Konoba Pinjata, Vrboska – Peka, Tasting of Indigenous Hvar Wines and Hidden Stone Courtyard

Konoba Pinjata is located in the old core of Vrboska, just behind the fortress church of St. Mary of Mercy. It is hidden from the main waterfront among stone houses and narrow streets, providing a completely different atmosphere compared to seaside restaurants.

Pinjata serves as both a wine cellar and a small traditional tavern. Visitors primarily come to taste local Hvar wines paired with prosciutto, cheeses, salted fish, and seasonal salads, while a more substantial meal, peka, must be ordered in advance. The highlight includes indigenous Hvar varieties Bogdanuša and Parč, along with Plavac mali and rosé.

Hidden Tavern Behind the Fortress Church

Pinjata is a short walk from the center of Vrboska.

Instead of a large terrace by the waterfront, guests enter a quieter stone environment of the old town. A particularly pleasant feature is the small stone courtyard under the vine, where the atmosphere is more intimate and far from the main evening promenade.

This is a place that is better found and reserved in advance rather than discovered by chance while walking along the waterfront.

Tasting of Own Wines

Wine is the most important part of Pinjata's identity.

Wines are produced from several varieties closely associated with Hvar:

  • Bogdanuša
  • Parč
  • Plavac mali
  • rosé from Plavac mali

Tasting is a good way to compare two completely different indigenous white wines from the island and the stronger red Plavac mali in one place.

Bogdanuša

Bogdanuša is one of the most recognizable indigenous varieties of the island of Hvar.

It produces a dry white wine with a fresher character, making it particularly well-suited for summer evenings, cheese, salted fish, and simple Dalmatian snacks.

For a guest exploring Hvar wines for the first time, Bogdanuša is a logical starting point for tasting.

Parč – A Rare Hvar Variety

An even more interesting choice for wine enthusiasts is Parč, a variety traditionally grown on Hvar.

The wine has a more pronounced aromatic character and a recognizable note reminiscent of muscat. Compared to Bogdanuša, it appears more aromatic and completely different, making it worthwhile to taste them side by side.

Plavac mali and Rosé

For red wine lovers, there is Plavac mali, the most important Dalmatian red variety.

The wine is fuller, darker in color, and has more pronounced tannins, making it a better match for stronger meat dishes and peka.

A lighter rosé is also produced from the same variety, which is much more suitable for warm summer evenings and cold appetizers.

Prosciutto, Cheeses, and Salted Fish with Wine

Alongside the tasting, simple Dalmatian delicacies are served.

The confirmed offerings include:

  • prosciutto
  • various types of cheese
  • salted fish
  • seasonal salads

This is not a large restaurant menu but food intended to accompany the wine. This concept suits Pinjata best – a few wines for tasting and a platter of local delicacies in a quiet stone courtyard.

Peka Must Be Ordered in Advance

If you want a full meal, the biggest specialty of Pinjata is peka.

Meat variations, as well as octopus under peka, with potatoes and other sides that are slowly baked under an iron lid covered with embers, are prepared.

Peka should not be ordered just upon arrival. It must be arranged at least one day in advance to ensure everything can be prepared in the traditional manner.

Recent guest experiences particularly highlight octopus and lamb under peka.

A Small Tavern, Not a Large Restaurant

It is important to have the right expectations for Pinjata.

This is not a restaurant with a large daily menu and dozens of tables. The offerings are narrower, tastings and peka are planned in advance, and this small scale is part of the overall experience.

For a spontaneous dinner with a wide selection of dishes, Vrboska has more practical restaurants. For wine, peka, and a quieter traditional atmosphere, Pinjata is much more interesting.

Reservation is Recommended

Making a reservation here makes sense even if you do not plan to have peka.

The space is small, and during July and August, it is particularly advisable to notify them a few days in advance if you want a tasting or dinner at a specific time.

For peka, a reservation is not just a recommendation but practically part of the dish's preparation.

Cash Payment

At Pinjata, be prepared for cash payment.

Current information and recent guest experiences indicate that cards are not accepted, so it is not advisable to rely solely on card payments.

Parking

The tavern is located in the old core and does not have a large parking area for guests.

If you are arriving by car, it is more practical to leave your vehicle in a public parking area in the wider center of Vrboska and walk the last few minutes to Pinjata.

The location next to the fortress church of St. Mary is part of the area that is most pleasant to explore on foot.

Who is Pinjata Best For?

Pinjata is the best choice for a guest who wants to experience indigenous Hvar wines and traditional food in a small, authentic space, rather than just another dinner by the waterfront.

It makes the most sense to reserve peka or a tasting in advance, to taste Bogdanuša and Parč, compare them with Plavac mali, and enjoy prosciutto, cheese, or salted fish with the wine.

The combination of a wine cellar, stone courtyard, own wines, and traditional peka makes Pinjata one of the more unique gastronomic places in old Vrboska.

Useful Information

  • Type of establishment: wine cellar and small traditional tavern
  • Location: old core of Vrboska, right next to the fortress church of St. Mary of Mercy
  • Main experience: tasting of own wines and traditional Dalmatian food
  • Wines: Bogdanuša, Parč, Plavac mali, and rosé
  • Cold offerings: prosciutto, cheeses, salted fish, and seasonal salads
  • Peka: yes
  • Octopus under peka: yes
  • Meat peka: yes, by prior arrangement
  • Ordering peka: at least one day in advance
  • Wine tastings: yes
  • Ambiance: small stone courtyard and traditional wine cellar in the old core
  • Reservation: recommended, especially during the main season
  • Card payments: do not rely on cards; cash is necessary
  • Access on foot: very easy from the center of Vrboska
  • Parking: no private parking; use public parking in the wider center
  • Best for: tasting Hvar wines, peka, and a quiet traditional dinner away from the main waterfront