Restaurant & Bar Dal Mare in Komiža

Dal Mare is located on the Komiža waterfront, among the restaurants by the harbour, but it is also worth noting for another reason: you can come here for breakfast and coffee in the morning, stop by for lunch after a day at the beach or a boat trip, and stay for dinner and drinks in the evening. The terrace faces the harbour, allowing diners to enjoy the daily rhythm of Komiža – boats, yachts, strollers, and a view across the bay towards the old houses.

The cuisine is Mediterranean and broad enough that the restaurant is not solely for fish lovers. However, it makes the most sense to see what the catch of the day is, especially if one wishes to take advantage of dining on Vis without ordering a dish that could be found anywhere.

Start with Cold Fish Appetisers

Dal Mare offers a good selection for those who like to begin their dinner with a few smaller plates. Among the dishes currently available are tuna tartare, fish pâté, and prawn carpaccio.

Such starters work particularly well for two, as they can be shared before the main course. If planning to order a whole fish or a more substantial piece of meat, there is no need to overindulge at the start.

When it comes to fish, it is always wise to ask what is fresh that day. The offerings on the island may not be the same every day, and the daily catch often presents a more interesting selection than a pre-planned dish.

Fish and Seafood are the Main Attraction

The menu features tuna, squid, shellfish, seafood pasta, and fresh fish prepared in a simple Mediterranean style. For a classic meal by the sea, squid or fish with a side is a safe choice, while in the evening, one might start with a fish starter and then share a larger fish.

When ordering whole fish, it is advisable to ask about the type, weight, and price before preparation. This applies to practically every fish tavern and restaurant along the Adriatic, especially when ordering a larger specimen for two or more people.

For those who do not wish to have a whole fish, options include tuna steak, pasta, or other seafood dishes. Dal Mare is not strictly a traditional tavern – the presentation and part of the menu are more contemporary than in older Komiža taverns.

There is also a Serious Meat Selection

In a company where not everyone wants fish, Dal Mare is a straightforward choice as the meat offerings are not limited to a single backup dish. You can find steaks, chicken, and other grilled dishes, allowing for a seamless combination of fish and meat at the same table.

Ribeye is a better choice when a more substantial dinner is desired, while simpler grilled dishes are practical for lunch. The menu also features Dalmatian classics like pašticada, depending on the current offerings.

This makes Dal Mare particularly convenient for families and larger groups, where it is often more challenging to find a restaurant that takes both fish and meat seriously.

Breakfast by the Harbour

One of the advantages of Dal Mare is that it opens early and serves breakfast. This is beneficial for guests who are boarding boats early, heading to Biševo, or simply want to sit down for a proper breakfast before heading to the beach.

You can find eggs, toast, and classic morning combinations with coffee. There is no need to plan a special trip as the restaurant is right on the waterfront and close to the departure points for many boat excursions.

For a quieter breakfast, it is best to arrive early. Later, the waterfront fills up with day-trippers and local traffic, especially during peak season.

Cocktails and the Evening Atmosphere at Dal Mare

The name Restaurant & Bar here is not just an addition. Dal Mare functions well in the evening as a place for drinks, particularly if one wishes to remain by the harbour after dinner.

The cocktail selection is substantial enough that one can come just for a drink. The outdoor terrace is most pleasant in the evening when the daytime heat subsides and the evening stroll along the harbour begins.

It should be noted that you are seated in one of the livelier parts of Komiža. Those seeking a completely quiet, secluded dinner without passers-by might fare better in a restaurant away from the waterfront. Here, the view of the harbour and the evening atmosphere of the town are significant reasons to visit.

Vegetarians Have More Than One Option

Although fish and meat make up the bulk of the menu, vegetarian options, pasta, salads, and vegetable dishes are available. For a completely vegan meal, it is advisable to check with the staff as the offerings may change.

If there are several different dietary preferences in a group, Dal Mare is more practical due to its diverse menu compared to a tavern that relies almost entirely on fish.

When to Visit

For lunch, it is pleasant to stop by after swimming or returning from an outing, while the terrace is most appealing in the early evening and at night. In July and August, reservations are advisable, especially if one wishes for a table closer to the sea during the usual evening hours.

A car is not necessary to reach the restaurant. If you are already staying in Komiža, Dal Mare is just a few minutes' walk from the centre. For guests coming from other parts of Vis, it is simpler to leave the vehicle in a public parking area and walk to the harbour rather than searching for a spot close to the restaurant.

What to Choose

For a first visit, it makes the most sense to start with seafood. Tuna tartare, fish pâté, or prawn carpaccio can be a good beginning, after which it is worth asking which fish is best that day. If the daily catch does not appeal, tuna, squid, or seafood pasta are simpler choices.

For someone who does not eat fish, ribeye or one of the grilled dishes allows for the restaurant to be chosen without solely relying on the rest of the group. After dinner, one can stay for a cocktail without changing venues.

Dal Mare is most suitable when one desires a Mediterranean restaurant right on the Komiža waterfront with a sufficiently broad menu for the entire group. It is not strictly a traditional tavern, nor is it a restaurant that has completely abandoned local cuisine. It is best enjoyed for this very balance – fish and seafood, a few Dalmatian classics, meat, breakfast, and an evening bar in one of the liveliest parts of Komiža.