Corto Maltese in Komiža

Corto Maltese is one of those establishments in Komiža that changes its character throughout the day. In the morning, coffee and breakfast are enjoyed on the terrace, later it becomes a spot for a quick lunch, and in the evening, it transforms into a place for grilled food, burgers, pizza, or drinks by the waterfront. It is located right in the centre of Komiža, just a few steps from the sea, so it doesn’t require any special effort to find – sooner or later, you will pass by it while strolling through the town.

It shouldn’t be imagined as a classic fish tavern. The menu is much broader and more relaxed, with one of its stronger points being the grilled meat. Corto Maltese is therefore a good option when, after several days of fish and seafood, one craves ćevapi, a burger, steak, or mixed meat.

Grill is one of the safer choices

If you arrive hungry, it’s worth first looking at the grill offerings. Corto Maltese has long had a reputation as a place where you can enjoy a substantial plate of meat without complicated presentation and long waits for multiple courses.

The mixed grill makes the most sense for two people who want to share a few different items, while a burger, ćevapi, or steak are simpler choices for an individual. The meat usually comes with potatoes or other classic sides, making it a full meal rather than small tasting portions.

This is not a restaurant you visit for fine dining. It works best when you want to have a good meal, enjoy a beer or a glass of wine, and relax by the waterfront without too much ceremony.

It’s worth asking what’s cooked that day

The more interesting part of Corto Maltese is sometimes not on the regular menu but in the daily specials. You might find sarma, beans, goulash, or some other simple cooked dish, especially outside the peak season.

If you see a daily special on the board, it’s worth considering. Such offerings are a welcome change after several days of typical summer restaurant menus, particularly when the weather cools down or when you simply crave something hearty.

A good question to ask before ordering is simply: what do you have cooked today?

There is fish, but it’s not a fish restaurant

The menu includes squid, tuna, and other simpler seafood dishes. Grilled squid is a good choice when you want something from the sea without ordering a whole fish and waiting for a traditional dinner at a tavern.

Tuna also appears on the menu, most often as a steak or in simpler combinations. However, I wouldn’t primarily choose Corto Maltese for its fish dishes – there are more specialised taverns in Komiža for that. The advantage here is that at the same table, someone can have squid, another a burger, and a third a grill dish.

Pizza, pasta, and burgers for a simpler meal

Corto Maltese makes sense when you want something quick and familiar. Pizza, pasta, and burgers make the restaurant practical for families and groups where it’s difficult to agree on one type of cuisine.

The pasta options might include classic combinations like carbonara, while burgers are a better choice when you want a filling lunch without the fuss of a formal restaurant experience.

For pizza, there are places in Komiža that are entirely dedicated to it, so I wouldn’t choose Corto Maltese solely for that. Here, pizza is primarily part of a broad offering that allows everyone at the table to find something they like.

Morning coffee and breakfast

Corto Maltese opens early, making it convenient for that first morning coffee by the waterfront. This is particularly useful before heading out on a boat trip, an early excursion, or when you want something to eat before hitting the beach.

The breakfast menu may vary, but the establishment is not only active in the evening. In the morning, it has a much calmer character than during the evening rush and can be a pleasant place to start the day with a view of the harbour.

It’s best to arrive for breakfast early, before the waterfront fills up with daily traffic.

A good place just for drinks

Corto Maltese is not just a restaurant. The terrace also functions well as a classic café bar, allowing you to sit down for coffee, beer, wine, or an evening drink without the obligation to order food.

This is useful if you’re waiting for the rest of your party, a boat, or a table at another restaurant. Later in the evening, the place remains lively much longer than traditional restaurants, making it a good last stop after dinner.

The atmosphere is informal and more bar-like than elegant. Those seeking a quiet romantic dinner will likely choose another venue, but for a relaxed evening by the waterfront, Corto Maltese is a suitable option.

For families and larger groups

A wide menu is one of its greatest advantages. Children can opt for pizza, pasta, or burgers, while adults can choose grilled dishes or squid, and if there’s a daily cooked dish, someone at the table might end up with sarma or beans.

This makes Corto Maltese more practical than restaurants that are strictly specialised in fish or modern gastronomy.

The location by the waterfront also makes it easier to visit with children. After a meal, you can step straight out onto the promenade, and ice cream, shops, and the rest of the centre are just a few minutes away.

When is the best time to visit

For morning coffee or breakfast, it’s best to arrive before the daily rush. For lunch, Corto Maltese is practical after a day at the beach or returning from a boat trip, especially when you want something substantial and quick.

In the evening, the atmosphere is livelier, and the terrace by the waterfront is most appealing then. In July and August, during peak dinner hours, it can get quite busy, so for a quieter meal, it’s better to arrive a bit earlier.

A car is not necessary. If you’re staying in Komiža, you can walk to Corto Maltese. Guests arriving from another part of Vis will find it easier to leave their vehicle in a public parking area and continue on foot to the waterfront.

Who is Corto Maltese best suited for

I would primarily recommend Corto Maltese when you want a casual place with a wide selection and normal, substantial portions. It is particularly well-suited after several days of classic fish dinners when you crave grilled food, burgers, pizza, or simply a homemade cooked dish.

This is not a place to choose for a special gastronomic experience of Vis. Its value lies in something much simpler: a good location, a wide range of food, the ability to come for morning coffee or late drinks, and a menu that can easily accommodate the whole group.

If a good daily cooked dish appears, I would consider that before anything else. Otherwise, the grill and squid best match the character of the place.