Restaurant Ruzmarin, Vrboska – Fresh Fish, Generous Platters and Relaxed Dalmatian Cuisine

Restaurant Ruzmarin is situated on the southern side of Vrboska harbour, just a few minutes' walk from the old town centre and on the way to the outer bay and ACI marina. It has been operating at this location since 2020, after owner Domagoj Kraljević relocated the restaurant from the Solin area closer to the town itself.

Ruzmarin does not focus solely on one type of cuisine. The core offering is Mediterranean and Dalmatian – featuring fresh fish, shellfish, octopus, and other seafood – but the menu also includes grilled meats, veal dishes, pasta, salads, and wood-fired pizza. This makes it particularly suitable for groups looking for a more substantial lunch or dinner without everyone needing to order fish.

Fresh Fish and Seafood Platters

Fish is one of the standout features of Ruzmarin's menu.

Depending on daily availability, various types of whole fish are prepared on the grill, including sea bream. Fish is typically served with simple Dalmatian sides such as Swiss chard, potatoes, and vegetables.

Seafood platters for multiple diners are especially popular. The portions are generous, so it is advisable to ask the staff about the size of the platter and how many people it realistically serves before ordering.

Tuna Steak

Among the frequently chosen dishes, the tuna steak stands out.

The tuna is grilled and is a good option for guests who want a fish dish but do not wish to order a whole fish. It pairs well with seasonal vegetables, salad, and a glass of local white wine.

Mussels, Prawns and Other Seafood

The seafood selection also includes mussels, prawns, octopus, and other seafood.

Mussels are a regular feature in guests' experiences, while octopus can be found in various preparations, including salads and grilled dishes.

When it comes to seafood and fish platters, it is always worth asking what is freshest that day and what the kitchen particularly recommends.

Fish Soup and Daily Fish Menu

During the season, Ruzmarin also offers fish dishes suitable for lunch.

This includes fish soup, and there are daily menus that can combine soup, a main fish dish, and a dessert.

This is a good option for guests who want a classic fish lunch without ordering a large platter or a whole fish.

Wood-Fired Pizza

Ruzmarin also serves wood-fired pizza.

This is particularly convenient for families and larger groups, as the restaurant is not limited to traditional Dalmatian dishes. Pizza is often chosen by guests as a standalone meal rather than just a side option on the menu.

Meat and Homemade Dishes

The menu is not limited to seafood.

It features various meat dishes, steaks, and grilled options, with confirmed dishes including veal with roasted potatoes and vegetables.

Occasionally, classic homemade dishes such as stuffed peppers are prepared, giving Ruzmarin a broader character than a typical seasonal fish restaurant.

Starters and Seasonal Ingredients

For starters, guests can choose bruschetta, octopus salad, and various platters featuring local ingredients.

In season, ripe tomatoes with olive oil make a particularly good match – a simple dish where the quality of the ingredients shines through without much embellishment.

If ordering a large fish or meat platter, it is advisable not to overindulge in starters, as the main dishes are generally substantial.

Vegetarian Options

The menu also includes vegetarian options.

While this is not the focus of the restaurant's concept, salads, vegetables, bruschetta, pasta, and other simpler dishes without meat or fish can be found. For specific dietary requirements, it is best to ask directly what the kitchen can prepare that day.

Relaxed Terrace and Quieter Part of Vrboska

Ruzmarin is located slightly away from the busiest part of the waterfront, yet still close enough to the centre for easy access on foot.

The restaurant features outdoor seating, and the atmosphere is more relaxed than at tables set right by the busiest Vrboska bridges and central waterfront.

This suits families and larger groups looking for a quieter dinner without venturing far from the location.

Wine with Fish and Meat

The wine list includes Croatian wines, including local Dalmatian varieties.

With fish, it is advisable to choose a lighter white wine, and among Hvar varieties, Bogdanuša is particularly interesting. For tuna and richer meat dishes, more structured white or red wines may also be suitable.

Getting There and Parking

The restaurant is accessible by car, but if you are already in Vrboska, walking is the simplest option.

There are places to park nearby, but I wouldn’t count on a large dedicated parking area reserved solely for restaurant guests. Availability of spaces varies depending on the time of day and the season.

It takes just a few minutes to walk from the centre of Vrboska to Ruzmarin.

Who is Ruzmarin a Good Choice For?

Ruzmarin is particularly suitable for guests looking for a substantial Mediterranean lunch or dinner, with the option to choose between fresh fish, seafood, meat, and pizza.

If you are in a larger group, a fish or meat platter can be a practical choice for sharing. For individual meals, interesting options include grilled fresh fish, tuna steak, mussels, and wood-fired pizza.

Useful Information

  • Type of establishment: Mediterranean and Dalmatian restaurant
  • Location: southern side of Vrboska harbour, a few minutes' walk from the centre
  • At current location: since 2020
  • Main offerings: fish, seafood, grill, meat dishes, and pizza
  • Fresh fish: available based on daily supply
  • Seafood platters: yes, portions are generous and suitable for sharing
  • Tuna steak: yes
  • Mussels and other seafood: yes
  • Octopus: yes
  • Fish soup: yes
  • Pizza: baked in a wood-fired oven
  • Meat dishes: available, including grill and veal dishes
  • Vegetarian options: available
  • Outdoor seating: yes
  • Reservation: advisable during peak season and for larger groups
  • Card payment: accepted
  • Parking: parking options are available nearby, but do not expect a large dedicated parking area exclusively for restaurant guests
  • Best for: fresh fish, seafood platters, tuna, shellfish, substantial lunch or dinner, and groups with varied tastes