Me & Mrs Jones – Mediterranean Restaurant by the Sea in Jelsa

Me & Mrs Jones, often referred to by its former name Napoleon, is situated at Mala Banda, on the quieter side of Jelsa harbour. The restaurant is just a few steps from the sea, and from the outdoor terrace, diners can enjoy views across the harbour towards the old part of Jelsa.

This is not a typical konoba with a limited selection of standard Dalmatian dishes. The cuisine remains firmly Mediterranean, featuring fish, seafood, and meat, but traditional ingredients are often presented and combined in a more contemporary manner.

It is this combination of location, a more serious approach to cooking, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere that makes Me & Mrs Jones one of the more distinctive dining spots in Jelsa.

At Mala Banda, Opposite Old Jelsa

The location is one of the restaurant's strongest assets.

Mala Banda is located on the opposite side of the harbour from the main promenade and Pjaca, allowing diners to gaze towards the historic centre of Jelsa, with its coastal houses and boats in the harbour.

It is particularly pleasant in the evening when the light changes over the harbour, and later, the lights on the opposite side of the town come on.

The restaurant is easily reached from the centre with a short walk along the waterfront, eliminating the need for a car.

Two Terraces, Two Different Ambiances

Me & Mrs Jones features two interesting seating areas.

The outdoor terrace faces the sea and the harbour, making it the best choice for dining with an open view of Jelsa.

The indoor terrace has more of a Dalmatian character, with stone and a more intimate atmosphere, making it a comfortable option for those seeking a quieter table or when the weather is not ideal for sitting right by the coast.

As a result, the restaurant does not solely rely on the view – the area behind the promenade has its own character.

Fish and Seafood Take Centre Stage

Fish dishes are one of the restaurant's standout offerings.

On the menu, you will find tuna, octopus, shellfish, prawns, various types of white fish, and seafood risottos, depending on the current menu and available ingredients.

Notable dishes include tuna steak, octopus salad, and cold fish pâté as starters. Grilled fish dishes and combinations of fish and seafood are also popular.

The cuisine is not overly complicated, but the presentation and combinations go beyond the ordinary konoba fare.

Homemade Pasta and More Modern Mediterranean Plates

If grilled fish is not desired, the pasta and risottos are worth exploring.

Regular offerings include ravioli, various pasta dishes with seafood and truffles, and risottos. It is in these dishes that the more modern aspect of Me & Mrs Jones' cuisine is best showcased.

There are also vegetarian options available, making the restaurant a suitable choice if not everyone at the table is a fan of fish or meat.

Meat is Not Just an Afterthought

Although the restaurant naturally leans towards fish and Mediterranean cuisine, the meat offerings are not secondary.

The menu features steaks, lamb, and other grilled dishes, so a group where one person wants tuna, another pasta, and a third meat can easily find various options here.

This makes Me & Mrs Jones a more practical choice than restaurants that are almost entirely focused on fish.

Panna Cotta for Dessert

Among the desserts, panna cotta has been particularly associated with the restaurant for years, providing a simple and light finish after a fish or meat meal.

Other sweet treats are also available, including chocolate desserts and ice cream, but panna cotta remains one of the house's more recognisable classics.

Wine Plays an Important Role

This is a restaurant where it makes sense to take a little time for wine.

The wine list is not limited to just a few basic labels, and with Mediterranean cuisine, Hvar and other Dalmatian wines pair particularly well.

With fish and seafood, fresh white wines are the natural choice, while there is ample room for more robust red wines with steak and heartier meat dishes.

Me & Mrs Jones therefore functions much better for a leisurely dinner with a bottle of wine than as a place for a quick meal on the go.

Why is Napoleon Still Associated with the Name?

Older generations and some long-time patrons still associate the restaurant with the name Napoleon.

This location has a hospitality tradition dating back to 1986, and the restaurant was known for many years as Restaurant Napoleon or Konoba Napoleon. The current name, Me & Mrs Jones, later became the primary name, but the old name has not completely disappeared from local usage or tourist guides.

As a result, the full name Me & Mrs Jones (Napoleon) often appears online.

It is useful for guests to know that these are not two different restaurants.

A Good Choice for Dinner in a Quieter Part of the Harbour

The best time to visit Me & Mrs Jones is in the evening.

At this time, Mala Banda has a more pleasant rhythm than the main promenade, and a table by the sea makes perfect sense. The view across the harbour, the evening lights of Jelsa, and a more serious kitchen create an atmosphere more suited for a longer dinner than a quick lunch between beach visits.

The restaurant is popular among returning guests to Jelsa, so it is advisable to reserve a table for dinner during the peak season, especially if you wish to sit on the outdoor terrace by the sea.

Who Will Enjoy Me & Mrs Jones the Most?

This is a good choice for couples, groups, and guests looking for a meal by the sea, but seeking something more than a standard menu of grilled fish and chips.

It is particularly worthwhile if you want to try tuna, octopus, fresh fish, homemade pasta, or good meat with wine, while remaining in Jelsa itself.

If you are looking for a completely informal pizza or a quick meal, there are simpler places in Jelsa. Me & Mrs Jones shines when you want to take a little time for dinner.

Useful Information

  • Type of establishment: Mediterranean restaurant
  • Location: Mala Banda, right by Jelsa harbour
  • Other name: Napoleon; the old name of the restaurant still in use
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean and Dalmatian with a modern approach
  • Fish and seafood: an important part of the offering
  • Highlights: tuna steak, octopus salad, fish pâté, grilled fish, pasta and risottos
  • Meat dishes: available steaks, lamb, and other grilled dishes
  • Vegetarian options: available
  • Desserts: panna cotta is one of the more recognisable choices
  • Wine: a good selection of wines suitable for a more serious dinner
  • Terraces: outdoor terrace by the sea and a more intimate indoor terrace with Dalmatian character
  • View: across Jelsa harbour towards the old part of the town
  • Access: a few minutes' walk from the centre of Jelsa
  • Reservation: advisable for dinner during peak season
  • Special feature: a blend of the old tradition of Restaurant Napoleon, modern Mediterranean cuisine, and one of the nicer views across Jelsa harbour