Konoba Pinjata, Vrboska – peka, tasting of indigenous Hvar wines and a hidden stone courtyard

Konoba Pinjata is located in the historic core of Vrboska, just behind the fortress church of St. Mary of Mercy. It is tucked away from the main waterfront among stone houses and narrow streets, providing a distinctly different atmosphere from seaside restaurants.

Pinjata serves as both a wine cellar and a small traditional tavern. Visitors primarily come to sample the house wines from Hvar, accompanied by prosciutto, cheeses, salted fish, and seasonal salads. For a more substantial meal, peka must be ordered in advance. The highlight includes indigenous Hvar varieties such as Bogdanuša and Parč, along with Plavac Mali and rosé.

A hidden tavern behind the fortress church

Pinjata is just a few minutes' walk from the centre of Vrboska.

Instead of a large terrace by the waterfront, guests enter a quieter stone setting in the old town. A particularly pleasant feature is the small stone courtyard under the vine, where the atmosphere is more intimate and far removed from the main evening promenade.

This is a place that is better found and reserved in advance rather than stumbled upon while walking along the waterfront.

Tasting the house wines

Wine is the cornerstone of Pinjata's identity.

The wines produced here are made from several varieties closely associated with Hvar:

  • Bogdanuša
  • Parč
  • Plavac Mali
  • rosé from Plavac Mali

A tasting is an excellent way to compare two distinctly different indigenous white wines from the island alongside the more robust Plavac Mali.

Bogdanuša

Bogdanuša is one of the most recognisable indigenous varieties from the island of Hvar.

It produces a dry white wine with a fresher character, making it particularly well-suited to summer evenings, cheese, salted fish, and simple Dalmatian snacks.

For a guest exploring Hvar wines for the first time, Bogdanuša is a logical starting point for a tasting.

Parč – a rare Hvar variety

An even more intriguing option for wine enthusiasts is Parč, a variety traditionally grown on Hvar.

This wine has a more pronounced aromatic character and a distinctive note reminiscent of muscat. Compared to Bogdanuša, it appears more aromatic and entirely different, making it worthwhile to taste them side by side.

Plavac Mali and rosé

For red wine lovers, there is Plavac Mali, the most important red variety from Dalmatia.

This wine is fuller-bodied, darker in colour, and has more pronounced tannins, making it a better match for richer meat dishes and peka.

A lighter rosé is also produced from the same variety, which is much more suitable for warm summer evenings and cold starters.

Prosciutto, cheeses, and salted fish with wine

Alongside the tasting, simple Dalmatian delicacies are served.

The confirmed offerings include:

  • prosciutto
  • various types of cheese
  • salted fish
  • seasonal salads

This is not a large restaurant menu but rather food designed to accompany the wine. This concept suits Pinjata perfectly – a selection of wines for tasting and a platter of local delicacies in a tranquil stone courtyard.

Peka must be ordered in advance

If you desire a full meal, the biggest specialty at Pinjata is peka.

Meat variations are prepared, as well as octopus under peka, with potatoes and other sides that are slowly cooked under an iron lid covered with embers.

Peka should not be ordered upon arrival. It must be arranged at least a day in advance to ensure everything can be prepared in the traditional manner.

Recent guest experiences particularly highlight the octopus and lamb under peka.

A small tavern, not a large restaurant

It is important to have the right expectations for Pinjata.

This is not a restaurant with a large daily menu and dozens of tables. The offerings are more limited, tastings and peka are planned in advance, and this small scale is part of the overall experience.

For a spontaneous dinner with a wide selection of dishes, Vrboska has more practical restaurants. For wine, peka, and a quieter traditional atmosphere, Pinjata is far more interesting.

Reservations are advisable

Making a reservation makes sense here even if you do not plan to order peka.

The space is small, and during July and August, it is particularly wise to notify them a few days in advance if you wish to have a tasting or dinner at a specific time.

For peka, a reservation is not just recommended but practically part of the dish's preparation.

Cash payment only

When visiting Pinjata, be prepared for cash payment only.

Current information and recent guest experiences indicate that cards are not accepted, so it is unwise to rely solely on card payments.

Parking

The tavern is located in the old town and does not have a large private parking area for guests.

If you are arriving by car, it is more practical to leave your vehicle in a public parking area in the wider centre of Vrboska and walk the last few minutes to Pinjata.

The location near the church-fortress of St. Mary is, in any case, part of an area that is most pleasant to explore on foot.

Who is Pinjata best suited for?

Pinjata is an excellent choice for guests who wish to experience indigenous Hvar wines and traditional food in a small, authentic setting, rather than just another dinner by the waterfront.

It makes the most sense to reserve peka or a tasting in advance, to sample Bogdanuša and Parč, compare them with Plavac Mali, and enjoy prosciutto, cheese, or salted fish alongside the wine.

The combination of a wine cellar, stone courtyard, house wines, and traditional peka makes Pinjata one of the more unique gastronomic spots in old Vrboska.

Useful information

  • Type of establishment: wine cellar and small traditional tavern
  • Location: old town of Vrboska, right next to the church-fortress of St. Mary of Mercy
  • Main experience: tasting of house wines and traditional Dalmatian food
  • Wines: Bogdanuša, Parč, Plavac Mali, and rosé
  • Cold offerings: prosciutto, cheeses, salted fish, and seasonal salads
  • Peka: yes
  • Octopus under peka: yes
  • Meat peka: yes, by prior arrangement
  • Ordering peka: at least a day in advance
  • Wine tastings: yes
  • Ambience: small stone courtyard and traditional wine cellar in the old town
  • Reservation: advisable, especially during the peak season
  • Card payments: do not rely on cards; cash is necessary
  • Access on foot: very easy from the centre of Vrboska
  • Parking: no private parking; use public parking in the wider centre
  • Best for: tasting Hvar wines, peka, and a quiet traditional dinner away from the main waterfront