10 April 2022 - Though it lacks the hype and heritage of its neighbors, pizza in Croatia is nothing to sneeze at. Not only can you find the same high-quality ingredients + wood-fired oven + low prices, but with an added dash of creativity. Here are some local Split pizzerias to add to your “must try” list.
Pizzeria Galija
The one that’s the most nostalgic
Since it opened its doors in 1980, Pizzeria Galija has become a local pizza institution in Split. By the way, did you know that Pizzeria Galija is known to the locals as pizzeria Jerkov? Named after the owner who was once an Olympic basketball gold medalist.
Who can resist a hot pie fresh from the oven? (Image: Management Pizzaria Galija/Tripadvisor screenshot)
Locals often associate their childhood with visits here as they reminisce about sitting in the dark wooden booths with 80s style decor, watching the steam rise from their fresh-from-the-wood fired oven pizzas, and burning the roofs of their mouths while chowing down.
Although the menu has expanded over the last 3 decades to include appetizers, pastas, salads, and mains, their pizzas remain the star of the show. Prices for pizzas range from 65-80 hrk (€9-11), while pastas start at 80 hrk (€11).
Pizzaria Skipper/Grašo
The one with the best view
Pizzeria Skipper is highly recommended for those looking for a stunning view. In fact, this place offers the best views from its terrace out of all the places on this list, all for between 55-78 hrk (€7-10),
Located in Split’s ACI Marina, Pizzeria Skipper is the separate pizza-section of Adriatic Grašo, an upscale, fine-dining restaurant serving the best of Dalmatian cuisine. Both restaurants share the same terrace so the set-up can be a little confusing when you first walk in.
Nothing like pizzas and an ice-cold beer, only made better by this view. (Image: Management Pizzaria Skipper/Tripadvisor screenshot)
While the view is stunning, their pizzas are no less scrumptious. You can often find groups of locals ordering their special meter-long, thin-crust pizzas, topped with the freshest ingredients. Best part is you can choose up to 3 different flavors! Wash that down with a local beer whilst soaking in the sights of Old Town and you’ve got yourself the perfect meal.
Bakra, steak and pizza bar
The one with vegan and gluten-free options
Bakra is one of the oldest pizzerias in town, serving patrons since 1948. Stepping foot into the newly renovated interior, you’re immediately greeted by rustic wooden tables, cozy dimmed lighting, and a wood-fired oven where you can watch all the pizza-making action.
Though famed for their pizzas back in the day, the menu has since expanded to include a wide variety of mouth-watering local dishes, steaks, mains, and sides. For those looking for vegan and gluten-free pizza options, this is the place to be.
Those with food sensitivities will feel at home at Bakra. (Image: Tripadvisor screenshot)
These vegan and gluten-free options may not be immediately obvious from the menu but chat with their lovely staff who are more than willing to accommodate. Prices for pizzas range from 70-110 hrk (€9-15) for one topped with freshly shaved Istrian truffles (a personal favorite!).
Pizzeria Gušt
The one that’s “no frills”
This is the place to go for mind-blowing pizzas, period. Not for a view, fancy drinks, or a variety of menu items, just a good ole’ pie. Pizzeria Gušt has only ever served pizza since they started, and boy have they perfected their craft.
Getting there requires winding through back-alleys and unmarked roads, away from the noise and bustle of Split’s Old Town. Just as you think you’re either lost or trespassing into someone’s yard, there it is like an oasis in a desert, tucked away in the last place you’d think a pizzeria would be.
Once you manage to find it, you'll be rewarded with some of the best pizzas in Croatia. (Image: Conner/Tripadvisor screenshot)
Its dimly lit interior nestles only a handful of wooden tables covered in red-checkered tablecloths. Looking at the bygone-era lampshades and wall decor, you know little has changed in the decades that have passed. Service here is warm but prompt, while prices range from 45-70 hrk (€7-10) with pizzas coming in 2 sizes - small (mala) and large (velika).
Bokamorra Pizzaraunt & Cocktails
The one to impress your date
You know a pizzeria is serious about serving the best pizzas when they have a sparkly gold, Neapolitan-style oven shipped from across the Adriatic Sea. Accompanying this practical yet stylish fixture, are dark turquoise, gray, and burnished gold furniture and fixtures that make the place simultaneously feel upscale, yet casual.
Sleek ambiance, friendly service, delish pizzas, and unique cocktails, Bokamorra has it all. (Image: Barbs/Tripadvisor screenshot)
On offer are a variety of Neapolitan-style pizzas with unique toppings like figs and goats’ cheese, mortadella and pistachio, leeks and pancetta, or fresh black Istrian truffles with a cream-based sauce. In addition to their pizza creations, Bokamorra is also well-known for their exotic, seasonal cocktails, shaken up by talented mixologists who are more than willing to go off-menu and surprise you with one of their on-the-spot creations.
Though it is the highest-priced on this list with prices ranging from 75-90 hrk (€10-12), Bokamorra is a must-visit to celebrate that special occasion, or for foodies looking for creative food and drink options in Split.
BONUS! Plan B Pub
The one that has something for everyone
Located in the Gripe sports complex that hosted the 1979 Mediterranean Games, Plan B is a favorite haunt amongst locals. While known for their hearty burgers (try the heart-stopping fried burger!), this brewpub also whips up a mean thin-crust pizza and for larger groups, you can even order their meter-long pizzas that are perfect for sharing.
They don't just do pizzas well, their burgers and ribs are sensational too. Image: Ivana/Tripadvisor screenshot.
The menu also includes a wide variety of mains including wings, burritos, salads, and ribs that’ll satisfy even the pickiest eaters. They also have an extensive beer list that’ll give you a chance to try different Croatian craft brews that pair superbly with any meal here.
On certain evenings, they host bands and artists at Backbar, their twin restaurant that’s located just behind Plan B, and if you’re in the area early, give their breakfast menu a go. Prices start at 30 hrk for a mini pizza to 150 hrk (€7-20) for a meter-long.
So, whether you eat yours with a fork and knife, or folded New York style to keep all that greasy goodness in, check out one of these places on your next visit to Split. After all, remember the United States Congress considers it a vegetable, so technically, it’s good for you, right?
For more, check out our lifestyle section.
