Restaurant Rot in Ivan Dolac – Formerly OPG Carić, Peka and One of the Most Beautiful Terraces Above the Sea
Restaurant Rot is situated on a rise above the southern coast of Hvar, approximately 300–400 metres west of Ivan Dolac, along the road towards Bojanić Bada and Sveta Nedjelja. It is not hidden among houses or squeezed by the beach – it occupies an open space above the sea, surrounded by vineyards, pine trees, and Mediterranean vegetation.
Before becoming a restaurant, this location was known as OPG Carić, an agricultural estate linked to vineyards, local vegetables, and other produce from the southern side of Hvar. This estate gradually evolved into Rot, which opened in 2016 as a restaurant where its own and local ingredients are combined with simple Dalmatian cuisine.
While the food is significant, Rot is also remembered for another reason – the panoramic view that stretches from the elevation over the sea towards Šćedro, Korčula, Vis, Lastovo, Lukavci, and Sušac. In the evening, as the sun begins to set in the west, the terrace becomes one of the more beautiful places for dinner in this part of Hvar.
From OPG Carić to Restaurant Rot
The story of this place did not begin as a typical tourist restaurant.
On the land above the sea was OPG Carić, surrounded by vineyards of Plavac Mali, gardens, and typical vegetation of the southern side of Hvar. The idea was to utilise what this location already had – local ingredients, wine, open space, and a view that cannot be artificially created.
The first works on the area of the current restaurant began a few years before its opening, and Rot started welcoming guests in 2016.
Thus, the restaurant today feels more like a large Dalmatian estate with a terrace than a typical roadside dining establishment.
The Location High Above the Sea is Its Greatest Feature
Rot is located on a slope above the coast, high enough that the view is not obstructed by houses and other buildings.
Below the terrace, vineyards and Mediterranean landscape descend, and beyond them, there is almost nothing but the sea.
On a clear day, the horizon is exceptionally wide. You can see Šćedro and Korčula, and the view extends towards Vis, Lastovo, the islet of Sušac, and smaller island groups in the open sea.
Due to this location, Rot is not just a place to go for a meal. It is worth arriving a little earlier, ordering wine, and allowing enough time before dinner just to enjoy the view.
One of the Best Terraces for Watching the Sunset
Dinner at Rot is most meaningful in the evening.
The sun descends towards the western part of the horizon, the sea gradually changes colour, and the open terrace provides an unobstructed view.
As the restaurant is not located within the village itself, there is no intense foot traffic from bathers and pedestrians that exists around the main beach of Ivan Dolac.
The atmosphere is calmer, especially after the daytime heat subsides.
If you reserve a table during July or August, it is worth requesting a spot on the outer edge of the terrace specifically for the view.
Peka is the Signature Dish of the Kitchen
If you are visiting Rot for the first time and wish to have a traditional Dalmatian meal, peka is one of the main reasons to visit.
It is prepared with octopus or meat, most commonly lamb or veal, along with potatoes and vegetables.
Everything is slowly cooked under an iron lid over a fire, which keeps the meat or octopus tender, while the potatoes absorb the juices from the dish.
Peka should be ordered in advance, preferably the day before. It is not a dish that can be properly prepared once the guest is seated.
Octopus under peka is one of the dishes for which Rot is particularly known.
Fresh Fish from the Grill
If you do not wish to have peka, a very good option is grilled fish.
Depending on the daily offer, you can typically find sea bream, sea bass, and other available fish.
The preparation is simple: grilled, olive oil, potatoes, vegetables, or salad.
This aligns perfectly with the character of Rot. There is no need to hide the fish behind complicated sauces – what matters more are good ingredients, fire, and proper preparation.
When ordering, it is best to ask which fish is available that day.
Squid, Lamb, and Grilled Meats
Alongside fish, grilled squid, lamb, veal, rump steak, skewers, and other meat dishes are also prepared on the open grill.
The menu is not overly large, and this is one of the advantages of the restaurant.
The majority of the offerings revolve around a few basic items that make sense in this setting – fish, meat, fire, vegetables, and wine.
For a group where some guests want fish and others meat, Rot is therefore a very straightforward choice.
Vegetables from Their Own Cultivation and Local Ingredients
The connection to the former OPG is also evident in the kitchen.
Alongside the main dishes, homegrown and locally sourced ingredients are used, particularly seasonal vegetables.
Potatoes, salads, and grilled vegetables are not just garnishes alongside the main dish, but a natural part of the entire story of this place.
Rot functions best when it adheres to the simple combination of local ingredients and open fire.
Wine from the Vineyards of Southern Hvar
The restaurant is surrounded by vineyards, and wine is an important part of dinner.
The slopes above Ivan Dolac are among the more renowned locations for Plavac Mali, a variety that produces strong and full-bodied red wines on this sunny and steep southern side of Hvar.
With fish and squid, chilled white wines are a better choice, while Plavac Mali naturally pairs well with lamb, veal, and other meat dishes.
A glass of local wine here has added value as the vineyards from which such wines originate are practically around the restaurant itself.
A Short Menu Instead of Dozens of Dishes
Rot does not need to offer several pages of different pizzas, pastas, and international dishes.
The selection is relatively short and focused on grilled dishes, peka, fresh fish, meat, and homemade sides.
This is a good sign for such a restaurant.
If you come for the traditional flavours of the southern side of Hvar, a few well-prepared dishes make much more sense than an extensive menu.
A Peacefulness Quite Different from Beachside Restaurants
In the centre of Ivan Dolac, restaurants are linked to the beach, the promenade by the sea, and summer crowds.
Rot is different.
It is set back above the village, among the vineyards, so during dinner, the constant passing of bathers and traffic along the main beach is not heard.
Especially in the evening, the space has an almost rural character – stone, vines, open sky, and the sea below the terrace.
For this reason, Rot is particularly well-suited for couples and guests seeking a quieter dinner with wine.
Peka is Excellent for Groups
If you are coming in a group, pre-ordered peka is likely the best way to experience Rot.
One large shared dish, a few salads, and a bottle of local wine suit the character of the space much better than ordering a series of completely different dishes.
For larger parties, a reservation is necessary, especially in July and August.
When making a reservation, you can also agree on the type of peka.
Outdoor Restaurant
A large part of Rot is outdoors, which is an important part of its charm.
Vines, stone walls, and wooden elements create natural shade and a feeling of sitting in the midst of the Hvar landscape.
This is ideal for typical summer evenings.
If strong winds or rain are forecasted, it is worth checking the conditions before arrival, as weather conditions affect this type of restaurant much more than a fully enclosed establishment.
How to Get There from Ivan Dolac?
From the centre of Ivan Dolac, head west along the road towards Bojanić Bada and Sveta Nedjelja.
After approximately 300–400 metres, you will reach Rot, which is located on a rise above the road and sea.
By car, it takes just a few minutes to arrive.
You can also walk from Ivan Dolac. The distance is not great, but when returning after dinner, keep in mind that you will be walking along a local road that is not a typical well-lit promenade.
Free Parking by the Restaurant
One of the practical advantages of the location outside the centre is the parking by the restaurant.
Unlike the coastal part of Ivan Dolac, where finding free spaces along narrow local roads is a challenge in summer, at Rot, you can park your car right next to the establishment.
Parking is free.
This makes the restaurant practical for guests coming from Zaval, Sveta Nedjelja, or other parts of the southern coast of Hvar.
Cash Payment
At Rot, you should expect cash payment.
If you are planning a larger dinner, including peka and wine, it is best to bring enough cash in advance.
In small towns on the southern side of Hvar, it is not always practical to look for an ATM just before dinner.
When to Visit?
Rot primarily operates as an evening restaurant, and this rhythm suits it best.
It is advisable to reserve a table before sunset.
This way, you will spend the first part of the evening enjoying the daytime view of the sea and islands, and then see how the landscape completely changes after sunset.
For a place like this, it makes little sense to arrive only when it is completely dark, as you would miss one of its greatest values.
What to Choose for Your First Visit?
If you reserve at least a day in advance, your first choice should be octopus under peka.
For a spontaneous dinner without prior ordering, excellent options are fresh fish or grilled squid, accompanied by seasonal vegetables and a glass of Hvar wine.
Meat lovers can choose lamb, veal, or other grilled meats.
However, regardless of the dish, it is worth arriving early enough at Rot so that dinner is not reduced to just a plate of food.
The location above the sea, the vineyards surrounding the terrace, and the panoramic view towards the islands are as important a part of the experience as the food itself.
Useful Information
- Name: Restaurant Rot Ivan Dolac
- Former Name/Space: OPG Carić
- Opened as a Restaurant: 2016
- Location: Ivan Dolac, Hvar Island
- Position: on a rise about 300–400 m west of Ivan Dolac
- Surroundings: vineyards, pine trees, and Mediterranean vegetation
- View: sea, Šćedro, Korčula, Vis, Lastovo, Lukavci, and Sušac
- Best Time of Day: in the evening and at sunset
- Cuisine Type: Dalmatian and Mediterranean
- Specialty: peka and grilled dishes
- Peka: octopus or meat with potatoes and vegetables
- Ordering Peka: in advance, preferably the day before
- Fish: fresh fish from the grill according to daily offer
- Seafood: squid and other simple grilled dishes
- Meat Dishes: lamb, veal, rump steak, skewers, and other grilled dishes
- Ingredients: uses homegrown and locally sourced seasonal ingredients
- Wine: local Hvar wines
- Terrace: large open stone terrace above the sea
- Ambience: rustic, peaceful, and connected to the former OPG
- For Couples: an excellent choice for dinner
- For Groups: very good, especially with pre-ordered peka
- Reservation: recommended in the main season
- Payment: cash
- Parking: free parking by the restaurant
- Walking Access: about 300–400 m from Ivan Dolac
- Best For: peka, grilled fish, local wine, panoramic views, and dinner at sunset
Restaurant Rot / Comments
Looks like you are not signed in!
How would you like to proceed?
Anonymous comment
Login
Register
Your comment was submitted successfully and it will be published after approval by administrator!
General Conditions of Publiciation
General terms and conditions and notes
1. Web page
Web page www.holiday-link.com is an interactive web page where the visitors can put texts, news, photos and video movies regarding the content about tourism, gastronomy, culture and entertainment. Information can be uploaded by the owners, managers, employees, tourist boards, residents and tourists, basically all those who want to introduce the public to the specific content (facilities). The site allows evaluation of the attractiveness of a specific content and it allows writing comments by other visitors. Visitors, who log in and want to publish an information about some content (facility) or promote some tourist service, become users or suppliers and they agree to the general terms and conditions that are stipulated here and are obliged to act in accordance with the general terms and conditions (general conditions do not apply if a person is only visiting the page). A person can become a user by signing up with a user name and a password. The user agrees to put the accurate access data, name and surname and the address. Contents that users publish will be signed with a nickname they choose, while the personal data will be used in accordance with the privacy statement. Persons under the age of thirteen are not allowed to enter any content. General terms can be changed from time to time and if the user or supplier doesn’t agree with the changed general terms and conditions he can remove his content from the site.
2. Content
The page is not the media that publishes editorial program contents but the page where the visitors publish information that serve for the educational and cultural public informing about the touristic, cultural and gastronomic contents (facilities). The goal of the site is to collect the information that will give the tourists, as well as the locals, the insight into touristic, cultural and gastronomic offer of the certain location (city, region and country). Publishing the information about the content (information on facilities) is completely free of charge. Except the touristic content , on these pages, providers of various services in tourism may publish and advertise services they offer. These are, further in the text, referred to as a suppliers. Users and suppliers are solely responsible for the publication of their contents in accordance with the statement of responsibility.
3. User obligations
Each user is obliged to use the website in accordance with the general terms and conditions. By publishing the certain text, comment, photo or video movie on the site, the user guarantees that the published information are true, and that they are not copyrighted by a third party. Each user is morally and materially responsible for the publication of content. It is forbidden to copy texts from other websites. Administrators review entered contents and approve them for publishing. Holiday-Link.com has the right not to show the content it finds inappropriate, untrue or offensive. The owners, managers or employees of the gastronomic facilities (eg. restaurants) have the right to reply to the articles and comments on their own content. The owners have the right to request the removal of the text regarding their facilities if they find it inappropriate. The complaint can be send to complain@holiday-link.com. By publishing the content, the user is giving the exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual transferable, irrevocable and fully sublicensable licence (copyright) to use, reproduce modify, adapt, translate, distribute, publish and publicly display subscribed content to the Holiday-Link.com and its affiliates.
4. The obligations of suppliers of tourist services (accommodation and other services)
Company Holiday-Link.com Ltd acts as advertising website on this website and not as a tour operator or intermediary travel agency. Suppliers of tourist services who register their capacity on this site, pay the commercial advertising model they choose. Interaction, regarding arranging a specific accommodation or other tourist service, is done directly between supplier and visitor. Visitors arrange the accommodation or some other touristic service directly with the suppliers and pay the arranged service to them. Suppliers are responsible for all entered data, images, prices and more. Suppliers guarantee that they have all licences necessary to carry out the services they offer, and to operate in accordance with the laws of their home country. By purchasing certain service, visitor accepts the terms and conditions of a supplier from whom he purchased the service. Holiday-Link will check each supplier before putting its facilities to be visible on the page.
5. Statement of Responsibility
The information, that users and suppliers are entering, can be wrong. Holiday-Link.com does not check the entry of the information, pictures and movies and cannot guarantee their accuracy and it disclaims any responsibility for any incorrect data. If you notice a certain misstatement, inaccuracy or inadequacy in any content, please contact us by e-mail: complain@holiday-link.com The responsibility, for every information about some content, is on the user who entered the information. Suppliers, who advertise touristic services via this website, act as independent entrepreneurs. They enter the data about their services , as well as the pictures and the prices, on their own. Holiday-Link.com does not check entered data and disclaims responsibility regarding the errors that can occur during the entering. Suppliers have to own all the licences regarding the services they offer, and they have to respect the laws and regulations of the home country. Visitor arranges the specific service directly with the supplier, on the basis of data that is entered by a supplier as independent entrepreneur, and he pays it directly to the supplier. Therefore, Holiday-Link.com disclaims responsibility for any problem related to the certain reservation.
6. Privacy Policy
When logging into the website, users and suppliers have to enter some personal data (name and surname, e-mail, address, phone number, etc.). Holiday-Link.com guarantees that this data will be kept secret and will not be forwarded to the third parties. Holiday-Link.com can use an user and a supplier e-mail for sending necessarry informaion and for advertising.
7. Cookie Policy
Cookies are small text files that can be stored into device of a visitor if it is allowed by a web browser. Holiday-Link.com uses cookies to provide a better user experience on the website for the visitors. Also, while visiting Holiday-Link.com, you can automatically collect a certain data.
8. Court Jurisdiction
In case of any dispute, related to the site holiday-link.com, the court in Split and the Croatian law are competent.