Restaurant Davor in Zavala – Dalmatian Cuisine, Fresh Fish and View of Šćedro

Restaurant Davor is located in the eastern part of Zavala, slightly above the sea and the Zaca harbor, with an open view towards the southern coast of Hvar and the island of Šćedro. It is one of the more well-known restaurants in the area, focusing on traditional Dalmatian and Mediterranean cuisine, fish, seafood, grilled meat, and homemade pasta.

The most pleasant seating is on the large covered terrace. Although the restaurant is not directly on the beach, it is only a short walk from the sea, making it practical for lunch after swimming at Zaca and nearby beaches.

Fish is One of the Main Reasons to Visit

Davor is particularly a good choice if you want fish prepared in a simple Dalmatian style.

One of the restaurant's specialties is lešoda – boiled fish served in a traditional manner, with olive oil and simple side dishes. This preparation is a good choice when you want to taste quality fish without heavy sauces and many accompaniments.

The menu also features grilled fish, squid, tuna, swordfish, and other dishes made from fish and seafood, depending on availability.

It is always worth asking about the fresh fish available that day.

Swordfish Carpaccio and Seafood Appetizers

Among the dishes for which Davor is particularly recognized is swordfish carpaccio.

This is a good choice for a lighter start to dinner, especially during hot summer days. Alongside it, you can find other cold or warm seafood appetizers, depending on the daily offer.

For a table with several people, it is practical to order a few appetizers to share, and then continue with a main fish or meat dish.

Gregada, Squid and Seafood Pasta

The offer is not limited to classic grilled fish.

The restaurant features dishes such as gregada, grilled squid or fried squid, as well as seafood pasta.

Some traditional dishes are adapted to a more modern serving style, but the flavors remain tied to Dalmatian cuisine and ingredients characteristic of the island.

If you want something that is not standard grilled fish, gregada and pasta dishes are among the more interesting choices.

Homemade Gnocchi and Grilled Meat

Davor is not just a fish restaurant.

It also offers various grilled meat dishes, and one of the details that sets the restaurant apart is its homemade gnocchi. The green gnocchi with arugula, which can be served with truffles or other sauces, are particularly interesting.

This is practical for groups where some guests want fish, while others prefer meat or pasta.

There are also vegetarian options, and dishes suitable for guests avoiding gluten can be found.

Traditional Desserts

It is worth saving room for dessert at the end of the meal.

Davor serves rožata, a classic Dalmatian dessert made from eggs, milk, and caramel, as well as a traditional cake from Pitava.

Such local desserts better match the character of the restaurant than generic sweets that can be found anywhere along the coast.

Coffee or a glass of dessert wine pairs well with dessert.

Hvar and Croatian Wines

The wine list features a good selection of Hvar and other Croatian wines.

With white fish and lighter seafood dishes, Hvar white wines are the most natural pairing, while for tuna, stronger fish, or meat, you may switch to more serious red wines.

If you are unsure what to choose, it is worth asking for the wine that best matches the dish you ordered.

House wine is also available.

Large Covered Terrace with a View of Šćedro

The main space of the restaurant during the summer is the covered terrace with around 80 seats.

The terrace is high enough above the shore to provide a view of the sea and Šćedro over the rooftops and greenery. Due to the roof, it is comfortable even during lunch when the sun is strongest on the southern side of Hvar.

The indoor space is much smaller, with approximately 16 seats, so the restaurant primarily operates on the terrace during the summer.

In the evening, it is particularly pleasant when the daytime heat subsides.

Close to Zaca and the Sea

The restaurant is located above the area of Zaca, in the eastern part of coastal Zavala.

It takes only a few minutes on foot to reach the pebble beach and Zaca harbor, making Davor easy to fit into a day spent by the sea.

You can come directly from the beach for lunch, while in the evening the restaurant is suitable for a quieter dinner with a view of the sea.

Parking Near the Restaurant

Davor offers free parking next to the establishment, which is a significant advantage in Zavala, where parking along the coast is often limited during July and August.

If you are coming by car from another part of the village or from Jelsa, there is no need to search for public parking by the beach and then walk to the restaurant.

The restaurant is accessed via narrow local roads through Zavala, so the last part should be driven slowly and carefully.

A Good Place for Families

The restaurant is suitable for families with children.

The covered terrace provides shade, high chairs are available, and the menu is not limited to fish. Homemade pasta, gnocchi, simpler meat dishes, and fresh lemonade make it easier to choose when coming with children.

The space is accessible for people with reduced mobility.

Should You Reserve a Table?

For lunch, you can often find a seat without much planning, especially if you arrive a bit earlier.

For dinner in July and August, reservations are a good idea, especially if you want a table on the outer edge of the terrace with the best view of the sea.

Davor is one of the more well-known restaurants in Zavala, and in the evening, it often attracts visitors from Jelsa and other parts of Hvar.

Who is Restaurant Davor the Best Choice For?

Davor is a good choice for guests who want a classic Dalmatian dinner without an overly formal atmosphere.

It makes the most sense to order fish, a seafood appetizer, gregada, or one of the dishes with homemade gnocchi, along with local wine and rožata for dessert.

The large covered terrace, view of Šćedro, private parking, and proximity to the sea make it practical for both lunch during the day and a longer dinner after swimming.

Useful Information

  • Name: Restaurant Davor
  • Location: Zavala, Hvar Island
  • Cuisine Type: Dalmatian, Mediterranean, fish and grill
  • Specialty: lešoda – traditionally cooked fish
  • Fish and Seafood: fresh fish, swordfish, tuna, squid, gregada, and seafood pasta, depending on the offer
  • Famous Appetizer: swordfish carpaccio
  • Other Offerings: grilled meat, homemade gnocchi, and pasta
  • Vegetarian Options: yes
  • Gluten-Free Options: available
  • Desserts: rožata and traditional cake from Pitava
  • Wines: Hvar and other Croatian wines
  • Terrace: large covered terrace with approximately 80 seats
  • Indoor Space: approximately 16 seats
  • View: sea and the island of Šćedro
  • Family-Friendly: yes
  • High Chairs: available
  • Parking: free parking next to the restaurant
  • Beach: Zaca area and sea are a few minutes' walk away
  • Reservation: recommended for dinner in the main season
  • Best For: fresh fish, traditional Dalmatian dishes, local wine, and dinner with a view of Šćedro