Restaurant Davor in Zavala – Dalmatian Cuisine, Fresh Fish and Views of Šćedro

Restaurant Davor is situated in the eastern part of Zavala, slightly elevated above the sea and the Zaca harbour, offering an open view towards the southern coast of Hvar and the island of Šćedro. It is one of the more renowned restaurants in the area, focusing on traditional Dalmatian and Mediterranean cuisine, including fish, seafood, grilled meats, and homemade pasta.

The most pleasant seating is on the large covered terrace. Although the restaurant is not directly on the beach, it is only a short walk from the sea, making it convenient for lunch after swimming at Zaca and the nearby beaches.

Fish is a main reason to visit

Davor is particularly a good choice if you wish to enjoy fish prepared in a simple Dalmatian style.

One of the restaurant's specialities is lešoda – boiled fish served in a traditional manner, accompanied by olive oil and simple side dishes. This preparation is an excellent choice for those wanting to savour the taste of quality fish without heavy sauces and numerous accompaniments.

The menu features grilled fish, squid, tuna, swordfish, and other seafood dishes, depending on availability.

It is always worth asking about the fresh fish available that day.

Swordfish Carpaccio and Seafood Starters

Among the dishes for which Davor is particularly recognised is the swordfish carpaccio.

This is a good choice for a lighter start to dinner, especially during hot summer days. Other cold or warm seafood starters may also be available, depending on the daily offerings.

For a table of several people, it is practical to order a few starters to share, followed by a main fish or meat dish.

Gregada, Squid and Seafood Pasta

The offerings are not limited to classic grilled fish.

The restaurant features dishes such as gregada, grilled squid or fried squid, as well as seafood pasta.

Some traditional dishes have been adapted to a more contemporary style of serving, but the flavours remain tied to Dalmatian cuisine and ingredients characteristic of the island.

If you are looking for something beyond standard grilled fish, gregada and pasta dishes are among the more interesting options.

Homemade Gnocchi and Grilled Meat

Davor is not solely a fish restaurant.

It also offers various grilled meat dishes, and one of the distinguishing features of the restaurant is its homemade gnocchi. The green gnocchi with rocket are particularly interesting, and can be served with truffles or other sauces.

This is practical for groups where some guests want fish, while others prefer meat or pasta.

Vegetarian options are available, and dishes suitable for guests avoiding gluten can also be found.

Traditional Desserts

It is worth saving room for dessert at the end of your meal.

Davor serves rožata, a classic Dalmatian dessert made from eggs, milk, and caramel, as well as a traditional cake from Pitava.

Such local desserts are more fitting for the character of the restaurant than generic sweets that can be found anywhere along the coast.

Coffee or a glass of dessert wine pairs well with dessert.

Hvar and Croatian Wines

The wine list features a good selection of Hvar and other Croatian wines.

Hvar white wines naturally pair well with white fish and lighter seafood dishes, while more robust red wines can be chosen to accompany tuna, stronger fish, or meat.

If you are unsure what to select, it is advisable to ask for a wine that best complements your ordered dish.

House wine is also available.

Large Covered Terrace with Views of Šćedro

The main dining area of the restaurant during the summer is the covered terrace with around 80 seats.

The terrace is sufficiently elevated above the coast to provide views of the sea and Šćedro over the rooftops and greenery. Thanks to the roof, it remains pleasant even during lunch when the sun is strongest on the southern side of Hvar.

The indoor space is much smaller, with approximately 16 seats, so the restaurant primarily operates on the terrace during the summer.

In the evening, it is particularly pleasant when the daytime heat subsides.

Close to Zaca and the Sea

The restaurant is located above the Zaca area, in the eastern part of coastal Zavala.

The gravel beach and Zaca harbour are just a few minutes' walk away, making Davor a convenient stop during a day spent by the sea.

You can come directly from the beach for lunch, while in the evening, the restaurant is ideal for a quieter dinner with a view of the sea.

Parking by the Restaurant

Davor offers free parking by the establishment, which is a significant advantage in Zavala, where parking near the coast is often limited during July and August.

If you are arriving by car from another part of the village or from Jelsa, there is no need to search for public parking by the beach and then walk to the restaurant.

The restaurant is accessed via narrow local roads through Zavala, so the last part of the drive should be done slowly and carefully.

A Good Place for Families

The restaurant is suitable for families with children.

The covered terrace provides shade, high chairs are available, and the menu is not limited to fish. Homemade pasta, gnocchi, simpler meat dishes, and fresh lemonade make it easier to choose when dining with children.

The space is accessible for individuals with reduced mobility.

Should You Reserve a Table?

For lunch, it is often possible to find a table without much planning, especially if you arrive a bit earlier.

For dinner in July and August, making a reservation is advisable, particularly if you want a table on the outer edge of the terrace with the best views of the sea.

Davor is one of the more popular restaurants in Zavala, and in the evenings, it often attracts visitors from Jelsa and other parts of Hvar.

Who is Restaurant Davor Best For?

Davor is a good choice for guests seeking a classic Dalmatian dinner without an overly formal atmosphere.

It makes the most sense to order fish, a seafood starter, gregada, or one of the dishes with homemade gnocchi, paired with local wine and rožata for dessert.

The large covered terrace, views of Šćedro, private parking, and proximity to the sea make it practical for both lunch during the day and a longer dinner after swimming.

Useful Information

  • Name: Restaurant Davor
  • Location: Zavala, Hvar Island
  • Cuisine Type: Dalmatian, Mediterranean, fish and grill
  • Specialty: lešoda – traditionally cooked fish
  • Fish and Seafood: fresh fish, swordfish, tuna, squid, gregada and seafood pasta, depending on the menu
  • Famous Starter: swordfish carpaccio
  • Other Offerings: grilled meat, homemade gnocchi and pasta
  • Vegetarian Options: yes
  • Gluten-Free Options: available
  • Desserts: rožata and traditional cake from Pitava
  • Wines: Hvar and other Croatian wines
  • Terrace: large covered terrace with approximately 80 seats
  • Indoor Space: approximately 16 seats
  • View: sea and the island of Šćedro
  • Family-Friendly: yes
  • High Chairs: available
  • Parking: free parking by the restaurant
  • Beach: Zaca area and sea are a few minutes' walk away
  • Reservation: recommended for dinner in the peak season
  • Best For: fresh fish, traditional Dalmatian dishes, local wine and dinner with views of Šćedro