Poje Hvar in Stari Grad Plain – Traditional Hvar Dinner, Local Food and Culinary Workshops Among Olive Groves

Poje Hvar offers a unique gastronomic experience set on a family estate in Stari Grad Plain, just a stone's throw from Stari Grad on the island of Hvar. Surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, almond trees, lavender, and ancient dry stone walls, Poje provides traditional Hvar dinners, private cooking workshops, and tastings of local products. What makes this place special is not just the food, but the opportunity to immerse oneself in a way of life that has shaped the island's cuisine for centuries.

Unlike conventional restaurants, Poje accommodates a small number of guests, with each visit designed as a distinct gastronomic experience. The food is prepared using family recipes, featuring seasonal vegetables from their own garden, homemade olive oil, and ingredients sourced from local producers. Dinner is served outdoors in the tranquil setting of Stari Grad Plain, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008.

Traditional Hvar Dinner – From Field to Table

The main offering at Poje Hvar consists of private dinners that showcase the authentic gastronomy of the island.

Instead of ordering individual dishes from a large menu, visitors enjoy a thoughtfully curated sequence of traditional specialities.

The meal begins with homemade starters, followed by pasta and a main course, concluding with a dessert made from local ingredients.

Notably, a significant portion of the vegetables and herbs used are grown right on the estate. Guests have the chance to learn about the ingredients used in the meal preparation and may even participate in harvesting during a garden tour.

This approach connects the food to the landscape from which it originates, giving the dinner a distinctly different character from a typical restaurant meal.

Hvar Plate with Local Goat Cheese and Olive Oil

The dinner at Poje begins with a traditional Hvar plate, featuring several characteristic island ingredients.

Particularly noteworthy is the goat cheese aged in homemade extra virgin olive oil, served alongside artichokes, salted fish, olives, and capers.

An interesting addition is motar, a wild herb that grows by the sea and is traditionally used in Dalmatian cuisine. Its aromatic, slightly salty flavour pairs well with fish and olive oil.

Alongside the starter, a basil spread with fresh bread is served, while tasting their own olive oil is an essential part of the entire experience.

This plate serves as a simple yet excellent introduction to the traditional diet of the islanders.

Hvar Sauce with Homemade Pasta

One of the signature dishes at Poje Hvar is the traditional Hvar sauce.

This is a tomato sauce that is slowly cooked with island herbs. The lengthy preparation allows the flavours to meld, and the tomatoes to develop their natural sweetness.

The sauce is served with homemade pasta and goat cheese aged in olive oil.

This is an example of a simple Dalmatian dish where a few quality ingredients create a rich flavour without the need for complicated preparation.

Such recipes are an important part of Poje's gastronomic identity.

Octopus Goulash with Homemade Polenta

Among the main courses, the traditional Hvar octopus goulash stands out.

Octopus, and depending on availability, squid or cuttlefish, is slowly cooked in a rich tomato sauce with fragrant island herbs.

The dish is served with corn polenta seasoned with homemade herbs and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.

This preparation connects seafood with simple ingredients that have been staples in island kitchens for generations.

For guests wishing to explore traditional Hvar cuisine, the octopus goulash is one of the most intriguing dishes of this experience.

Eggplants with Goat Cheese – The Taste of a Mediterranean Garden

Poje Hvar also offers interesting vegetable dishes, among which eggplants with goat cheese stand out.

The eggplants are prepared in layers with goat cheese aged in olive oil, accompanied by a rich sauce and aromatic Hvar spices.

This is a great example of how traditional vegetables can be transformed into a hearty main dish.

The selection of vegetable specialities is particularly appealing to vegetarians, and with prior notice, a vegan meal can also be arranged.

Lemon Cake with Homemade Olive Oil

To conclude the dinner, a special lemon cake made with extra virgin olive oil is served.

This cake is made from local lemons from the village of Dol on Hvar and olive oil from the family estate.

The olive oil adds moisture to the cake, while the lemon brings a freshness that is especially welcome after a rich Mediterranean meal.

This dessert beautifully encapsulates the philosophy of Poje: simple ingredients, local origins, and family recipes.

Private Culinary Workshops in Hvar

In addition to dinners, Poje organises traditional Hvar cooking workshops.

Guests are not just observers in the food preparation but can actively participate in creating the dishes.

The workshops include learning about local ingredients, harvesting seasonal vegetables and herbs, and preparing recipes that have been passed down through generations.

During the cooking process, participants can learn more about the role of olive oil, tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and seafood in traditional island cuisine.

What makes it particularly interesting is that the cooking takes place on the estate itself, among the plants and agricultural areas from which some of the ingredients come.

The workshops are a great choice for couples, small groups of friends, and guests who wish to take home more than just a typical tourist souvenir – knowledge of how to prepare authentic Hvar dishes.

Tasting of Homemade Wines, Spirits, and Olive Oil

An important part of the Poje Hvar experience is the tasting of homemade products.

Particularly highlighted is the family’s extra virgin olive oil, which is tasted alongside various dishes.

Local white and red wines, as well as traditional spirits and liqueurs, are served with dinner.

Tasting these products allows guests to better understand the connection between island gastronomy and the cultivation of olives, vines, and aromatic herbs.

Homemade olive oil, liqueurs, and other products are also linked to the estate's offerings.

Dinner Under the Open Sky Among Centuries-Old Dry Stone Walls

One of the greatest features of Poje Hvar is its setting.

The estate is located in Stari Grad Plain, among ancient dry stone walls, olive trees, vineyards, artichokes, and lavender fields.

The dinner table is set outdoors, in a natural environment far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

It is particularly beautiful during the late afternoon and evening when the sun illuminates the plain, and the surrounding hills and olive groves take on warmer hues.

Poje is not a large hospitality destination with many tables. Its appeal lies in the small number of guests and the opportunity for dinner to transform into a pleasant, personal gathering.

Stari Grad Plain – 2400 Years of Agricultural Tradition

Poje is situated in one of the historically significant areas of the island of Hvar.

Stari Grad Plain, also known as Ager or Hora, was shaped during the Greek colonisation of the island in the 4th century BC.

The Greeks divided the agricultural land into regular plots bordered by dry stone walls, and much of this layout has been preserved to this day.

The plain remains an active agricultural area where olives, vines, and other Mediterranean crops are cultivated.

A visit to Poje is thus not only a gastronomic experience but also an opportunity to explore a landscape that has been cultivated for over two millennia.

What to Expect When Visiting Poje Hvar?

A visit typically begins with arrival at the estate and an introduction to its agricultural surroundings.

This is followed by a walk among the crops, during which guests can learn about local plants and traditional cultivation methods.

Depending on the reserved programme, guests then participate in a cooking workshop or tastings, followed by a communal meal.

The entire experience usually lasts around three hours or longer, depending on the chosen programme.

It is important to note that Poje is not a conventional restaurant that you can visit without a reservation. Dinners and workshops are organised by prior bookings for a small number of participants.

Typically, up to six guests are accommodated daily, although larger groups can be arranged for special occasions.

How to Get to Poje Hvar?

Poje is located in Stari Grad Plain, east of Stari Grad, in an area of agricultural plots and dry stone walls.

The most practical way to reach it is by car, following navigation to the estate itself.

Unlike restaurants in the historic centre, this location is not accessible by a short walk from the waterfront. The route leads through agricultural landscapes, so it is advisable to arrange your arrival in advance and follow the instructions provided during the reservation.

Arrival can also be organised as part of a broader excursion through Stari Grad Plain.

Parking and Practical Tips

For guests arriving by car as part of the organised experience, parking is available.

Since dinners and workshops are held outdoors, it is advisable to wear comfortable footwear and clothing suitable for the weather.

During summer evenings, it is useful to bring mosquito repellent.

Any special dietary requirements, including vegetarian or vegan diets, should ideally be mentioned when making a reservation.

What to Visit Nearby?

The main attraction in the vicinity is the Stari Grad Plain, with its historic dry stone walls, vineyards, olive groves, and ancient field paths.

In nearby Stari Grad, it is worth visiting Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, a Renaissance summer residence with a famous fish pond, as well as the Church of St. Stephen and the picturesque Škor Square.

In the interior of the island, the village of Dol is also interesting, known for its traditional architecture and long agricultural heritage.

A visit to Poje can be nicely combined with a tour of the UNESCO-protected landscape and the historic core of Stari Grad.

Why Visit Poje Hvar?

Poje Hvar is one of the more unique gastronomic experiences on the island, as it combines traditional cuisine, agriculture, and cultural heritage.

Its main advantages include private dinners among the olive groves, culinary workshops, homemade olive oil, and dishes that represent the authentic flavours of Hvar.

The Hvar plate, homemade sauce, octopus goulash, and lemon cake are just a part of the experience that brings guests closer to the traditional diet of the islanders.

For lovers of homemade food, local culture, and quieter experiences in nature, Poje Hvar is a particularly interesting place in Stari Grad Plain.

Useful Information

• Name: Poje Hvar.
• Location: Stari Grad Plain, east of Stari Grad, Hvar Island.
• Type of establishment: Gastronomic experience on a family estate, private dinners, and culinary workshops.
• Cuisine type: Traditional Hvar, Dalmatian, and Mediterranean cuisine.
• Main specialities: Hvar plate, homemade sauce with pasta, octopus goulash, and eggplants with goat cheese.
• Dessert: Lemon cake with homemade extra virgin olive oil.
• Homemade products: Olive oil, seasonal vegetables, herbs, spirits, and liqueurs.
• Culinary workshops: Yes, with active participation in food preparation.
• Tastings: Homemade olive oil, local wines, and traditional drinks.
• Special feature: Family estate within the UNESCO-protected Stari Grad Plain.
• Ambience: Dinner outdoors among olive groves, vineyards, and dry stone walls.
• Number of guests: Typically up to six daily, with arrangements possible for larger groups.
• Duration of experience: Approximately three hours or longer, depending on the programme.
• Reservations: Required in advance.
• Vegetarian and vegan options: Available with prior notice.
• Parking: Provided for guests of the organised experience.
• Arrival: Most practical by car, following agreed instructions.
• Nearby: Stari Grad Plain, Stari Grad, and the village of Dol.
• Recommended for: Couples, small groups, lovers of local gastronomy, and guests interested in traditional ways of life in Hvar.