Dalmatian cuisine is a perfect reflection of the region itself – simple, pure and full of Mediterranean charm.
During your Kornati boat tour, you’ll taste the sea in every bite: freshly caught fish, homegrown vegetables, Pag cheese, and olive oil, all prepared in the traditional way.
Here are the five dishes that truly capture the taste of Dalmatia:
1. Pašticada – The Dalmatian Beef Classic
A slow-cooked masterpiece. Tender beef marinated for days in wine and spices, then simmered with prunes, vegetables and prosseco (sweet dessert wine).
It’s served with homemade gnocchi and best enjoyed in local taverns around Zadar or Kornati, paired with a glass of red wine.
2. Peka – Cooked “Under the Bell”
The symbol of slow Dalmatian living. Lamb or octopus, potatoes, and vegetables are drizzled with olive oil and cooked for hours under a metal lid covered with embers.
The result? Juicy, tender, and full of aroma. You’ll find the best pekas in traditional countryside konobas near Zadar – just remember to book ahead.
3. Black Risotto (Cuttlefish Risotto)
A true gem of the Adriatic table. This risotto gets its distinctive dark color and rich flavor from cuttlefish ink, creating a deliciously briny and creamy dish.
It’s a popular choice on Kornati boat tours – perfect with a glass of chilled white wine and sea views all around you.
4. Brudet – The Fisherman’s Stew
A traditional Dalmatian fish stew cooked slowly with various types of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans, blended with olive oil, onions, tomato, and white wine.
Each island has its own version, and Kornati’s brudet is known for its fresh Adriatic fish flavor. Served with polenta or homemade bread – simple, rustic, and perfect.
5. Dalmatian Prosciutto & Pag Cheese
A match made in heaven. Dalmatian pršut, air-dried in the northern wind (bura) and Pag cheese made from sheep’s milk create the ultimate appetizer.
Served with local olive oil, olives, and wine – often as part of breakfast or a light snack on Kornati tours.
Food is an essential part of the Dalmatian experience.
From breakfast with Pag cheese and prosciutto to lunch on deck with brudet or black risotto, each dish tells a story of sea, sun and tradition.
