Peškarija 1911 – Contemporary Fish Cuisine in the Old Vis Fish Market

Peškarija 1911 is located on the main waterfront in Vis, in the space of the former city fish market from 1911. The location itself sets it apart from almost all other restaurants on the island – the old stone space has not been converted into a typical restaurant dining room but has retained the character of a fish market, including the former stone counter that now serves as seating and food serving area.

The concept continues on the plate. Peškarija is not a classic Dalmatian tavern where one comes for large grilled fish and Swiss chard, but a modern fish bistro that prepares traditional Vis ingredients, especially sardines, anchovies, mackerel, cuttlefish, and other Adriatic fish, in a more contemporary manner.

Particularly interesting is the great attention paid to blue fish, which has fed Vis for centuries but is often overshadowed by more expensive white fish in today’s restaurants.

Blue Fish in the Spotlight

Sardines, anchovies, and mackerel here are not cheap substitutes for "better" fish but ingredients around which some of the most interesting dishes are built.

Sardine Savour is one of the best examples of the connection to traditional Dalmatian cuisine. The fish is marinated in a tangy marinade, a technique that once served as a method of preserving fish, and here it finds its place among cold appetizers.

Also featured is dried and smoked mackerel, another flavor very close to the fishing tradition of Vis.

A completely different approach is taken with stuffed anchovies in black tempura – small local fish receives a modern presentation, with a creamy filling and various sauces. It is precisely with such dishes that the idea of Peškarija is best seen: local ingredients remain the starting point, but the dish is no longer a classic tavern interpretation.

Tartare, Carpaccio, and Cold Seafood Appetizers

Cold appetizers are particularly interesting if one wishes to try several different flavors before the main course.

Peškarija Tartare is prepared from the fish of the day, with fresh and tangy additions that change according to the current menu. There is also smoked fish carpaccio, which can combine mullet, olive oil, lemon, capers, orange, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Octopus and shrimp salad is also presented in a slightly more modern way than the classic Dalmatian octopus salad, with capers, tomatoes, and fruity or citrus notes.

If visiting in pairs or larger groups, it is best to experience Peškarija through several shared appetizers. This way, one can easily see how many different ways the kitchen prepares fish.

Hot Appetizers and Shrimp Ravioli

For hot appetizers, seafood continues in somewhat richer combinations.

Alongside fried anchovies, the menu features stuffed shrimp ravioli, served with a tomato sauce and creamier additions. This dish goes beyond classic island cuisine while still keeping the Adriatic as the main theme.

Fish soup is also available, and the specific offerings of hot appetizers may change according to the season and catch.

Cuttlefish, Mullet, and Other Fish as Main Dishes

For main dishes, Peškarija does not rely solely on the most well-known and expensive types of fish.

The menu includes cuttlefish, mullet, and scad, as well as other types depending on availability. This is particularly interesting as these are fish that belong to everyday Adriatic cuisine, but here they are prepared and presented in the manner of a serious modern restaurant.

Cuttlefish can be combined with potatoes and polenta, mullet with vegetable creams and gratin potatoes, while scad receives richer sauces and carefully arranged sides.

Occasionally, shark may also appear on the menu. The menu is not completely static, so it is much more important to check the current offerings than to come with the idea that a specific dish must be available.

Fish from the Waters Around Vis

The connection to local fishing here is not just a marketing story.

Peškarija is run by the Linčir family, well-connected with Vis fishing, and some of the fish that ends up in the kitchen comes from their own catch in the waters around Vis. This particularly applies to blue fish such as sardines, anchovies, and horse mackerel.

Therefore, the concept of the old fish market makes much more sense – it is not just about a restaurant set in a historic space, but a place where fish remains the center of the entire story.

Vis Wines and the First Sparkling Wine from Vis

The wine selection is particularly focused on Vis.

The list includes wines from various island producers, including Vugava, Pošip, Rukatac, and Trbljan, as well as rosé and red wines from Vis.

It is worth paying attention to the Vis sparkling wine, especially as an aperitif before several fish appetizers.

With anchovies, sardines, carpaccio, and white fish, fresher white wines pair naturally, while with smoked mackerel, cuttlefish, and richer sauces, a wine with a more pronounced character can be chosen.

Carob, Plavac, and Desserts with an Island Signature

The desserts attempt to maintain a connection to the island.

Among them is carob rožata, an interesting interpretation of one of the most famous Dalmatian desserts. Carob is a traditional island ingredient and fits well into the overall philosophy of the restaurant.

An even more unusual combination is chocolate and Plavac, where Dalmatian red wine is used as part of the dessert.

The dessert selection is not large, but it is well thought out as a conclusion to the seafood menu, rather than a generic choice of cakes that can be found anywhere.

The Old Fish Market Transformed into a Restaurant

The space may be as interesting as the food.

The building of the old Vis fish market has been renovated to preserve the stone walls, wooden roof structure, and original elements of the fish market. A large stone counter, once used for selling fish, now functions as a communal table and bar.

This layout creates an atmosphere different from restaurants with a series of separate tables. Guests can sit next to each other at the large stone counter, giving the space a livelier, almost bar-like character.

Peškarija is therefore simultaneously a restaurant, fish bistro, and wine bar – serious enough for a full dinner, but equally natural if one wants to have a few appetizers and a bottle of wine.

Location on the Main Waterfront

Peškarija 1911 is located on Obala sv. Jurja, in the very center of Vis and right by the sea.

From the ferry terminal, it is a short walk along the waterfront, and from Kuta, a pleasant coastal walk through the town. For guests staying in Vis, a car is not necessary.

It is particularly practical for sailors moored at the city waterfront as it is located right next to the nautical part of the port.

Parking

The restaurant does not have its own large parking area.

It is located on the main city waterfront, where space for cars is limited, so when arriving from the interior of the island, it is most practical to use one of the public parking lots in Vis and continue the last part on foot.

If staying in the town or arriving by boat, pedestrian access is much simpler.

Reservation

Peškarija is a relatively small and specifically organized space, so reservations during the main season make sense.

This is especially recommended if one wishes for a full dinner or is coming in a larger group. For a shorter stay with a few bites and wine, it may be possible to try without a reservation, but in summer, it is not advisable to count on a place always being available.

Useful Information

Location: main waterfront in the town of Vis

Type of establishment: fish bistro and wine bar

Cuisine: contemporary interpretation of Vis and Dalmatian fish cuisine

Special feature: restaurant in a renovated city fish market from 1911

Offer: sardines, anchovies, mackerel, octopus, shrimp, cuttlefish, and various fish from the Adriatic

Blue fish: one of the main elements of the menu

Local Vis wines: yes

Vegetarian options: very limited as the concept is primarily fish-based

Reservation: recommended during the season

Parking: public parking in the wider area of the center

Location by the sea: yes