4 Best Restaurants in Elafiti Islands, Southern Dalmatia

For the ultimate exclusive island dining experience, head to BOWA ("best of what's around"), nestled on its own secluded beach on Šipan with chic cabanas right over the water and a shady dining terrace right beside the beach. Choose between a three- or four-course menu (€90 or €120) or splurge on the seven-course tasting menu with wine pairing (€290); the seafood-centric dishes change regularly but favorites include bluefish tuna tartare, swordfish sashimi, oysters from Ston, and perfectly grilled white fish. The same family of fishermen that owns BOWA also owns the Bota Šare restaurants in Mali Ston, Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb; needless to say, seafood lovers are in for a treat. Be aware that if you want to relax on the beach after lunch there isn't much shade, but you can reserve a shady cabana right over the water for the afternoon; the package costs €850 for groups of 1–4 people and includes the three-course menu and a welcome drink. The best way to get there is by chartering a speedboat in Dubrovnik or one of the Elafiti Islands. You can also catch a luxury shuttle boat that picks up and drops off from the harbor at Brsečine, 22 km (13 miles) up the coast from Dubrovnik; reserve your spot ahead of time. If you're coming by car, there is a parking lot at the top of the road leading down to the harbor.

With a prime location overlooking the harbor in Šipanska Luka and sensational sunset views, Kod Marka is renowned among sailors and yacht guests as one of the best seafood restaurants and hidden gems in the region. There's no official menu—you just grab a seat on the terrace, order a glass of wine, and enjoy whatever the chef has prepared that day. Expect about four courses, which might include an anchovy platter to start, fresh prawns, octopus cakes, and a whole sea bass to share.

Located in a stone villa on the Lopud waterfront, La Villa offers an immaculate dining experience with friendly service and a great local wine list. Expect beautiful dishes made with premium ingredients such as scallops, foie gras, langoustines, and lobster tail. It's expensive but so are most of the restaurants around Lopud, so at least you know the quality here is going to be exceptional.

This smart restaurant has offered fine dining on Lopud's seafront promenade since 1939, with idyllic sunset views across the bay and wonderfully formal waiters. The house specialty is školjke na buzaru (mixed shellfish cooked in wine and garlic), and they also do a superb prawn and truffle risotto.