Restaurant Konoba Zavala – Dalmatian Tavern with Fish, Peka, and Sea View Terrace

Restaurant Konoba Zavala is located in the upper part of Zavala, a few minutes' walk above the sea. The terrace offers a wide view of the southern coast of Hvar and Šćedro, and the atmosphere is as expected from a small island tavern – calm, informal, and focused on good Dalmatian food.

The menu features fish and seafood, squid, octopus, risottos, and pasta, as well as grilled meat and dishes prepared under peka. The tavern is particularly a good choice for dinner after a day spent at the beaches of Zavala.

Fish and Seafood

Fish dishes are an important part of the offering.

You can order grilled fish, fish platters, squid, tuna, shellfish, and other seafood dishes, depending on the daily selection. If you are dining with others, a fish platter for two is a practical way to try a variety of dishes.

Squid can be prepared grilled or fried, and pasta and seafood risotto are also frequently ordered.

It is best to ask about the availability of fish on the day of your visit.

Octopus and Seafood Platter to Start

Among the more interesting appetizers is the octopus platter, which works well as a shared starter for dinner.

Octopus appears in other dishes as well, and for those who prefer traditional Dalmatian cuisine, the preparation under peka is particularly noteworthy.

Local or house wines pair well with seafood appetizers.

Peka Must Be Ordered in Advance

One of the main reasons to visit Konoba Zavala is the peka.

Octopus and meat are prepared under peka, with octopus being especially popular. Since this cooking method requires a significant amount of time, it is best to order peka in advance when making a reservation.

This is not a dish that makes sense to order at the last minute – the slow cooking makes the meat or octopus tender, while potatoes and other ingredients absorb the juices during roasting.

If you want a more traditional Dalmatian dinner, peka is one of the best choices.

Lamb and Grilled Meat

The tavern is not only for fish lovers.

The menu includes grilled lamb, steaks, and various meat platters, making it suitable for groups where some guests prefer fish and others prefer meat.

The grill is simple and classic, without unnecessarily complicated additions, which suits the overall character of the tavern.

Risotto, Pasta, and Gnocchi

For something between grilled fish and a large platter, risotto and pasta with seafood are good choices.

The menu also features gnocchi and other combinations of pasta with meat or seafood.

These are practical dishes for guests who want a lighter dinner after a full day at the beach, without ordering a whole fish or peka.

Carpaccio and Cold Appetizers

The offering also includes beef carpaccio and octopus carpaccio, as well as other cold appetizers.

For a table of several people, it is a good idea to order a few different appetizers to share before the main course. The tavern is particularly pleasant for a slower dinner without haste.

House Wine

It is worth trying the house wine with your meal.

Zavala is located just below the well-known wine-growing areas on the southern side of Hvar, so the wine naturally complements this type of cuisine.

White wine pairs better with white fish and squid, while red wine can be chosen for lamb, steak, or heartier dishes.

Terrace with a Sea View

The tavern is not located directly on the waterfront but a bit higher in the settlement.

This is why the terrace has an open view over Zavala towards the sea and Šćedro. In the evening, when the heat subsides, this is one of the most pleasant parts of the restaurant.

The atmosphere is calmer than in restaurants directly by the beach, and after dinner, it is possible to take a short walk down to the sea.

A Good Option After a Day at the Beach

Konoba Zavala fits well into a typical day in this part of Hvar.

Swimming can be enjoyed at Zaca, Molvi, Skalinada, or one of the smaller nearby coves, and in the evening, you can walk up from the coastal part of Zavala to the tavern.

The ascent from the sea is felt more than a regular flat walk, but it is not long.

If you are coming by car from another part of Zavala, access is easier as you do not have to descend to the narrow coastal part of the settlement.

Parking

There is free parking available next to the restaurant, which is an important advantage in Zavala during the peak season.

This makes Konoba Zavala more practical for guests arriving by car from Jelsa or other parts of Hvar than restaurants directly by the sea, where finding a free spot in summer is significantly more difficult.

The local roads through Zavala are narrow, so the last part should be driven slowly.

Should You Make a Reservation?

During July and August, reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.

For peka, it is best to reserve and arrange the dish in advance, as it requires long preparation.

If having a table at the edge of the terrace with the best view of the sea is important to you, it is also advisable to reserve early.

Who Is Konoba Zavala Best For?

Konoba Zavala is suitable for guests who want a classic Dalmatian dinner without formality and without the need for the restaurant to be directly on the beach.

It is particularly interesting for fish, squid, octopus, seafood risotto, peka, and lamb, along with a glass of wine and a view from the terrace.

Good parking is an additional advantage, especially if you are coming to Zavala just for dinner.

Useful Information

  • Name: Restaurant Konoba Zavala
  • Location: Zavala, Hvar Island
  • Cuisine Type: Dalmatian, Mediterranean, seafood, and grill
  • Fish and Seafood: fish, squid, octopus, tuna, shellfish, and fish platters, depending on the offer
  • Peka: octopus and meat; best arranged in advance
  • Meat Offer: lamb, steaks, and grilled meat
  • Pasta and Risotto: available dishes with seafood and other combinations
  • Appetizers: including carpaccio and octopus platter
  • Vegetarian Options: available
  • Wine: house wine and other wines with meals
  • Terrace: outdoor terrace with a view of the sea and Šćedro
  • Family Friendly: yes
  • Reservation: recommended in peak season, especially for dinner and peka
  • Parking: free parking next to the restaurant
  • Location: in the upper part of Zavala, a few minutes' walk from the coast
  • Best For: peka, fish, octopus, squid, grill, and a quiet dinner with a sea view