Konoba Lem, Vrboska – Dalmatian cuisine, peka and wood-fired pizza by the waterfront

Konoba Lem is situated right by the waterfront in the heart of Vrboska, immediately next to the main bridge, in one of the most picturesque spots for dining by the sea in the old part of the town. The outdoor tables are positioned right by the harbour, allowing diners to enjoy views of the boats, stone houses, and the opposite side of the Vrboska bay during lunch or dinner.

The menu is extensive, yet the concept remains classically Dalmatian: fresh fish and shellfish, risottos, grilled dishes, lamb, peka, and wood-fired pizza. This variety makes Lem a practical choice for groups where some prefer fish while others opt for meat or pizza.

Terrace by the sea

The location is one of the greatest advantages of Konoba Lem.

The terrace is not elevated above the harbour or set back from the waterfront; rather, it is directly by the sea and the main bridge of Vrboska. This is a part of the town that one is likely to pass through during an evening stroll, so the restaurant does not require a search through side streets.

From the terrace, one can see the Vrboska harbour and the moored boats, and in the evening, the entire area takes on a particularly pleasant atmosphere as the lights along the waterfront and bridges are illuminated.

Fresh fish and shellfish

The fish selection is one of the key components of the menu.

The daily offerings include fresh fish and shellfish, with the selection depending on availability. If you wish to order fish, it is best to ask what is fresh that day and how it is prepared.

The menu also features squid, prawns, mussels, and other seafood dishes.

Octopus and seafood dishes

Octopus appears in several forms, including octopus salad and grilled preparations.

Additionally, various fish and seafood platters, risottos, and pasta with seafood are offered.

If you are coming for local Dalmatian cuisine, fish, shellfish, and octopus are logical focal points of the menu worth concentrating on.

Risottos and pasta

For guests who do not wish to have a whole fish or a larger seafood platter, Lem offers a good selection of risottos and pasta.

Seafood combinations are particularly prominent, but simpler options are also available.

This is a good choice for lunch when you prefer something lighter than peka or a larger meat dish.

Spit-roasted lamb

One of the specialities of Konoba Lem is spit-roasted lamb.

This is not a dish found in every restaurant in Vrboska, making the lamb one of the reasons why Lem has a somewhat different character compared to establishments focused almost exclusively on fish.

Availability may vary by day and preparation, so it is advisable to check in advance if you are specifically interested in the lamb.

Peka on request

Lem also prepares various types of peka on request.

Peka is cooked slowly under an iron lid covered with embers, so it is not a dish that can be prepared quickly after guests arrive.

If you wish to have peka, it is best to order it in advance, especially during the peak summer season or if you are coming with a larger group.

Wood-fired pizza

Alongside the traditional Dalmatian offerings, Lem is also known for its wood-fired pizza.

This makes the restaurant practical for families with children and larger groups, as not everyone at the same table needs to order fish or meat.

The pizza is prepared in the same traditional oven that is part of the character of the konoba.

Grilled dishes

The meat selection is not limited to lamb.

The menu features various grilled meats, including mixed meat platters and steaks.

If there are guests in your party who do not eat fish, the selection is broad enough that Lem is not solely a restaurant for seafood lovers.

Vegetarian options

Vegetarian options are also available.

Among the simpler choices are grilled vegetables, salads, pasta, and other dishes without meat or fish.

This is beneficial for groups with different dietary preferences, as nearly everyone can find something on the menu.

Dalmatian wines

The wine list focuses on Croatian and Dalmatian wines.

White wines naturally pair well with fish and shellfish, while stronger red wines are more suitable for lamb, peka, and grilled meats.

If you wish to stay in the local Hvar style, it is worth asking which wines from the island are currently available.

Coffee and dessert by the waterfront

Lem is not a place that one must only visit for a full meal.

Due to its location by the main bridge, it is also pleasant for coffee or dessert during a walk in Vrboska. The terrace by the sea provides ample reason for a short stop even if you had not planned on lunch or dinner.

Arrival and parking

The konoba is located in the very centre of Vrboska, by the waterfront next to the main bridge.

If you are staying in Vrboska, the easiest way to reach it is on foot. The restaurant is easily accessible from both the old town centre and across the bridge from the other side of the harbour.

Do not expect a separate parking area right next to the restaurant tables. If you are arriving by car, it is more practical to use public parking spaces in the wider centre of Vrboska and walk the last part.

Who is Konoba Lem a good choice for?

Lem is a good choice for guests who want a classic Dalmatian dinner by the Vrboska waterfront, but also offers a sufficiently broad menu so that the entire group does not have to order the same type of food.

It is particularly distinguished by its location next to the main bridge, the terrace right by the sea, fresh fish and shellfish, spit-roasted lamb, peka on request, and wood-fired pizza.

Useful information

  • Type of establishment: Dalmatian konoba and restaurant
  • Location: right by the waterfront in the centre of Vrboska, next to the main bridge
  • Terrace: outdoor terrace by the sea with views of Vrboska harbour
  • Main offerings: fresh fish, shellfish, seafood, meat, risottos, pasta, and pizza
  • Fresh fish: available according to the daily offer
  • Octopus: dishes include octopus salad and grilled octopus
  • Lamb: spit-roasted lamb is one of the specialities
  • Peka: prepared on request; best ordered in advance
  • Pizza: made in a wood-fired oven
  • Grill: various grilled meat dishes available
  • Vegetarian options: available
  • Wines: emphasis on Croatian and Dalmatian wines
  • Coffee and dessert: available
  • Access on foot: very easy from all parts of central Vrboska
  • Parking: use public parking spaces in the wider centre; do not expect parking right next to the restaurant
  • Best for: dinner by the sea, fresh fish, peka, lamb, and wood-fired pizza