingredients

The menu at Salt & Rosemary is based on well-known Dalmatian flavors, presented through carefully crafted combinations and a more modern serving style.

Fish, seafood, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables play a significant role in the offerings. Traditional Croatian meat specialties, risottos, and pizzas prepared in the oven are also available.

Special attention is given to the homemade bread served with olive oil sourced from the Stari Grad Plain. This is a pleasant introduction to the meal and a simple way to appreciate the importance of olive cultivation in Hvar's gastronomic tradition.

Octopus Carpaccio and Interesting Cold Starters

It is worth starting the dinner with one of the cold starters, particularly the seafood specialties.

Octopus Carpaccio is served with an orange emulsion, balsamic dressing, and dried cherry tomatoes. The combination of tender octopus and fresh citrus notes gives this dish a different character from the classic Dalmatian octopus salad.

Another interesting option is the combination of tuna tartare, shrimp tartare, and burrata with truffles. This starter connects seafood with creamy cheese and a more pronounced truffle aroma.

For guests wishing to taste more traditional flavors, the Dalmatian platter with tuna pâté, sardine pâté, marinated anchovies, and octopus carpaccio is a good choice.

Also available are Dalmatian prosciutto with local cheeses and vitello tonnato, thinly sliced slow-cooked veal with a sauce of tuna, capers, and anchovies.

Gregada – Traditional Hvar Specialty

One of the most interesting main dishes at Salt & Rosemary is gregada, a traditional fish specialty from the island of Hvar.

Gregada is prepared by slowly cooking fish, potatoes, olive oil, and spices. Unlike grilled fish dishes, the emphasis here is on the melding of flavors during cooking.

At Salt & Rosemary, gregada is also served as a meal for two, which is particularly appealing to couples wishing to share an authentic island dish.

Gregada is a good choice for guests who want to experience local cuisine during their stay in Hvar, rather than just the usual Mediterranean specialties.

Fresh Fish, Tuna, and Risottos

In addition to gregada, the restaurant offers other fish and seafood dishes.

Among the more interesting options are sea bass and tuna steak, while fans of traditional Dalmatian cuisine can choose black risotto.

Black risotto is particularly recognized for its cuttlefish flavor and characteristic dark color, fitting well into a menu that emphasizes Mediterranean ingredients.

Also noteworthy is the beetroot risotto, which appeals to guests who prefer vegetable dishes and different flavor combinations.

Pašticada, Peka, and Meat Specialties

Salt & Rosemary is not exclusively a fish restaurant. It also offers a selection of traditional Croatian meat dishes.

Particularly noteworthy is pašticada, a well-known Dalmatian dish made from beef that is slowly cooked in a rich sauce. This is one of the most recognizable specialties of Dalmatian cuisine, traditionally associated with festive and family meals.

Other meat dishes are also available, and among the specialties worth seeking out is food prepared under peka.

Due to the longer cooking times for certain dishes, especially those prepared under peka, it is advisable to check their availability in advance.

Pizzas from the Oven and Homemade Bread

Another feature of Salt & Rosemary is the large oven where pizzas and baked goods are prepared.

Alongside Mediterranean and Dalmatian specialties, pizzas offer a simpler option for guests seeking an informal dinner.

Among them is the Diavola pizza, and the restaurant also prepares its own combinations of ingredients.

Homemade bread is particularly noteworthy, with its flavor beautifully complemented by olive oil. Such simple details further emphasize the Mediterranean character of the restaurant.

Local Hvar Wines and Desserts

The wine selection is an important part of the Salt & Rosemary experience.

The restaurant particularly highlights wines from the island of Hvar, allowing guests to become acquainted with local winemakers and the island's wine tradition.

Fresh white wines pair well with fish and seafood, while meat specialties like pašticada complement fuller red wines.

For dessert, interesting options include cheesecake, chocolate lava cake, and other sweets based on the current offerings.

Cocktails are also available, allowing dinner to begin with an aperitif or conclude with a drink in the pleasant garden setting.

Hidden Mediterranean Garden – The Restaurant's Main Feature

What sets Salt & Rosemary apart from other restaurants in Stari Grad is its garden.

Access to the restaurant is via a short passage from the coastal area, after which a peaceful outdoor space surrounded by olive trees and Mediterranean herbs opens up.

Tables are not crowded together, creating a particularly pleasant atmosphere for a dinner for two and relaxed conversation.

The greenery and distance from the main promenade create a sense of seclusion, even though the town center is very close.

During warm summer evenings, it is especially nice to sit outdoors. Due to this location, Salt & Rosemary is a good choice for guests who want a quieter dinner while remaining in Stari Grad.

How to Reach Salt & Rosemary?

The restaurant is located near the Stari Grad waterfront, on the western side of the historic core.

If walking along the waterfront towards the western part of the harbor, the restaurant can be reached by a short turn off the main promenade. The entrance is not directly on the open terrace by the sea, so it is useful to follow the restaurant's signage.

It is only a few minutes' walk from the historic core and from Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović.

For guests coming from Jelsa, Vrboska, or other places on Hvar, the easiest way is to drive to Stari Grad and then continue on foot.

Parking Near the Restaurant

Salt & Rosemary is located in an area of the town that is most pleasant to reach on foot.

For those arriving by car, it is best to use designated public parking in Stari Grad and then walk to the restaurant.

During July and August, it is advisable to allow extra time for finding parking, especially in the evening hours.

Reservations and Visiting Tips

Salt & Rosemary is primarily a dinner restaurant. Due to the popularity of the garden space during the tourist season, it is advisable to reserve a table in advance.

For couples wishing to taste local cuisine, the gregada for two is an interesting option. Seafood lovers will particularly enjoy the octopus carpaccio and the combination of tuna and shrimp tartare with burrata.

If you want something traditionally Dalmatian, a good choice is pašticada, while for a more casual dinner, a pizza from the oven can be selected.

The restaurant is also suitable for families, and pets are allowed in accordance with the establishment's rules.

What to Visit Nearby?

Salt & Rosemary is conveniently located for exploring Stari Grad.

Nearby is Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, one of the most famous Renaissance monuments on the island of Hvar.

It is also worth visiting St. Stephen's Church, Škor Square, and the Stari Grad Museum.

After dinner, you can continue your walk along the Stari Grad waterfront, and for a day trip, the Stari Grad Plain, a historic agricultural landscape protected by UNESCO, is particularly interesting.

Why Visit Salt & Rosemary?

Salt & Rosemary is particularly appealing to guests who want to enjoy quality Dalmatian cuisine in a quieter and greener setting than the usual waterfront restaurants.

Its main features include a hidden Mediterranean garden, traditional Hvar gregada, creative seafood starters, homemade bread with olive oil, and a selection of local wines.

For a romantic dinner, family gathering, or relaxed meal after exploring Stari Grad, Salt & Rosemary offers a pleasant blend of island gastronomy and a tranquil garden atmosphere.

Useful Information

• Name: Salt & Rosemary.
• Location: Western part of the center of Stari Grad, near the waterfront, Hvar Island.
• Type of establishment: Mediterranean and Croatian restaurant.
• Opened: June 2026.
• Main offerings: Fish, seafood, Dalmatian specialties, meat dishes, and pizzas.
• Traditional specialties: Hvar gregada, pašticada, and dishes prepared under peka.
• Cold starters: Octopus carpaccio, tuna and shrimp tartare, burrata with truffles, and Dalmatian platter.
• Fish dishes: Sea bass, tuna steak, black risotto, and other dishes based on the menu.
• Pizzas: Prepared in the oven.
• Specialty: Homemade bread and olive oil.
• Wines: Selection of local Hvar and other wines.
• Desserts: Cheesecake, chocolate lava cake, and other sweets.
• Ambiance: Peaceful Mediterranean garden with olive trees and greenery.
• Terrace: Yes, outdoor tables in the garden.
• Reservations: Recommended, especially during the peak season.
• Card payments: Visa, Mastercard, and other cards.
• Pets: Allowed.
• Parking: Public parking in Stari Grad, then on foot.
• Access: Short walk from the Stari Grad waterfront.
• Nearby: Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, town waterfront, St. Stephen's Church, and Škor Square.
• Recommended for: Couples, families, lovers of Dalmatian cuisine, and guests seeking dinner in a peaceful garden setting.