Restaurant Preza – Mediterranean Cuisine by the Sea in Pokrivenik Bay
Restaurant Preza is located right by the sea in Pokrivenik Bay, on the northern coast of Hvar beneath Gdinj. It is part of Hotel Timun, but it is not exclusively for hotel guests – visitors can arrive by car from the main island road after a day spent at Pokrivenik beach, or directly by boat as the restaurant has moorings for guests arriving on yachts and sailing boats.
Its location is one of its greatest assets. Pokrivenik is a deep bay surrounded by high rocky cliffs, pine trees, and Mediterranean vegetation, and Preza is set right at the water's edge. The terraces, wooden cabins, pine trees, and reeds blend into the bay, making the restaurant feel much more like a part of the coastline than a typical hotel restaurant.
The cuisine focuses on fish, shellfish, homemade pasta, and local Hvar and Dalmatian ingredients, but the menu is broad enough to cater to guests who do not wish to eat seafood.
Fish is a Main Attraction
The seafood offerings include fresh fish, which can be grilled, prepared as gregada, or as brudet.
This is a good approach for a restaurant in such a location, as the same ingredient can be served very simply from the grill or as a more traditional Dalmatian dish for multiple diners.
The menu also features grilled prawns, squid, mussels, and shrimp prepared in buzara style, as well as lobster or crayfish, which can be grilled or served with pasta.
For guests wanting a classic fish lunch, the simplest option is to ask what fish is available that day and then choose the method of preparation.
Octopus, Tuna and More Modern Seafood Dishes
Preza does not limit itself to classic grilled fish.
The menu includes grilled octopus with broad bean cream and sautéed vegetables, Mediterranean octopus ragout with polenta, fillet of white fish with pea mousse and vegetables, and tuna fillet.
This gives the menu a more contemporary feel than a typical konoba, while still retaining Dalmatian ingredients.
A good example of this approach is the use of broad beans, polenta, fish, olive oil, and local seasonal ingredients in somewhat modern combinations.
Preza Seafood Platter to Start
Among the cold starters, the Preza Seafood Platter stands out.
This combines salted and marinated anchovies, fish carpaccio, marinated shrimp, octopus, and fish pâté.
It is a practical choice for two or more guests who wish to sample several different seafood bites before the main course.
Other offerings include octopus salad, fish carpaccio, fish pâté, Dalmatian prosciutto, and a selection of cow, goat, and sheep cheeses.
Fresh Pasta, Ravioli and Black Risotto
Hot starters are one of the more interesting parts of the menu.
Fresh Pasta Preza is prepared with seafood ingredients such as shrimp, prawns, shellfish, and cuttlefish. There are also crab meat ravioli, homemade gnocchi with cuttlefish, and black risotto.
For those who do not want a whole fish or a classic main course, pasta and risotto are good ways to stay within the seafood offerings.
A more unusual combination is fresh macaroni with truffles and beef, which links the meat and Mediterranean sections of the menu.
Island Lamb and Grilled Dishes
Preza is not exclusively a fish restaurant.
The meat section includes island lamb marinated in rosemary and red wine, steak, ribeye, ribeye with white truffles, and grilled chicken breast.
This makes the restaurant practical for larger groups or families where not everyone wants fish.
Lamb with rosemary and wine particularly suits the character of the Hvar menu as it does not attempt to reduce all local cuisine to just what comes from the sea.
Pizza is Also on Offer
Interestingly, Preza has a separate selection of pizzas.
Preza Pizza combines cheese, shrimp, tomatoes, capers, parmesan, and olive oil, while simpler options include mozzarella, vegetarian Verdura, and the richer Rustika with pancetta, homemade sausage, mushrooms, mozzarella, and rocket.
Pizza is a practical option for children or for a lighter meal after a day at the beach, but it is not the foundation of the restaurant's identity.
The main draw of Preza remains its Mediterranean cuisine, fresh fish, and seafood dishes.
Desserts with Hvar Ingredients
The desserts also reflect a connection to the island.
The menu features chocolate cake with carob, smoked salt, and olive oil, as well as semifreddo with Hvar almonds.
There are also lemon and honey cheesecake and fruit cake.
Carob, almonds, honey, and olive oil naturally belong to the Dalmatian region, so the desserts are not just a standard conclusion to the meal but continue the local theme of the menu.
Hvar Wines Have an Important Place
The wine list does not end with a few house labels.
There is a special emphasis on Hvar winemakers, along with a selection of wines from other Croatian wine regions and abroad.
For fish, shellfish, and pasta, it makes sense to seek out Hvar white wine, while something fuller can be chosen to accompany lamb, steak, or tuna.
Hvar prošek is also available, which is a lovely way to finish a meal with dessert.
Terrace and Wooden Cabins by the Sea
The ambience is one of the main reasons why Preza is not just an ordinary roadside restaurant.
The restaurant features pine wood, reeds, and handcrafted wooden cabins right by the shore. The tables face the tranquil bay, and steep cliffs rise behind the sea.
During the day, the atmosphere is more relaxed and connected to the beach and hotel.
In the evening, when most daytime bathers leave the bay, the space becomes much quieter and more suitable for dining by the sea.
For a table closer to the shore or for dinner during the peak season, reservations are advisable.
Preza and Hotel Timun
Restaurant Preza operates as part of Hotel Timun, a smaller hotel right by the sea in Pokrivenik.
This explains why the restaurant has a somewhat broader offering than a typical small konoba in an isolated bay. In addition to à la carte guests, it is also used by hotel accommodation, so a bar, terrace, and other infrastructure are available alongside the restaurant.
The hotel also has its own parking, making access by car significantly easier than at many other remote restaurants on eastern Hvar.
However, the restaurant is still entirely appealing even if one does not stay at the hotel.
How to Arrive by Car
Pokrivenik is located on the northern side of Hvar, approximately beneath the area between Gdinj and the eastern part of the island.
From the main D116 road, a turn leads to the bay, and a paved local road leads down to the sea.
This is an important distinction compared to many southern Gdinj bays where the final kilometres are on unpaved roads.
The road winds down and should be navigated with care, but a 4x4 or special vehicle is not necessary for access.
At the end, one arrives directly at the area of Hotel Timun and the restaurant.
Parking
There is parking available next to Hotel Timun and Restaurant Preza, making access by car simpler than at restaurants located in completely wild bays.
However, during the season, it should be noted that the same space is used by hotel guests, restaurant visitors, and people coming to Pokrivenik for swimming.
If arriving for dinner during the busiest period, it is practical to reserve a table and check the easiest place to leave the car.
Arriving by Boat – An Important Part of Preza's Identity
Preza is strongly connected to guests arriving by sea.
Pokrivenik Bay once served as a steamship dock, and today there are moorings for guests arriving on sailing boats and yachts next to the restaurant.
Even the name Preza is linked to maritime tradition: prezama referred to stone pillars or elements for tying up boats.
Thus, arriving by boat is not a secondary option but part of the restaurant's identity.
Preza also offers yacht supply and catering for sailors.
Pokrivenik is Worth Connecting with Lunch or Dinner
If arriving at Preza by car, there is no need to limit the visit to just the restaurant.
Pokrivenik Bay is one of the more interesting natural bays on northern Hvar, surrounded by high cliffs and with several pebbly swimming spots.
A day can easily be organised as swimming in Pokrivenik, relaxing by the sea, and later having lunch or dinner at Preza.
This approach is particularly sensible for guests staying in Gdinj or exploring the eastern part of Hvar who do not wish to return to larger towns after each swim.
Who Will Enjoy Restaurant Preza the Most?
Preza is a good choice for couples, families, seafood lovers, and sailors looking for a more refined restaurant in a quiet part of Hvar.
It is not a classic rustic konoba with a few dishes written on a board. The menu is broader, the presentation more modern, the wine list more serious, and the space more refined.
At the same time, its location keeps it from feeling like an urban restaurant.
The greatest asset of Preza is precisely the combination of Pokrivenik Bay, tables by the sea, a quality selection of fish and seafood dishes, Hvar wines, and the option to arrive by both car and boat.
Useful Information
Location: Pokrivenik Bay, northern coast of Hvar, Gdinj area
Cuisine type: Mediterranean and Dalmatian
Specialties include: fresh fish, prawns, squid, shellfish, octopus, homemade pasta, and black risotto
Fish: grilled, gregada, and brudet
Meat dishes: yes, including island lamb, steak, and ribeye
Pizza: yes
Vegetarian options: yes
Desserts: carob, Hvar almonds, lemon, honey, and other Mediterranean ingredients
Wine list: Hvar, Croatian, and international wines
Seaside terrace: yes
Accommodation: the restaurant operates as part of Hotel Timun
Access by car: via paved road from D116
Parking: yes, next to the property
Arriving by boat: yes
Moorings for restaurant guests: yes
Reservation: recommended for dinner and peak season
Best for: fish lunch, seaside dinner, couples, families, and sailors
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