Salt & Rosemary in Stari Grad on Hvar – Dalmatian Specialties and Dinner in a Hidden Mediterranean Garden
Salt & Rosemary is a restaurant located in a quieter part of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, just a few steps from the town's waterfront. Its standout feature is a spacious Mediterranean garden surrounded by olive trees, rosemary, and other greenery, where diners can enjoy a meal away from the bustle of the coastal promenade. The restaurant combines traditional Croatian cuisine with more contemporary Mediterranean dishes, with a particular emphasis on fish specialties, Hvar's gregada, homemade bread, high-quality olive oil, and wines from local producers.
Opened in June 2026, Salt & Rosemary quickly gained attention from food enthusiasts. Although it is close to the lively centre of Stari Grad, the atmosphere is entirely different from the waterfront restaurants. Tables are arranged among the Mediterranean herbs, providing ample space for a relaxed dinner for two, a family meal, or a gathering with friends.
Mediterranean Cuisine with a Focus on Local Ingredients
The menu at Salt & Rosemary is based on well-known Dalmatian flavours, presented through thoughtfully crafted combinations and a more modern serving style.
Fish, seafood, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables play a significant role in the offerings. Alongside these, traditional Croatian meat specialties, risottos, and pizzas baked in the oven are also available.
Particular attention is given to the homemade bread served with olive oil sourced from the Stari Grad Plain. This makes for a lovely introduction to the meal and is a simple way to appreciate the importance of olive cultivation in Hvar's gastronomic tradition.
Octopus Carpaccio and Intriguing Cold Starters
It's worth starting your dinner with one of the cold starters, particularly the seafood specialties.
Octopus Carpaccio is served with an orange emulsion, balsamic drizzle, and sun-dried cherry tomatoes. The combination of tender octopus and fresh citrus notes gives this dish a different character from the classic Dalmatian octopus salad.
Another interesting option is the combination of tuna tartare, prawn tartare, and burrata with truffles. This starter connects seafood with creamy cheese and the more pronounced aroma of truffles.
For guests wanting to sample more traditional flavours, the Dalmatian platter featuring tuna pâté, sardine pâté, marinated anchovies, and octopus carpaccio is a great choice.
Also on offer are Dalmatian prosciutto with local cheeses and vitello tonnato, thinly sliced slow-cooked veal with a tuna sauce, capers, and anchovies.
Gregada – A Traditional Hvar Specialty
One of the most intriguing main courses at Salt & Rosemary is gregada, a traditional fish specialty from the island of Hvar.
Gregada is prepared by slowly cooking fish, potatoes, olive oil, and spices. Unlike grilled fish dishes, this one focuses on blending flavours during the cooking process.
At Salt & Rosemary, gregada is also served as a meal for two, which is particularly appealing for couples wanting to share an authentic island dish.
Gregada is an excellent choice for guests looking to experience local cuisine during their stay in Hvar, rather than just the usual Mediterranean specialties.
Fresh Fish, Tuna, and Risottos
In addition to gregada, the restaurant offers other fish and seafood dishes.
Among the more interesting choices are sea bass and tuna steak, while lovers of traditional Dalmatian cuisine can opt for black risotto.
Black risotto is particularly distinctive for its cuttlefish flavour and characteristic dark colour, fitting well into a menu that highlights Mediterranean ingredients.
Also noteworthy is the beetroot risotto, which appeals to guests who prefer vegetable dishes and more unusual flavour combinations.
Pašticada, Peka, and Meat Specialties
Salt & Rosemary is not exclusively a fish restaurant. It also features a selection of traditional Croatian meat dishes.
Particularly noteworthy is pašticada, a well-known Dalmatian dish made from beef that is slowly cooked in a rich sauce. This is one of the most recognisable specialties of Dalmatian cuisine, traditionally associated with festive and family meals.
Other meat dishes are available, and among the specialties worth seeking out is food prepared under peka.
Due to the longer cooking times for certain dishes, especially those prepared under peka, it is advisable to check their availability in advance.
Pizzas from the Oven and Homemade Bread
Another highlight of Salt & Rosemary is the large oven where pizzas and baked goods are prepared.
Alongside Mediterranean and Dalmatian specialties, pizzas offer a simpler option for guests looking for a casual dinner.
Among them is the Diavola pizza, and the restaurant also creates its own combinations of ingredients.
Homemade bread stands out, beautifully complemented by olive oil. Such simple details further emphasise the restaurant's Mediterranean character.
Local Hvar Wines and Desserts
The wine selection is an important part of the Salt & Rosemary experience.
The restaurant particularly highlights wines from the island of Hvar, allowing guests to get acquainted with local winemakers and the island's wine tradition.
Fresh white wines pair well with fish and seafood, while meat specialties like pašticada complement fuller-bodied red wines.
To conclude your meal, interesting options include cheesecake, chocolate lava cake, and other desserts based on the current offerings.
Cocktails are also available, making it possible to start your dinner with an aperitif or finish with a drink in the pleasant garden setting.
The Hidden Mediterranean Garden – The Restaurant's Greatest Feature
What sets Salt & Rosemary apart from other restaurants in Stari Grad is its garden.
Access to the restaurant is via a short passage from the coastal area, leading to a tranquil outdoor space surrounded by olive trees and Mediterranean herbs.
Tables are not crammed together, creating a particularly pleasant atmosphere for a dinner for two and relaxed conversation.
The greenery and distance from the main promenade create a sense of seclusion, even though the town centre is very close.
During warm summer evenings, it is especially lovely to sit outside. Due to this location, Salt & Rosemary is a great choice for guests wanting a quieter dinner while still remaining in Stari Grad itself.
How to Get to Salt & Rosemary
The restaurant is located near the Stari Grad waterfront, on the western side of the historic core.
If you walk along the waterfront towards the western part of the harbour, you can reach the restaurant with a short turn off the main promenade. The entrance is not directly on the open terrace by the sea, so it's helpful to follow the restaurant's sign.
It takes just a few minutes to walk from the historic core and from Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović.
For guests coming from Jelsa, Vrboska, or other places on Hvar, the easiest way is to drive to Stari Grad and then continue on foot.
Parking Near the Restaurant
Salt & Rosemary is situated in a part of the town that is most pleasant to reach on foot.
For those arriving by car, it is best to use the designated public parking areas in Stari Grad and then walk to the restaurant.
During July and August, it is advisable to allow extra time to find parking, especially in the evenings.
Reservations and Visiting Tips
Salt & Rosemary is primarily a dinner restaurant. Due to the popularity of the garden space during the tourist season, it is advisable to book a table in advance.
For couples wanting to taste local cuisine, the gregada for two is an interesting option. Seafood lovers will particularly enjoy the octopus carpaccio and the combination of tuna and prawn tartare with burrata.
If you're looking for something traditionally Dalmatian, pašticada is a good choice, while for a more casual dinner, a pizza from the oven can be selected.
The restaurant is also suitable for families, and pets are allowed in accordance with the establishment's rules.
What to Visit Nearby?
Salt & Rosemary is conveniently located for exploring Stari Grad.
Nearby is Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, one of the most famous Renaissance monuments on the island of Hvar.
It is also worth visiting St. Stephen's Church, Škor Square, and the Stari Grad Museum.
After dinner, you can continue your stroll along the old town waterfront, and for a day trip, the Stari Grad Plain, a historic agricultural landscape protected by UNESCO, is particularly interesting.
Why Visit Salt & Rosemary?
Salt & Rosemary is especially appealing to guests who want to enjoy quality Dalmatian cuisine in a quieter and greener setting than the usual waterfront restaurants.
Its main features include the hidden Mediterranean garden, traditional Hvar gregada, creative seafood starters, homemade bread with olive oil, and a selection of local wines.
For a romantic dinner, family gathering, or a relaxed meal after exploring Stari Grad, Salt & Rosemary offers a lovely blend of island gastronomy and a peaceful garden atmosphere.
Useful Information
- Name: Salt & Rosemary.
- Location: Western part of the Stari Grad centre, near the waterfront, Hvar Island.
- Type of establishment: Mediterranean and Croatian restaurant.
- Opened: June 2026.
- Main offerings: Fish, seafood, Dalmatian specialties, meat dishes, and pizzas.
- Traditional specialties: Hvar gregada, pašticada, and dishes prepared under peka.
- Cold starters: Octopus carpaccio, tuna and prawn tartare, burrata with truffles, and Dalmatian platter.
- Fish dishes: Sea bass, tuna steak, black risotto, and other dishes based on availability.
- Pizzas: Prepared in the oven.
- Specialty: Homemade bread and olive oil.
- Wines: Selection of local Hvar and other wines.
- Desserts: Cheesecake, chocolate lava cake, and other sweets.
- Ambience: Tranquil Mediterranean garden with olive trees and greenery.
- Terrace: Yes, outdoor tables in the garden.
- Reservations: Recommended, especially during the peak season.
- Card payments: Visa, Mastercard, and other cards.
- Pets: Allowed.
- Parking: Public parking in Stari Grad, then on foot.
- Access: Short walk from the Stari Grad waterfront.
- Nearby: Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, town waterfront, St. Stephen's Church, and Škor Square.
- Recommended for: Couples, families, lovers of Dalmatian cuisine, and guests wanting dinner in a peaceful garden setting.
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