Restaurant Gego in Velo Zaraće – Fresh Fish, Seafood Specialties, and a Terrace by the Beach in Hvar

Restaurant Gego is located in the bay of Velo Zaraće, on the southern coast of the island of Hvar, just a few steps from the pebble beach and crystal-clear sea. Its main feature is its position right by the coast, with a terrace overlooking the sea, rocky cliffs, and boats anchored in the bay. Guests can come for lunch directly from the beach or by boat, making Gego one of the more interesting dining options for sailors exploring the southern side of Hvar.

The restaurant has been operating since 2002 and is known for its Mediterranean and Dalmatian cuisine, focusing on fish, shellfish, and seafood. The atmosphere is simple and informal, without overly formal decor. The emphasis is on good food, proximity to the sea, and views of the bay surrounded by high cliffs.

Fresh Fish, Octopus, and Seafood

Fish and seafood specialties are the main offerings at Restaurant Gego. Notable dishes include fresh grilled fish, squid, mussels, shellfish, and fish platters for two.

Octopus Salad is one of the restaurant's signature specialties. It is served as a cold appetizer and is a good choice to start lunch after swimming.

For the main course, the fish platter for two is particularly interesting for guests who want to sample various types of fish and seafood specialties. Grilled fish is also a good option, accompanied by simple sides that do not distract from the main ingredient.

Other offerings include mussels prepared in a traditional style, scallops, and fried or grilled squid. The selection of fish and shellfish may depend on daily availability, so it is advisable to inquire about the day's offerings before ordering.

Tagliatelle Gego, Risotto, and Homemade Desserts

In addition to grilled fish, Gego is known for its pasta and seafood risottos. The Tagliatelle Gego stands out as a dish often associated with the restaurant's menu.

Pasta lovers can also choose spaghetti with seafood, while the seafood risotto offers an interesting alternative to classic grilled fish. Meat dishes are also available, catering to guests who do not eat fish.

For dessert, tiramisu and panna cotta are highlighted.

Alongside the food, local wine, beer, coffee, and other beverages are served, and cocktails are also mentioned in the offerings. Gego is therefore a pleasant place for a longer lunch by the sea, especially when planning to spend the entire day at Velo Zaraće beach.

Terrace with a View of Velo Zaraće Beach

The restaurant's location is one of its greatest advantages. The terrace is situated right by the sea, with views of the pebble shore, high rocky cliffs, and boats in the bay.

The bay of Velo Zaraće is particularly interesting due to the large rocky cape that separates it from the neighboring bay of Malo Zaraće. Steep slopes with Mediterranean vegetation rise around, while in front of the restaurant, the view opens up towards the sea.

Gego is convenient for guests who wish to combine swimming and lunch without driving to another location. It takes only a few steps from the beach to the terrace, allowing guests to continue swimming after their meal.

During July and August, the restaurant can be very busy, especially at lunchtime. For a table with the best view or for larger groups, it is advisable to make a reservation in advance.

Arriving by Boat and Mooring in the Bay

Gego is also popular among sailors navigating the southern coast of Hvar. In the bay of Velo Zaraće, there are mooring buoys connected to the restaurant, making arrival by boat a unique feature of this location.

Three black mooring buoys are associated with the restaurant, and assistance can be provided to the crew during mooring. It is necessary to arrange the availability of a buoy before arrival and check if the mooring is suitable for the size and draft of the vessel.

The bay is naturally sheltered by part of the rocky cape but is not completely protected from all wind and wave directions. During unfavorable weather conditions, especially strong southerly winds, it is important to carefully assess the possibility of safe mooring.

Arriving by boat is particularly appealing to guests who want to stop for swimming and lunch without going to a larger port or marina.

How to Reach Restaurant Gego by Car

Restaurant Gego is located in the bay of Velo Zaraće, below the settlement of Zaraće, on the southern coast of Hvar. From the town of Hvar, take the main road towards Stari Grad, then turn towards Zaraće.

A narrow asphalt road leads from the main road to the coast, steeply descending towards the bays of Malo and Velo Zaraće. In some sections, the road is winding, and passing other vehicles can be challenging, especially during the summer months.

To reach Gego, continue towards the eastern bay, Velo Zaraće. You can drive very close to the restaurant and beach, without the long walk required to reach Dubovica.

Due to the steep road and limited turning space, careful driving is recommended, especially for first-time visitors to Zaraće.

Parking at Restaurant Gego

Restaurant Gego offers parking for guests near the establishment. This is an important advantage as available spots along the beach in Velo Zaraće fill up quickly during the summer.

The parking area is not large, so it is advisable to check the availability of spots in advance during the peak season, especially if arriving at lunchtime.

When parking, care should be taken not to block the narrow access road, other establishments, or turning space for vehicles.

For guests who are only visiting the beach without dining at the restaurant, it is best to use the designated parking areas in the bay, as parking intended for restaurant guests may not be available to all visitors.

Velo Zaraće Beach and Nearby Attractions

The restaurant is located right next to the Velo Zaraće Beach, a natural pebble shore surrounded by large rocky cliffs. The water is exceptionally clear, and there are interesting spots for snorkeling along the rocky edges of the bay.

For guests wishing to spend a day in this part of Hvar, a practical combination is morning swimming, lunch at Restaurant Gego, and an afternoon rest by the sea.

On the other side of the large rocky cape is Malo Zaraće Beach, known for its unusual rock formations and natural shade under pine trees.

Not far to the west is Paščuka Beach (Veli Dolac), a small pebble bay with a restaurant above the sea, while further away is the well-known Dubovica Beach, recognized for its large pebble shore and old stone summer house.

Gego is a good choice for guests who want to explore this part of the southern coast of Hvar, as well as for sailors who appreciate the option of mooring and dining right by the sea.

Useful Information

  • Location: Velo Zaraće Bay, southern coast of Hvar Island.
  • Type of establishment: Restaurant serving Dalmatian and Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on fish and seafood specialties.
  • Operating since: 2002.
  • Special feature: Terrace right by Velo Zaraće Beach, with views of the sea and surrounding cliffs.
  • Fish dishes: Fresh grilled fish, squid, fish platters, and seafood specialties.
  • Shellfish: Mussels and scallops.
  • Octopus: Octopus salad.
  • Pasta and risotto: Tagliatelle Gego, spaghetti with seafood, and seafood risotto.
  • Meat dishes: Available for guests who do not eat fish.
  • Desserts: Tiramisu and panna cotta.
  • Beverages: Wine, beer, coffee, and cocktails.
  • Terrace: Outdoor dining area with views of the bay.
  • Parking: Parking available for restaurant guests nearby, with a limited number of spots.
  • Access by car: Steep and narrow asphalt road leading from the main road Hvar – Stari Grad.
  • Access by boat: Arrival by own vessel is possible, with prior arrangement for mooring.
  • Mooring buoys: Three black buoys connected to the restaurant; availability and usage conditions must be arranged.
  • Nearby beach: Velo Zaraće, directly in front of the restaurant.
  • Reservations: Recommended during the main tourist season, especially for lunch and boat arrivals.
  • Payment: It is advisable to bring cash as card payment may not always be available.
  • Nearby: Malo Zaraće, Paščuka (Veli Dolac), and Dubovica.