June 4, 2019 - Hungry for something a bit more ‘exotic’ on your visit to Split? We bring you the 2019 guide to international cooking in the Dalmatian capital.
Just over a year ago, I presented the 2018 guide to international cuisine in Split.
“I will begin by saying that this article in no way downplays the beauty that is Dalmatian cooking. Anyone lucky enough to take a bite of fresh fish off the grill, only to pick up the remnants with a chunk of crusty bread soaked in garlicky olive oil, knows how lucky we are to be in Dalmatia. And no, I do not believe that anyone could ever grow tired of black cuttlefish risotto, seafood pasta, or classics such as ćevapčići and paštisada.
But as much as we love the flavors of the region, sometimes our taste buds have something else in mind - and rather than fight and grow irritable from hunger, we give in.
Though we are lucky to be in Split for many reasons today, we might find ourselves even more fortunate than generations of the past because we have access to even more international flavors than ever before.”
While this all reigns true today, it’s important to note that the ‘international food boom’ in Split has seen considerable growth in just 12 months - and it seems like this global food trend is here to stay.
So, where to grub in this newly emerged international food hub?
Alas, the 2019 guide.
Asian
Mini Bota Oyster & Sushi: No longer the Oyster & Sushi Bar Bota we’ve known over the years, but no less exciting, Mini Bota is the new oyster and sushi take away, delivery & catering service of your favorite fusion of Japanese and Dalmatian cuisine in the center of Split. Not unlike the original Split Bota we’ve known since 2014, Mini Bota offers a wide array of rolls, sashimi, and hot favorites such as teriyaki chicken and beef, tempura shrimp, and egg rolls - and the oysters and tuna tartare are divine. If you’re lucky, try snagging a few seats at the intimate countertop to watch the sushi masters prepare your delights in an open kitchen.
Address: Cosmijeva ul. 7
Adriatic Sushi & Oyster Bar: Adriatic Sushi has been an excellent addition to Split’s growing love for Japanese creations. Not only can you find menu items such as fried oysters and a Mexican burrito roll, but spring rolls, soft shell crab, and tuna in a ‘yunagi’ sauce have quickly won the hearts of Split foodies. And of course, if you’re looking for something a bit more simple, you can always rely on the steak or grilled salmon to tame your palate.
Address: Carrarina Poljana, 4
Biberon Sushi & Bar: Located outside the center in the Firule/Zenta area, Biberon offers sushi rolls, spring rolls, gyoza, salads, teriyaki dishes, and tempura classics.
Address: Put Firula 57
Silk: Silk’s second location in Dalmatia opened in Split just before the 2018 summer season kicked off, and it’s been welcomed ever since. Known for Asian street food creations made fast, at Silk, you can find popular noodle dishes such as pad Thai, red curry, gyoza and spring rolls, crispy squid, Peking duck, and kimchi fried rice.
Address: Tončićeva ul. 4
Kinoteka: Another Asian fusion restaurant that opened just before the season last year is the oh-so-classy Kinoteka. Situated in a 15th-century palace, Kinoteka is not only one of Split’s most elegant locations, but their decorated menu will have foodies drooling at first sight. Diners at Kinoteka can enjoy anarray of fresh sushi and nigiri, tom kha kung soup, pork ramen, green curry, hoisin duck, and some of the most beautiful (and refreshing) looking cocktails out there.
Address: Majstora Jurja 8
Kinoteka
Maka Maka: Yet another new one to the Split food scene last year is Maka Maka - known as the first açai and poke bar in the city. Here, you’ll find juices, smoothies, açai bowls and poke bowls “from Tokyo via Honolulu to Split”.
Address: Pistura 1
Chang: This restaurant was a brand new addition to the busy Bačvice beach in 2016, and rather than offer Japanese delights, they take on the flavors of Thailand. Dumplings, fresh spring rolls, Pad Thai, sticky chicken, and beef noodle dishes can be found at Chang, and their refreshing juices and tangy cocktails allow beachgoers at Bačvice to quench their thirst.
Address: Uvala Bacvice | Bačvice beach
Biser Orijenta: The original Chinese institution in Split, Biser Orijenta changed locations in 2017 to Split 3. If you’re looking to indulge in chow mein, Mongolian beef, egg rolls, hot and sour soup, and many other classic Chinese dishes, paying Biser Orijenta a visit is worth it. Though outside the busy city center, the new space can accommodate big groups, unlike many of the restaurants within the palace walls.
Address: Dobrilina 1a
Restoran Asia: Another Chinese restaurant outside the center of Split is Restoran Asia, which opened its doors back in 2016. A traditional Chinese restaurant that offers room for 150 hungry guests, Restoran Asia has a wonderful selection of noodle dishes, soups, crispy duck, tie-pan dishes, and fried bananas for dessert. Restoran Asia also has set menus for up to four guests in case you’d like to leave it up to the experts - they do know best.
Address: Poljička cesta 39
Silk
Wok Bars: Split currently has two wok bars in the center, Wok Me Away, and That’s All Woks. If you’re looking to get a quick international fix, at either wok bar, guests can create their dishes including a variety of noodles or rice and choose from sauces like teriyaki, ginger and garlic, coconut curry, and sweet and sour.
Wok Me Away Address: Matošića ul. 8,
That’s All Woks Address: Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 25
Split Malls: Believe it or not, shoppers can even get a taste of international flavors to fuel their tired hands from constant credit card swiping. The Mall of Split offers shoppers Chinawok, while ‘Chinese Food’ is located on the first floor of City Center One.
Mexican
To Je Tako: If you’re looking to satisfy your Mexican fix, you’ll want to head straight to To Je Tako. Not only does this restaurant include Honduran favorites such as the refried-bean goodness that is anafre, but cheesy jalapeno kickers like bolitas, a classic mole, al pastor tacos and burritos, chimichangas, flautas, chilaquiles, homemade salsas, and ropa vieja will have you coming back for more. To Je Tako even has a selection of creative cocktails on offer - and we promise you'll want to dig right in.
Address: Ulica Kraj Svetog Ivana 5
To Je Tako
Panchos: If you’re looking for a hit of Mexican, and fast, run over to the alleyway of Panchos and choose from their selection of burritos, burrito bowls (naked, without the tortilla), and quesadillas. You can even grab chips and salsa or guacamole if you feel like snacking around town.
Address: Trogirska 1
Others: Bistro Toć and Terminal F offer their version of Mexican food, with a selection of tacos and burritos on the menu.
To Je Tako
Middle Eastern
Daddy Cool: Because you can even satisfy your falafel urge in Split, Daddy Cool opened last year and has been a major hit. With different falafel option like original, shrimp or beef, you can also try falafel salads and hummus bowls with shakshuka.
Address: Kralja Tomislava 4
Daddy Cool
Kebab House: Perhaps everyone’s favorite late-night stop before sloppily walking home is the Kebab House, located right across from Pazar (the Green Market). Known for serving up kebabs the way you want them, this Split institution is not only cheap, but it's fast.
Address: Na Tupini 1
Kebab Pub: Ever tried kebab pizza? You can now at Kebab Pub! Open late and also a pub (yes, you heard that right), Kebab Pub offers kebabs in a bun, in a tortilla, and serves up pizzas, pide (traditional flat bread), and raw köfte.
Address: Vukovarska ul. 7
Other
Fig: Fig is brand new to the Split restaurant scene this year, though you may have heard of them before thanks to their loyal following on the island of Hvar. Serving up a blend of international flavors from vegetarian breakfast burritos and green chile burritos to vegetarian korma and Mexican pulled pork, Fig has quickly become a new Split favorite.
Address: Dioklecijanova Ulica 1
Fig
Sexy Cow: While wraps may not necessarily seem ‘international’, there is something about Sexy Cow that satisfies that international urge. Maybe it’s because some of their wraps are served with a guacamole sauce, or maybe it’s because their signature chef’s sauce has a hint of chipotle, but if you need something quick - Sexy Cow is a definite go-to.
Sexy Cow
Marta’s Veggie Fusion: Marta’s may be a haven for vegetarians, but it’s also spiced up with some international menu items. Namely, their black bean burrito is created with spicy rice, corn salsa, slaw, sauces and jalapeno peppers (though you could also get it as a bowl), and they even have a wok dish with crispy vegetables and jasmine rice.
Address: Ul kralja Petra Krešimira IV 8
Stay tuned as we'll be bringing you the guide to Split's best healthy food spots next!
To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.
