Restaurant Šišmiš – Mediterranean Cuisine Above Šešula Bay

Restaurant Šišmiš is situated in Šešula Bay, just south of Maslinica. It is located above the sea, on terraces integrated into the rocky slope and Mediterranean greenery. The restaurant offers views of the bay, moored sailboats, and small boats that come for dinner in the afternoon.

Visitors come to Šišmiš not only for the food. An important part of the experience includes the tranquil bay, the location away from the village, and dining outdoors, free from the traffic and crowds of the Maslinica waterfront. The most pleasant time to visit is in the evening when the heat subsides and Šešula gradually fills with boats.

Mediterranean and Dalmatian Cuisine

The restaurant's offerings are based on Dalmatian and Mediterranean dishes, with an emphasis on fish, seafood, seasonal ingredients, and Croatian wines. The restaurant describes Šešula as a destination for sailors and lovers of Dalmatian and Mediterranean specialties.

To start, guests can choose from cold fish appetizers, octopus salad, tartare, shellfish, or another dish from the current menu. After that, the meal typically continues with fresh fish, seafood, or a meat dish.

There is no need to study the menu in detail beforehand. In such a restaurant, it is better to first ask what is fresh that day and what the kitchen particularly recommends.

Fresh Fish and Seafood

Fish is one of the main reasons to visit Šišmiš. The types and quantities depend on daily availability, so the offerings may not be the same every day.

When ordering whole fish, it is advisable to check in advance:

  • what type is available
  • approximately how much it weighs
  • how it is priced
  • what sides are included

For two or more people, a larger fish can be ordered along with several appetizers and sides to share. This way of ordering is well-suited for a quieter evening in the bay, especially when paired with a bottle of wine.

In addition to fish, the menu may include shellfish, crustaceans, octopus, tuna, and other seafood, depending on the season and supply.

Meat and Vegetarian Dishes

Šišmiš is not only for guests who eat fish. The menu also features meat dishes, salads, and sides of seasonal vegetables.

This is useful when not everyone at the table enjoys seafood. However, the offerings remain focused on Mediterranean cuisine, so do not expect pizza, fast food, or a large selection of simple dishes as found in family pizzerias.

Special dietary requirements are best mentioned when making a reservation, especially for larger groups.

Croatian Wines

Wine holds an important place in Šišmiš's offerings. The restaurant has a separate wine list featuring Croatian sparkling, white, rosé, and red wines. Among the listed labels are wines from Dalmatian and other local varieties.

With shellfish, lighter appetizers, and white fish, fresher white wines are the best match. For tuna, richer sauces, and meat dishes, fuller-bodied white, rosé, or red wines can be selected.

It is not necessary to have an extensive knowledge of the wine list. It is sufficient to mention the chosen dish, the type of wine usually preferred, and the price range to stay within.

Terraces with a View of Šešula

Tables are arranged on multiple levels above the sea, among stone walls and Mediterranean plants. Due to this arrangement, the restaurant does not appear as one large open terrace, but rather as a series of smaller spaces facing the bay.

The most sought-after tables have an unobstructed view of the sea. During July and August, it is best to reserve these in advance.

The ambiance is more refined than a typical tavern, but not overly formal. Neat summer attire is appropriate for both lunch and dinner.

Arrival by Boat and Mooring

Šišmiš is particularly suited for guests arriving by boat. The bay has restaurant buoys, and arrival and mooring arrangements should be made in advance, especially during the peak season. Nautical guides indicate that the restaurants Šišmiš and Šešula have their own buoys designated for restaurant guests.

When making a reservation, it is important to specify:

  • the type and length of the vessel
  • approximately what time of arrival
  • the number of people
  • whether mooring or a buoy is needed
  • whether an overnight stay is planned

Upon arrival, guests should follow the staff's instructions and not occupy a buoy without prior arrangement. In July and August, the bay fills up quickly, so one cannot always count on finding a free spot without a reservation.

Šešula is deeply recessed into the land, but before entering and staying overnight, it is always advisable to check the current weather forecast and conditions at the mooring.

Arrival on Foot from Maslinica

It is possible to walk from the center of Maslinica to the restaurant. Šišmiš is located very close to the village, but not along a paved waterfront. The path leads towards the southern part of the settlement and continues to Šešula Bay.

Walking involves some ascents and descents, as well as sections without continuous shade. During the hottest part of the day, it is useful to bring water, and a mobile phone flashlight is handy for the return trip after dinner.

The walk is suitable for most guests in average physical condition, but it may be less comfortable for those with limited mobility and families with very small children.

Arrival by Car and Parking

It is also possible to reach the restaurant by car. The access road to Šešula is narrower than the main island roads, so it is important to drive slowly and be mindful of pedestrians and difficult passing.

There is parking available nearby, but the number of spaces is not comparable to a large organized parking lot. Current restaurant guides indicate parking availability, but during the peak season, a free spot is not guaranteed.

Vehicles should be parked in a way that does not obstruct access to the restaurant, other facilities, or vehicle movement towards the coast. For guests staying in Maslinica, it is often simpler to walk.

Reservation

Reservations are recommended for dinner throughout the main season, especially when wishing to:

  • secure a table with a view
  • accommodate a larger group
  • arrive by boat
  • reserve a restaurant buoy
  • request a specific type of fish
  • arrange a customized dish due to dietary requirements

The restaurant allows table reservations through its official website, while for same-day reservations and boat arrangements, direct contact is more practical.

Šišmiš operates seasonally, so it is advisable to check the opening hours outside the main summer months before departure.

Who Will Enjoy Restaurant Šišmiš

Šišmiš is a good choice for guests seeking a Mediterranean dinner outside the center of Maslinica, in a natural setting and close to the sea.

It is particularly suitable for:

  • lovers of fish and seafood
  • couples and small groups
  • guests wishing to enjoy dinner with wine
  • sailors arriving by their own boat
  • visitors for whom ambiance is as important as food

It is less suitable for those seeking a quick and inexpensive meal, pizza, fast food, or a restaurant with a large parking lot right at the entrance.

At Šišmiš, the visit is unhurried: a table is reserved, the daily fish offerings are checked, and enough time is spent to let the bay settle after sunset.