Restaurant Konoba Zavala – Dalmatian Tavern with Fish, Peka and Sea View Terrace

Konoba Zavala is situated in the upper part of Zavala, just a few minutes' walk above the sea. The terrace offers a broad view over the rooftops and greenery towards the southern coast of Hvar and Šćedro, creating an atmosphere typical of a small island tavern – peaceful, informal, and focused on good Dalmatian food.

The menu features fish and seafood, squid, octopus, risottos and pasta, as well as grilled meats and dishes cooked under peka. The tavern is particularly well-suited for dinner after a day spent on the beaches of Zavala.

Fish and Seafood

Fish dishes are a significant part of the offering.

You can order grilled fish, fish platters, squid, tuna, shellfish and other seafood dishes, depending on the daily selection. If dining with a group, the fish platter for two is a practical way to sample a variety of dishes.

Squid can be prepared grilled or fried, and pasta and seafood risotto are also popular choices.

When it comes to fish, it's best to ask what is available that day.

Octopus and Seafood Platter to Start

Among the more interesting starters is the octopus platter, which works well as a shared beginning to the meal.

Octopus appears in other dishes as well, and for those who appreciate traditional Dalmatian cuisine, its preparation under peka is particularly noteworthy.

Seafood starters pair nicely with house wine or one of the local wines from Hvar.

Peka Requires Advance Booking

One of the main reasons to visit Konoba Zavala is the peka.

Octopus and meat are prepared under peka, with octopus being especially popular. As this cooking method requires considerable time, it is advisable to order the peka in advance when making a reservation.

This is not a dish to order at the last minute – the slow cooking process ensures that the meat or octopus becomes tender, while the potatoes and other ingredients absorb the juices during roasting.

If you're looking for a more traditional Dalmatian dinner, peka is one of the best options.

Lamb and Grilled Meats

The tavern is not just for fish lovers.

The menu includes grilled lamb, steaks and various meat platters, making it suitable for groups where some guests prefer fish and others meat.

The grilling is straightforward and classic, without unnecessarily complicated additions, which suits the overall character of the tavern.

Risotto, Pasta and Gnocchi

For something between grilled fish and a large platter, risotto and pasta with seafood are good choices.

The menu also features gnocchi and other combinations of pasta with meat or seafood.

These are practical dishes for guests who want a lighter dinner after a day at the beach, without the need to order a whole fish or peka.

Carpaccio and Cold Starters

The menu also includes beef carpaccio and octopus carpaccio, along with other cold starters.

For a table of several people, it’s a good idea to order a few different starters to share before the main course. The tavern is particularly pleasant for such a leisurely dinner, without haste.

House Wine

It is worth trying the house wine with your meal.

Zavala is located just below the renowned wine-growing areas on the southern side of Hvar, so the wine naturally complements this type of cuisine.

White wine pairs better with white fish and squid, while red wine can be chosen for lamb, steak or heartier dishes.

Terrace with Sea View

The tavern is not located right on the waterfront, but slightly higher up in the settlement.

This is why the terrace offers an unobstructed view over Zavala towards the sea and Šćedro. In the evening, when the heat of the day subsides, this is one of the most pleasant parts of the restaurant.

The atmosphere is calmer than in restaurants directly by the beach, and after dinner, it’s just a short walk down to the sea.

A Good Option After a Day at the Beach

Konoba Zavala fits well into a typical day in this part of Hvar.

Swimming can be enjoyed at Zaca, Molvi, Skalinda or one of the smaller nearby coves, and in the evening, you can walk up from the coastal part of Zavala to the tavern.

The ascent from the sea is more noticeable than a flat walk, but it is not long.

If you are driving from another part of Zavala, access is easier as you do not have to descend towards the narrow coastal area of the village.

Parking

There is free parking available next to the restaurant, which is an important advantage in Zavala during the peak season.

This makes Konoba Zavala more practical for guests arriving by car from Jelsa or other parts of Hvar than restaurants directly by the sea, where finding a free spot in summer is considerably more difficult.

The local roads through Zavala are narrow, so the last part should be driven slowly.

Should You Make a Reservation?

During July and August, reservations are advisable, especially for dinner.

For the peka, it is best to reserve and arrange the dish in advance, as it requires lengthy preparation.

If having a table at the edge of the terrace with the best sea view is important to you, it is also worth reserving early.

Who is Konoba Zavala Best Suited For?

Konoba Zavala is suitable for guests who want a classic Dalmatian dinner without formality and without the need for the restaurant to be right on the beach.

It is particularly appealing for fish, squid, octopus, seafood risotto, peka and lamb, accompanied by a glass of wine and a view from the terrace.

Good parking is an additional advantage, especially if you are coming to Zavala just for dinner.

Useful Information

  • Name: Restaurant Konoba Zavala
  • Location: Zavala, Hvar Island
  • Cuisine Type: Dalmatian, Mediterranean, fish and grill
  • Fish and Seafood: fish, squid, octopus, tuna, shellfish and fish platters, depending on availability
  • Peka: octopus and meat; best arranged in advance
  • Meat Offerings: lamb, steaks and grilled meats
  • Pasta and Risotto: available seafood dishes and other combinations
  • Starters: including carpaccio and octopus platter
  • Vegetarian Options: available
  • Wine: house wine and other wines with meals
  • Terrace: outdoor terrace with a view of the sea and Šćedro
  • Family Friendly: yes
  • Reservation: advisable in peak season, especially for dinner and peka
  • Parking: free parking next to the restaurant
  • Location: in the upper part of Zavala, a few minutes' walk from the coast
  • Best For: peka, fish, octopus, squid, grill and a peaceful dinner with a sea view