Restaurant Albatros in Stari Grad, Hvar – Fresh Fish, Traditional Gregada and Dalmatian Cuisine in the Historic Centre

Located in the historic centre of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, just a stone's throw from Ploča Square and the town's waterfront, Restaurant Albatros is housed in an old stone building. Renowned for its fresh fish, seafood, and traditional Dalmatian dishes, the menu features highlights such as grilled octopus, tuna, gregada, and brudet, alongside more inventive dishes that blend local ingredients with contemporary flavours.

Albatros boasts a charming terrace set against the backdrop of the town's ancient streets, making it an ideal spot for guests wishing to enjoy a leisurely fish lunch or dinner in a quieter part of Stari Grad. Its proximity to the waterfront and main attractions allows for easy access while exploring the historic centre.

Fresh Fish and Seafood Specialities

Fish and seafood take centre stage on the menu at Restaurant Albatros.

Among the standout dishes is the grilled octopus, served with a medley of grilled vegetables. Octopus enthusiasts can also opt for octopus salad or a unique flambéed octopus dish with zucchini.

Particularly noteworthy is the tuna, prepared in several ways at Albatros. In addition to the classic grilled tuna steak, the menu features Tuna Steak Albatros, a house special served with an orange sauce, dried figs, and red pepper.

This combination beautifully marries the flavour of tuna with sweet and aromatic ingredients that complement Mediterranean cuisine.

For those wishing to sample a variety of seafood, the fish platter for two offers a delightful selection of fish and other seafood.

Gregada, Brudet and Buzara Dishes

Albatros is also notable for its traditional dishes, which are an important part of Hvar's gastronomic heritage.

Gregada is one of the most famous fish dishes from Hvar. It is made with fish, potatoes, olive oil, and simple spices, slowly cooked to allow the flavours to meld. This method of preparation is characteristic of traditional island cuisine.

The menu also includes brudet, a fish dish in a rich sauce, particularly delicious when paired with the right side dish.

Shellfish lovers will enjoy mussels prepared in the buzara style and prawns cooked in the traditional Dalmatian manner, with olive oil, garlic, and other Mediterranean ingredients.

For guests keen to explore local gastronomy, gregada or brudet are excellent choices. The availability of certain fish specialities may depend on the daily offerings.

Homemade Pasta and Seafood Risottos

In addition to classic fish dishes, Albatros offers a selection of pasta and risottos.

One of the signature dishes is Pappardelle Albatros, pasta with a rich combination of seafood, including octopus, squid, shellfish, and prawns.

Tagliatelle with salmon and other pasta dishes are also available, providing a good alternative for guests looking for something different from grilled fish.

Seafood risottos and pasta fit seamlessly into the Mediterranean character of the restaurant.

Meat Dishes and Vegetarian Options

While Albatros is best known for its fish and seafood, the menu also features meat specialities.

Among these are steak with green pepper sauce and various grilled dishes. For guests wishing to sample different types of meat, the Albatros meat platter is available.

This diverse offering makes the restaurant suitable for couples, families, and groups where some guests prefer fish while others favour meat dishes.

There are also some vegetarian options available, which are best chosen according to the current menu.

Wines and Homemade Desserts

Alongside Dalmatian and Mediterranean cuisine, Albatros offers a selection of wines that pair well with fish, seafood, and meat specialities.

White wines particularly complement lighter fish dishes, while richer red wines are a good match for meat specialities.

To round off your meal, the intriguing tiramisu and panna cotta are classic desserts that fit well within the restaurant's Mediterranean offerings.

The terrace provides a pleasant setting for a leisurely dinner, complete with dessert and a glass of wine after the main course.

Terrace in an Old Stone House

One of the unique features of Restaurant Albatros is its location in an old stone house, near Ploča Square and the town's waterfront.

Rather than a large open terrace by the coast, Albatros offers a more intimate atmosphere in the historic centre, surrounded by traditional stone facades and narrow streets.

Outdoor tables are particularly inviting during warm summer evenings, allowing for al fresco dining away from the busiest part of the waterfront.

The restaurant also has an indoor space, which is convenient for guests who prefer to dine indoors or wish to escape the summer heat.

The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, with a focus on homemade food and a pleasant stay.

How to Reach Restaurant Albatros?

Albatros is situated in the historic centre of Stari Grad, right next to Ploča Square.

It is just a short walk from the town's waterfront to the restaurant. The square and surrounding stone streets are connected to other parts of the old town, making it easy to incorporate a visit into your sightseeing.

Guests arriving by boat can stroll from the port, while those driving should use parking facilities outside the narrowest part of the historic centre.

Parking Near Restaurant Albatros

The restaurant is located in a pedestrian area of the historic centre, so parking directly at its entrance is not practical.

The easiest option is to use designated public parking in Stari Grad and then continue on foot.

During July and August, it is advisable to allow extra time to find parking, especially if you are coming for dinner.

For guests already staying in the centre of Stari Grad, walking is the most pleasant option.

Reservations and Useful Tips

For dinner during the peak tourist season, it is advisable to reserve a table, especially if you wish to sit on the terrace.

Reservations can be made online, and the restaurant also offers takeaway options.

If you plan to order fresh fish, gregada, or any of the special fish dishes, it's worth checking the daily offerings in advance.

For larger groups, the fish or meat platter is an interesting choice, while guests wanting to try something characteristic of Albatros should consider the tuna with orange and dried figs or the Pappardelle Albatros.

What to Visit Nearby?

Albatros is conveniently located for exploring Stari Grad.

Nearby is the Church of St. Stephen, one of the most notable sacred buildings in the historic centre.

Also worth a visit is the Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, a Renaissance summer residence with a fish pond, and Škor Square, known for its stone houses and unique historical ambience.

The town's waterfront is just a few minutes' walk away, making dinner at Albatros a lovely complement to an evening stroll by the sea.

Why Visit Restaurant Albatros?

Restaurant Albatros is an excellent choice for guests wishing to sample traditional Dalmatian cuisine in Stari Grad, with a particular emphasis on fish and seafood.

Its greatest strengths include a diverse fish selection, Hvar specialities like gregada, intriguing tuna dishes, and homemade pasta with seafood.

With a pleasant terrace in the historic centre and close proximity to the main town attractions, Albatros is especially appealing for a relaxed lunch or dinner during your stay in Stari Grad.

Useful Information

  • Name: Restaurant Albatros.
  • Location: Historic centre of Stari Grad, near Ploča Square, Hvar Island.
  • Cuisine Type: Dalmatian, Croatian, and Mediterranean cuisine.
  • Specialities: Grilled octopus, tuna, gregada, brudet, mussels, and prawns in buzara style.
  • Signature Dish: Tuna Steak Albatros with orange sauce, dried figs, and red pepper.
  • Pasta: Pappardelle Albatros with seafood and other specialities.
  • Meat Offerings: Steak, grilled dishes, and meat platter.
  • Vegetarian Options: Available.
  • Desserts: Tiramisu and panna cotta.
  • Wines: Selection of Croatian and other wines.
  • Terrace: Yes, in the ambience of the historic centre.
  • Indoor Space: Yes.
  • Reservations: Possible, including online reservations.
  • Takeaway: Yes.
  • Wi-Fi: Free.
  • Payment: Cash; check for other payment methods before arrival.
  • Parking: Public parking in Stari Grad, then on foot.
  • Access: On foot from the historic centre and the town waterfront.
  • Nearby: Church of St. Stephen, Ploča Square, Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, and Škor Square.
  • Recommended For: Seafood lovers, couples, families, and guests seeking a traditional Dalmatian dinner.