Restaurant Gego in Velo Zaraće – Fresh Fish, Seafood Specialities and a Terrace Right by the Beach in Hvar

Restaurant Gego is located in the bay of Velo Zaraće, on the southern coast of the island of Hvar, just a few steps from the pebble beach and crystal-clear sea. Its main feature is its position right by the water, with a terrace overlooking the sea, rocky cliffs, and boats anchored in the bay. Guests can come for lunch straight from the beach or by boat, making Gego an appealing choice for sailors exploring the southern side of Hvar.

The restaurant has been operating since 2002 and is known for its Mediterranean and Dalmatian cuisine, with a focus on fish, shellfish, and seafood. The atmosphere is simple and informal, without overly formal decor. The emphasis is on good food, proximity to the sea, and views of the bay surrounded by high cliffs.

Fresh Fish, Octopus and Seafood

Fish and seafood specialities are the main offerings at Restaurant Gego. Notable dishes include fresh fish grilled over an open flame, squid, mussels, shellfish, and fish platters for two.

Octopus Salad is one of the restaurant's signature dishes. Served as a cold starter, it is a good choice to begin your lunch after swimming.

For the main course, the Fish Platter for Two is particularly interesting for guests wanting to sample various types of fish and seafood specialities. Grilled fish is also a good option, accompanied by simple sides that do not distract from the main ingredient.

Other offerings include mussels cooked in a traditional style, scallops, and fried or grilled squid. The selection of fish and shellfish may vary depending on daily availability, so it is advisable to ask what is on offer that day before ordering.

Tagliatelle Gego, Risotto and Homemade Desserts

In addition to grilled fish, Gego is known for its pasta and seafood risottos. The Tagliatelle Gego is particularly highlighted, often associated with the restaurant's menu.

Pasta lovers can also choose spaghetti with seafood, while the seafood risotto offers an interesting alternative to the classic grilled fish. Meat dishes are available as well, catering to guests who do not eat fish.

For dessert, tiramisu and panna cotta stand out among the options.

Alongside the food, local wines, beers, coffee, and other beverages are served, with cocktails also mentioned on the menu. Gego is therefore a pleasant place for a leisurely lunch by the sea, especially when planning to spend the entire day at Velo Zaraće beach.

Terrace with a View of Velo Zaraće Beach

The restaurant's location is one of its greatest advantages. The terrace is situated right by the sea, offering views of the pebble shore, towering rocky cliffs, and boats in the bay.

The bay of Velo Zaraće is particularly interesting due to the large rocky cape that separates it from the neighbouring bay of Malo Zaraće. Steep slopes with Mediterranean vegetation rise around, while in front of the restaurant, the view opens up towards the sea.

Gego is convenient for guests who wish to combine swimming and lunch without needing to drive to another location. It is only a few steps from the beach to the terrace, allowing for a seamless transition back to swimming after the meal.

During July and August, the restaurant can become quite busy, especially at lunchtime. To secure a table with the best view or for larger groups, it is advisable to make a reservation in advance.

Arriving by Boat and Mooring in the Bay

Gego is also popular among sailors navigating the southern coast of Hvar. In the bay of Velo Zaraće, there are mooring buoys connected to the restaurant, making arrival by boat one of the unique features of this location.

Three black mooring buoys are linked to the restaurant, and assistance can be provided to the crew when mooring. It is necessary to arrange the availability of the buoy before arrival and check whether the mooring is suitable for the size and draft of the vessel.

The bay is naturally sheltered by part of the rocky cape, but it is not completely protected from all wind and wave directions. During adverse weather conditions, particularly strong southerly winds, it is important to carefully assess the safety of staying at the mooring.

Arriving by boat is especially appealing for guests who wish to stop for a swim and lunch without heading to a larger port or marina.

How to Reach Restaurant Gego by Car

Restaurant Gego is located in the bay of Velo Zaraće, beneath the settlement of Zaraće, on the southern coast of Hvar. From the town of Hvar, take the main road towards Stari Grad, then turn towards Zaraće.

A narrow asphalt road leads from the main road down to the bays of Malo and Velo Zaraće. In some sections, the road is winding, and passing other vehicles can be tricky, especially during the summer months.

To reach Gego, continue towards the eastern bay, Velo Zaraće. You can drive very close to the restaurant and beach, without the long walk required to reach Dubovica.

Due to the steep road and limited turning space, careful driving is recommended, particularly for first-time visitors to Zaraće.

Parking at Restaurant Gego

Restaurant Gego offers parking for guests nearby, which is an important advantage as available spaces along the beach in Velo Zaraće fill up quickly during the summer.

The parking area is not large, so it is wise to check availability in advance during the peak season, especially if arriving at lunchtime.

When parking, care should be taken not to block the narrow access road, other properties, or turning space for vehicles.

For guests who are only visiting the beach without dining at the restaurant, it is best to use the designated parking spaces in the bay, as parking intended for restaurant guests may not be available to all visitors.

Velo Zaraće Beach and Nearby Attractions

The restaurant is located right by the Velo Zaraće Beach, a naturally pebbled shore surrounded by large rocky cliffs. The water is exceptionally clear, and there are interesting spots for snorkelling along the rocky edges of the bay.

For guests wishing to spend a day in this part of Hvar, a practical combination of morning swimming, lunch at Restaurant Gego, and an afternoon of relaxation by the sea is ideal.

On the other side of the large rocky cape lies Malo Zaraće Beach, known for its unusual rock formations and natural shade under the pines.

Not far to the west is Paščuka Beach (Veli Dolac), a small pebbly cove with a restaurant above the sea, while further along is the well-known Dubovica Beach, recognised for its large pebbled shore and old stone summer house.

Gego is a good choice for guests wanting to explore this part of the southern coast of Hvar, as well as for sailors who appreciate the option of mooring and dining right by the sea.

Useful Information

  • Location: Velo Zaraće Bay, southern coast of Hvar.
  • Type of establishment: Restaurant serving Dalmatian and Mediterranean cuisine, with an emphasis on fish and seafood specialities.
  • In operation since: 2002.
  • Special feature: Terrace right by Velo Zaraće Beach, with views of the sea and surrounding cliffs.
  • Fish dishes: Fresh grilled fish, squid, fish platters, and seafood specialities.
  • Shellfish: Mussels cooked in a traditional style and scallops.
  • Octopus: Octopus salad.
  • Pasta and risotto: Tagliatelle Gego, spaghetti with seafood, and seafood risotto.
  • Meat dishes: Available for guests who do not eat fish.
  • Desserts: Tiramisu and panna cotta.
  • Beverages: Wine, beer, coffee, and cocktails.
  • Terrace: Outdoor dining area with views of the bay.
  • Parking: Parking available for restaurant guests nearby, with a limited number of spaces.
  • Access by car: Steep and narrow asphalt road leading from the main road Hvar – Stari Grad.
  • Access by boat: Arrival by private vessel possible, with prior arrangement for mooring.
  • Mooring buoys: Three black buoys connected to the restaurant; availability and usage conditions must be arranged in advance.
  • Nearby beach: Velo Zaraće, directly in front of the restaurant.
  • Reservations: Recommended during the main tourist season, especially for lunch and boat arrivals.
  • Payment: It is advisable to bring cash as card payment may not always be available.
  • Nearby: Malo Zaraće, Paščuka (Veli Dolac), and Dubovica.