This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and associate of other programs, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
It’s 7.30pm and we are watching the most magnificent sunset over Cavtat Marina, where we are flanked by an impressive display of multi-million-dollar yachts, including one owned by an American tech billionaire.
The air is warm and the picturesque harbour is bustling with stylish travellers and families dining in the many Croatian restaurants that line the bay, while others stop to have their photographs taken beside the mega yachts – the ultimate showcase of luxury travel.
We are heading to Hotel Supetar, a five-star boutique hotel housed in a beautifully restored 1920s waterfront villa nestled at the end of the promenade. But we can’t resist pausing to admire the view – and, of course, take a few photographs of our own. The sunsets are one of the town’s biggest draws, along with its crystal-clear waters, beautiful historic architecture and authentic food and drink scene.
It’s easy to see why Cavtat has become a celebrity hotspot. Stars including Beyoncé, David Beckham, Kylie Minogue, U2 and Jay-Z have all been spotted here, and the town was recently named one of Europe’s top coastal getaways by Forbes. The accolade follows Cavtat being crowned Croatia’s ‘Most Desirable Coastal Destination’ at the annual Croatian Tourism Awards, beating even the ever-popular Dubrovnik.
When we visited, we spotted Norn, an imposing 90-metre superyacht owned by Microsoft billionaire Charles Simonyi, complete with an outdoor cinema, swimming pool and dance floor.
But it’s not just celebrities and the ultra-wealthy who are drawn to this charming seaside town. Cavtat is equally popular with Croatian weekend visitors and tourists from the UK, the States, France and Germany, who come to experience the warmth of the local people, the stunning coastline and the town’s rich cultural heritage.
So, where do the rich and famous dine when their yachts sail into town? Hotel Supetar, of course, where exceptional cuisine is matched with laid-back elegance and a stunning waterfront location.
Hotel Supetar: Where Vintage Chic Meets Five-Star Dining
The boutique hotel is a beautifully restored three-storey white stone villa dating back to the early 20th century. It effortlessly blends Mediterranean charm with contemporary elegance, creating an idyllic backdrop for Instagram-worthy photographs.
Guests can choose between a spectacular rooftop restaurant with panoramic views across the sparkling Adriatic Sea or a relaxed courtyard restaurant overlooking the lively waterfront promenade.
The hotel offers 21 individually designed bedrooms, each featuring luxurious upholstered headboards, crisp white linen, elegant marble bathrooms and a colour palette that perfectly complements the building’s historic character.
The Restaurant: Creative Cuisine, Quiet Luxury and Waterfront Views
After admiring the sunset and the envy-inducing yachts, we make our way to Supetar‘s alfresco garden restaurant on the promenade.
The outdoor dining area is beautifully framed by palm trees, lush greenery and vibrant fuchsia blooms. The atmosphere feels effortlessly relaxed, with soft, melodic music, ambient lighting and bohemian-inspired interiors featuring rattan lighting, wicker furniture, cream linen sofas and burnt orange cushions.
At the centre of the courtyard sits a circular bar serving an extensive selection of cocktails, fine wines, and both local and international beers.
Inside, the hotel also boasts an intimate wine bar featuring a striking mountainous landscape mural, bottle-green tiled bar, plush velvet seating and inviting sofas. Vintage finishing touches, including an antique typewriter and oversized glass pendant lights, add character and vintage elegance to the space.
Exceptional Customer Service and Croatian Charm
My husband and I are greeted by our waiter for the evening, Niko, a silver-haired Croatian who has worked in hospitality for more than 30 years. He spent 25 years at a hotel in Dubrovnik before moving to Cavtat following Hotel Supetar’s refurbishment four years ago.
It quickly becomes clear that he knows his craft.
He expertly guides us through the Croatian wine list as we are keen to sample local varieties and immediately makes us feel at home. Throughout the evening, he chats warmly about Croatia, the hotel’s history and the local climate, while describing each dish in remarkable detail.
We both comment that there should be more people like Niko in the hospitality industry. Beautiful interiors, outstanding food and a wonderful atmosphere count for very little if the service falls short.
Thankfully, that is certainly not the case at Hotel Supetar. Service here is every bit as exceptional as the food and surroundings, making the entire dining experience feel genuinely special.
The Mediterranean Menu: Artistry on a Plate
The restaurant’s menu is rooted in Croatian tradition while embracing contemporary techniques and presentation. The talented culinary team uses the finest seasonal ingredients, carefully sourced from local producers, to create dishes that not only taste exceptional but are presented like works of art.
Our evening begins with a complimentary appetiser of fresh tuna salad, served alongside warm, freshly baked Croatian bread and three flavoured olive oils: balsamic, garlic and chilli.
To accompany it, we choose a chilled bottle of Sv. Ivan, a Croatian white wine with a pale golden hue, fragrant aromas of Mediterranean herbs and delicate tropical notes. The grapes are grown in the dry, stony soils of Sveti Ivan on the island of Korčula, producing a wine with a distinctive mineral character.
It comes highly recommended by Niko, and we’re delighted we take his advice. Refreshingly crisp and beautifully aromatic, it’s one of the highlights of the evening. We enjoy it so much that, since returning home, we’ve tried unsuccessfully to source a bottle in the UK.
Starters with Delicate Flavours
The menu offers an excellent selection of both hot and cold starters, including homemade fish soup, shrimp risotto and beef carpaccio.
I opt for the scallops – a dish I can never resist when I see it on a menu. They arrive served with broccoli and parsnip purée, fermented black garlic, crispy prawns and delicate microgreens.
My husband chooses the lamb ravioli, served with a rich lamb jus, white truffle oil and a light wild mushroom espuma.
When Niko brings our dishes to the table, he confidently describes every ingredient in remarkable detail. His knowledge is genuinely impressive and once again demonstrates the exceptional level of service that defines Hotel Supetar.
The ravioli is presented in an elegant pearlescent bowl on a pool of rich lamb jus. The pasta is perfectly al dente, while the slow-cooked lamb filling is beautifully tender and shredded, which helps to enrich the deep meaty favour. The earthy mushroom espuma and subtle hint of truffle elevate the dish without overpowering it.
My scallops, which has been delicately fried in butter, are equally outstanding. Perfectly caramelised on the outside and wonderfully tender within, they practically melt in the mouth. The sweetness of the scallops pairs beautifully with the silky broccoli and parsnip purée, while the fermented black garlic adds depth and complexity. Crispy prawns provide both texture and an extra layer of flavour, resulting in a beautifully balanced dish.
Main Courses: Artistry on a Plate
There are five main courses to choose from, including white fish fillet, monkfish and duck breast.
My husband rarely strays from his favourite restaurant choices – it’s almost always either a burger or a steak – so it comes as no surprise when he orders the Istrian Boškarin steak.
Dry-aged for 24 days and cooked exactly as requested, medium rare, the steak showcases one of Croatia’s finest native cattle breeds from the Istrian peninsula.
He’s immediately impressed, declaring it one of the best steaks he has ever eaten.
Served alongside fondant potatoes from the nearby Konavle region – another nod to Croatia’s culinary heritage – the meat is exceptionally tender, beautifully seasoned and finished with a rich, glossy demi-glace.
Tender asparagus spears and roasted carrots provide freshness and sweetness, while vibrant dots of carrot purée bring colour and elegance to the stoneware plate. A potato and black truffle mousse adds another luxurious layer of flavour, making an already exceptional dish even more memorable.
My choice is every bit as impressive. I order Paška Janjetina – locally reared Pag lamb – a frenched rack that has been slow-cooked for eight hours before being quickly finished in the pan.
Again, the dish reflects the restaurant’s commitment to showcasing authentic Croatian produce. The lamb comes from sheep raised on the island of Pag, whose abundance of wild herbs, including sage and rosemary, give the meat its distinctive, delicate flavour.
The result is superb. The lamb is incredibly tender, succulent and packed with flavour. Served on a bed of beetroot with a rich lamb and beetroot reduction, alongside sautéed baby spinach and shallot marmalade, the dish strikes a perfect balance between savoury richness and gentle sweetness. The earthy beetroot complements the lamb beautifully, while the marmalade adds a subtle sweetness that brings everything together. I devour the dish.
Full compliments to the chef for two truly outstanding main courses.
Attention to detail is clearly at the heart of everything the kitchen does (no boring white dinnerware here). Every dish is thoughtfully presented on carefully chosen dinnerware that enhances the colours of the food, demonstrating that every aspect of the dining experience has been meticulously considered.
It is, quite simply, artistry on a plate.
Delicious Desserts with a nod to Croatian heritage
Dessert offers a choice of chocolate soufflé, honey curd cake or the traditional Dubrovnik speciality, Dubrovačka Rožata – Croatia’s take on crème caramel.
Normally, after three courses, I have little room left for dessert. However, thanks to the perfectly judged portion sizes throughout the meal, we happily decide to indulge.
We both choose the Rožata.
Prepared using a traditional local recipe, it arrives sitting in a generous pool of silky caramel sauce, topped with a refreshing scoop of lemon sorbet and garnished with fresh raspberries, blackberries and a sprig of mint.
The dessert is beautifully balanced. The Rožata itself is silky smooth with delicate caramel notes, while the lemon sorbet provides a bright citrus freshness that cuts through the sweetness perfectly. Together, they create a wonderfully light and refreshing finale to an exceptional meal.
Overall Verdict: Five star dining
Hotel Supetar is far more than simply one of Cavtat’s most beautiful boutique hotels. It delivers an outstanding dining experience that effortlessly combines exceptional Croatian hospitality with creative, locally inspired cuisine and one of the most enviable waterfront settings on the Adriatic coast.
Every element feels carefully considered. From the warm welcome and knowledgeable service to the quality of the locally sourced ingredients and the meticulous presentation, it’s clear that excellence is woven into every part of the experience.
While the spectacular sunsets and glittering superyachts may initially capture your attention, it is the food, the genuine hospitality and the relaxed elegance that leave the most lasting impression.
Whether you’re arriving by yacht, staying in Cavtat for a long weekend or simply looking for one of Croatia’s finest dining experiences, Hotel Supetar deserves a place at the very top of your list.
Verdict: Outstanding food, impeccable service, elegant surroundings and breathtaking views combine to create one of the finest dining experiences on the Croatian coast. ★★★★★
Travel Notes
- Hotel Supertar is part of the Adriatic Luxury Hotels collection. For more information and to book visit the website
- Socials: @hotelsupetarcavtat @adriaticluxuryhotels
- Fore more information on Cavtat visit the tourism board website here
