Restaurant Pinetta in Stari Grad, Hvar – Dalmatian Cuisine, Fresh Fish and Local Specialities in a Stone Street

Located in the historic centre of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, Restaurant Pinetta sits in a quiet stone street just a short walk from the waterfront. Renowned for its traditional Dalmatian and Mediterranean cuisine, the restaurant serves fresh fish, seafood, and homemade pasta. Notable dishes include the Stari Grad pogača, fish gregada, brudet, and other meals that showcase the gastronomic heritage of Hvar.

The restaurant features a charming terrace shaded by the old town's buildings, making it an inviting spot for lunch on warm days and a relaxed dinner. In addition to its fish specialities, Pinetta offers meat dishes, steaks, homemade desserts, and a selection of wines, catering to a variety of tastes.

Traditional Dalmatian Cuisine and Stari Grad Pogača

One of the highlights of Restaurant Pinetta is its menu featuring dishes linked to the culinary heritage of Stari Grad.

Among these, the Stari Grad pogača holds a special place. This traditional island speciality is made from dough filled with salted fish, onions, and other Mediterranean ingredients. It is a dish that has been associated with the fishing and farming traditions of this part of Hvar for centuries.

To start your meal, consider trying the Dalmatian prosciutto, hard cheese, tuna pâté, tuna carpaccio, or octopus salad.

These starters allow guests to experience several characteristic flavours of the island before the main course.

Gregada, Brudet, and Fresh Fish

For lovers of seafood, Pinetta offers several traditional Dalmatian dishes.

Gregada is one of the most famous specialities from Hvar. It is prepared with fish, potatoes, olive oil, and simple spices, and the slow cooking process allows the flavours to meld into a rich, aromatic dish. Among the signature dishes at Pinetta is also the gregada Hektorović.

Brudet is another interesting option, especially for guests who enjoy fish in a richer sauce. It is made with tomatoes, wine, and Mediterranean spices, and is served with a suitable side.

In addition to traditional cooked dishes, the menu features fresh fish grilled, squid, tuna, and fish platters for two.

For those wishing to sample a variety of seafood, the fish platter is a practical choice for a shared lunch or dinner.

Shrimps, Shellfish, and Black Risotto

Pinetta boasts a diverse selection of seafood, including shrimps, mussels, and clams.

Particularly interesting are the dishes prepared in a buzara style, with olive oil, garlic, wine, and other Mediterranean ingredients.

Among the signature dishes is the black risotto with cuttlefish, a classic of Dalmatian cuisine whose distinctive colour comes from cuttlefish ink.

For a lighter start to your meal, you might choose octopus salad or tuna carpaccio, while shellfish and shrimp are excellent choices for those who enjoy more pronounced seafood flavours.

The selection of fresh fish and certain seafood specialities may vary according to the daily offerings.

Homemade Pasta and Ravioli

Homemade pasta is an important part of the menu at Restaurant Pinetta.

Among the more interesting dishes are macaroni with seafood, pasta with Dalmatian prosciutto and truffles, and ravioli stuffed with prosciutto and ricotta, served with shrimp.

For risotto enthusiasts, a combination of shrimp and zucchini is available, while guests preferring simpler Mediterranean flavours can opt for pasta with tomatoes and basil.

This diverse offering gives Pinetta a broader gastronomic character than a classic fish tavern. Alongside traditional island dishes, Italian-inspired specialities can also be ordered.

Meat Specialities and Grilled Dishes

Although the restaurant is particularly known for its fish and seafood, Pinetta also offers a variety of meat dishes.

The menu features grilled steak, steak in green pepper sauce, combinations with truffles, and other dishes for beef lovers.

Also noteworthy are the aged meat specialities, as well as grilled lamb, mixed meat, and the traditional Dalmatian dish of beef with gnocchi.

The restaurant also offers its own Pinetta burger, a convenient option for guests seeking a simpler meal.

Dishes cooked under a peka are also available, and due to the longer preparation time, it is best to check their availability and the possibility of pre-ordering when making a reservation.

Homemade Desserts and Hvar Wines

After a fish or meat meal at Pinetta, it’s worth saving room for dessert.

Among the more interesting sweets associated with the restaurant are semifreddo with toasted almonds and lavender, as well as desserts featuring fruit, chocolate, and creams.

Lavender and almonds fit beautifully into the island's character, while more classic desserts are also available.

Dalmatian and other wines are served with the food. It is particularly worth choosing one of the Hvar wines, as the local white varieties pair well with fish and seafood, while red wines can be an excellent accompaniment to steak and other meat dishes.

Terrace in the Shade of the Old Stone Street

One of the greatest advantages of Restaurant Pinetta is its ambience.

Situated in the historic part of Stari Grad, the restaurant is located in a stone street slightly away from the busiest part of the waterfront. The outdoor terrace provides a pleasant shade during warm summer days, making it especially practical for lunch.

The surrounding stone houses create a more intimate atmosphere than large open terraces by the sea.

The interior is decorated in keeping with the character of the old town centre, while tables outside are particularly appealing on warmer evenings.

For couples, families, and small groups, Pinetta is a lovely choice when looking to enjoy Dalmatian cuisine at a leisurely pace.

How to Reach Restaurant Pinetta

Pinetta is located in the historic centre of Stari Grad, not far from Trg Škor and the main town streets.

It takes just a few minutes to walk from the town waterfront to the restaurant. The path winds through stone streets connecting the coast with the old town squares.

Due to its location in the town centre, the easiest way to reach it is on foot, especially if you are staying in Stari Grad or have arrived by boat.

Guests coming from Jelsa, Vrboska, or other places on Hvar can drive to Stari Grad and then continue on foot.

Parking Near Restaurant Pinetta

As the restaurant is situated within the historic town centre, parking directly next to its terrace should not be expected.

The most practical option is to use the designated public parking areas in the centre of Stari Grad, from which it is a short walk to the restaurant.

During July and August, available parking spaces may be limited, especially in the evenings.

For guests staying in the historic centre, walking is the simplest option.

Reservations and Special Dietary Needs

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

Pinetta also offers vegetarian and vegan options, as well as some gluten-free dishes. For coeliacs or those with other dietary restrictions, it is necessary to check the composition of dishes and preparation methods in advance.

The restaurant allows take-away orders and accepts card payments.

With its diverse menu, it is suitable for families and groups where guests prefer different types of food.

What to Visit Nearby?

Pinetta is conveniently located for exploring the main attractions of Stari Grad.

Nearby is Trg Škor, one of the most recognisable historical spaces in the town, surrounded by traditional stone houses.

It is also worth visiting the Church of St. Stephen, Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, and the Stari Grad Museum.

The town waterfront is just a few minutes' walk from the restaurant, allowing you to combine dinner with a pleasant stroll by the sea.

For a longer excursion, the Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO-protected cultural landscape, is an interesting option.

Why Visit Restaurant Pinetta?

Pinetta is one of the more intriguing restaurants in Stari Grad for guests wishing to experience traditional Dalmatian cuisine and sample dishes characteristic of Hvar.

Particularly noteworthy are the Stari Grad pogača, gregada, brudet, fresh fish, and homemade pasta, while the extensive meat selection provides options for those who do not prefer seafood.

A significant advantage of the restaurant is its pleasant terrace in the shade of the old stone street, where you can enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner.

For lovers of local gastronomy, quality fish, and Hvar wines, Pinetta is an excellent choice during your stay in Stari Grad.

Useful Information

  • Name: Restaurant Pinetta.
  • Location: Historic centre of Stari Grad, Hvar island.
  • Cuisine Type: Dalmatian, Croatian, and Mediterranean cuisine.
  • Traditional Specialities: Stari Grad pogača, gregada, brudet, and dishes cooked under a peka.
  • Fish Offer: Fresh fish, tuna, squid, octopus, shrimp, and shellfish.
  • Homemade Pasta: Macaroni with seafood, ravioli with prosciutto and ricotta, and pasta with truffles.
  • Risottos: Black risotto with cuttlefish and shrimp risotto.
  • Meat Dishes: Steak, lamb, aged beef, mixed meat, and Pinetta burger.
  • Desserts: Homemade sweets, including combinations of almonds and lavender.
  • Wine Offer: Dalmatian and other wines.
  • Terrace: Yes, in the pleasant shade of the stone street.
  • Indoor Space: Air-conditioned.
  • Reservations: Possible and recommended during the main season.
  • Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Available.
  • Gluten-Free Dishes: Some options available upon prior arrangement.
  • Takeaway: Yes.
  • Card Payments: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and other options.
  • Wi-Fi: Free.
  • Pets: Allowed.
  • Parking: Public parking in Stari Grad, then on foot.
  • Access: On foot from the town centre and waterfront.
  • Nearby: Trg Škor, Church of St. Stephen, Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, and the town waterfront.
  • Recommended For: Lovers of traditional Dalmatian cuisine, seafood specialities, Hvar wines, and relaxed dinners.