Vala Restaurant in Stari Grad, Hvar – Fresh Fish, Wood-Fired Pizza and a Large Green Terrace by the Sea

Vala Restaurant is situated right on the waterfront in Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, featuring a spacious green terrace with views of the old town harbour. Renowned for its diverse Mediterranean cuisine, the menu includes fresh fish, seafood, grilled meats, and wood-fired pizzas. It is particularly appealing to families and larger groups, offering a rich selection of dishes, including fish and meat platters designed for two.

Vala is the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner by the sea, with a laid-back atmosphere that avoids excessive formality. Its location on the waterfront allows guests to enjoy views of the boats and the daily life of the old town harbour while the greenery surrounding the terrace creates a pleasant ambience during warmer days.

Fresh Fish and Seafood Specialties

Fish and seafood are key components of Vala Restaurant's offerings.

The menu features grilled fish, which can be ordered by weight, making it especially appealing to those seeking a classic Dalmatian fish meal. Simple Mediterranean sides and a glass of white wine pair beautifully with the fish.

For couples and groups, the Vala fish platter for two is an enticing option, designed for sharing and enjoying a variety of seafood specialties.

Among the starters, the octopus salad and tuna tartare stand out as excellent choices to kick off your meal, particularly on warm summer days.

Shellfish lovers will appreciate the mussels prepared in a traditional Dalmatian sauce, while the garlic prawns are a fantastic choice for those who enjoy more pronounced Mediterranean flavours.

Black Risotto and Seafood Pasta

In addition to grilled fish, Vala also offers well-known dishes from Dalmatian cuisine.

Black risotto is one of the most recognisable Adriatic specialties. Its distinctive colour and rich seafood flavour make it an intriguing choice for guests wanting to sample something typical of Dalmatian gastronomy.

The seafood pasta for two is particularly practical, catering to couples who wish to share a meal and enjoy a combination of pasta and seafood ingredients.

Thus, Vala is a great option for guests who love fish but do not necessarily want to order a whole grilled fish.

Wood-Fired Pizzas – From Classics to Creative Combinations

One of Vala's highlights is its wood-fired pizzas.

Alongside classic combinations, the restaurant offers several more creative pizzas that set it apart from typical pizzerias in Stari Grad.

Among these, the Vala pizza, black pizza, and pizza with pistachios and mortadella particularly stand out. The latter is an interesting option for fans of Italian cuisine looking to try something different from the classic Margherita or Capricciosa.

The varied pizza selection makes Vala a practical choice for family lunches, as diners can order pizza, seafood specialties, and meat dishes all at the same table.

Grilled Meats and the Vala Burger

Meat lovers also have a good selection.

Notably, the Vala meat platter for two is designed for guests wishing to share multiple meat specialties.

Other grilled dishes are available, while the Vala burger offers a simpler option for lunch or an informal dinner.

This combination of fish and meat cuisine suits larger groups where not everyone prefers the same type of food.

Spacious Green Terrace on the Old Town Waterfront

The standout feature of Vala Restaurant is its expansive terrace by the sea.

The greenery surrounding the outdoor space gives the restaurant a pleasant character, with tables positioned along the old town waterfront, offering views of the harbour and boats.

Unlike smaller restaurants in the narrow stone streets of the historic core, Vala provides a more open space and a direct connection to the atmosphere of the coastal promenade.

The terrace is particularly inviting during the late afternoon and evening when the daytime heat subsides and the evening strolls along the waterfront begin.

For families with children and larger groups, the spacious arrangement of tables is an added advantage. High chairs for children are also available.

Croatian Wines and Relaxed Dining by the Sea

Alongside its Mediterranean cuisine, Vala offers a selection of Croatian wines.

White wines pair well with fish, shellfish, and risottos, while red wines can be an interesting choice alongside grilled meat specialties.

The restaurant is also suitable for longer evening gatherings. Fish and meat platters, as well as pasta for two, allow for a relaxed meal with conversation and shared tasting of multiple dishes.

During the peak tourist season, it is advisable to reserve a table, especially if you wish to sit on the terrace by the sea.

How to Reach Vala Restaurant?

Vala is located on the old town waterfront, near the part of the coast close to Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović.

It takes just a few minutes of leisurely walking from the historic core to reach the restaurant. Simply head out to the waterfront promenade and continue along the coast.

This location is particularly convenient for guests staying in Stari Grad or arriving by boat, as the restaurant is situated along one of the main pedestrian routes.

For those arriving by car from Jelsa, Vrboska, or other places on Hvar, it is best to park in designated public parking areas and then continue on foot.

Parking Near the Restaurant

As the restaurant is located right on the waterfront, parking directly next to the terrace is not the most practical option.

Public parking is available in the vicinity of the Stari Grad centre, from where you can walk to the restaurant.

During July and August, especially in the evenings, it is useful to allow extra time for finding parking.

Guests staying in the historic core do not require a car.

What to Visit Nearby?

Vala Restaurant is close to several of Stari Grad's most famous landmarks.

Notably, a visit to the Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, a Renaissance summer residence with a famous fish pond, and the Church of St. Stephen in the historic core is worthwhile.

Nearby is also Škor Square, one of the most beautiful stone spaces in the town.

After lunch or dinner, a pleasant stroll along the old town harbour is enjoyable, while for a longer excursion, you can visit the Stari Grad Plain, a historic agricultural landscape protected by UNESCO.

Why Visit Vala Restaurant?

Vala is an excellent choice for guests seeking a diverse Mediterranean meal in Stari Grad right by the sea.

Particularly noteworthy are the fish and meat platters for two, black risotto, seafood dishes, and wood-fired pizzas, including interesting combinations with pistachios and mortadella.

The restaurant's greatest advantage is its green terrace overlooking the old town harbour. With a relaxed atmosphere and varied offerings, Vala is suitable for family lunches, romantic dinners, or gatherings with friends during your stay on the island of Hvar.

Useful Information

  • Name: Vala Restaurant.
  • Location: Town waterfront, Stari Grad, Hvar Island.
  • Type of establishment: Restaurant, pizzeria, and grill.
  • Cuisine type: Dalmatian, Mediterranean, Croatian, and Italian.
  • Fish specialties: Grilled fish, fish platter for two, tuna tartare, octopus salad, and mussels in buzara sauce.
  • Risottos and pasta: Black risotto and seafood pasta for two.
  • Pizzas: From the wood-fired oven, including Vala pizza, black pizza, and pizza with pistachios and mortadella.
  • Meat offerings: Grilled dishes, meat platter for two, and Vala burger.
  • Wine selection: A selection of Croatian wines.
  • Terrace: Spacious green terrace by the sea, with views of the old town harbour.
  • Family-friendly: Yes, high chairs available.
  • Reservations: Possible, recommended during the main season.
  • Takeaway food: Yes.
  • Card payments: Yes.
  • Wi-Fi: Free.
  • Pets: Allowed.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
  • Parking: Public parking available nearby the Stari Grad centre.
  • Arrival: On foot from the town waterfront and historic core.
  • Nearby: Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, Church of St. Stephen, Škor Square, and the old town harbour.
  • Recommended for: Families, couples, larger groups, and guests wanting fish, pizza, or meat meals by the sea.