April 13, 2023 - Hotel food seldom lives up to the quality of surrounding restaurants, but there is a rather delightful exception in Hvar Town - Val Marina in Hotel Adriana.

One of the many quirks I had running my first portal, Total Hvar, over 10 years ago, was to report on the weekly listings of the island's restaurants on TripAdvisor. And for at least two years, the undisputed number one, both in terms of ranking and number of reviews, was Dalmatino. 

Time passes, and I found myself staying at Hotel Adriana last week as a guest of the hotel. I was curious to see what the dining options were these days, and I was rather surprised that there was a new king in town, Hotel Adriana's very own Val Marina. 

The Val Marina terrace has always been my favourite spot in Hvar Town, but never for lunch or dinner. The food was never that special, at least in my experience. 

For it has always had - at least in my opinion - the best breakfast experience on the island.

An unbeatable combination of a quality, healthy and diverse breakfast offering, attentive service, and THAT location. 

What a great place to watch the town waking up, the first boats going out, and the people watching in this glitzy destination. For a complete detox from life, there are few greater pleasures than a leisurely breakfast on the Adriana terrace. One of those hidden gems that never make the guidebook, and few know that it is open to non-residents. 

I was a little surprised to be approached by a lady from the Netherlands on my second morning. She had seen the photo on my Facebook with the info that it was open to non-residents. She had been walking past for years and decided to treat her friend. They looked very relaxed as I left.

So far, all was familiar territory, but did the new Val Marina really deserve top spot? I decided to try the 3-course dinner option that even, having skipped lunch and walked over my breakfast along the coast to Podstine. 

A welcome glass of Prosecco came with the menu and wine list, as well as this nice little appetiser.

Ah, yes, olive oil - we must be back in Dalmacija.

I went with the waiter's recommendation for a seafood starter, one which had quite unusual texture and taste combinations.

Capaccio de sepia. Black cuttlefish, green apple, grapefruit, fresh marinated zucchini, yuzu, caper berry grilled focaccia bread.Capaccio de sepia. Black sepia, green apple, grapefruit, fresh marinated zucchini, yuzu, caper berry, and grilled focaccia bread.

And the tanginess of the grapefruit was a splendid foil for the cuttlefish. 

A classic for the main.

Tuna steak with asapagus.

Lightly cooked, superbly tender. 

Ably supported by the delicious asparagus side and washed down with a very drinkable Pinot Grigio. 

I am not usually a dessert person, but the VERY attentive waiter made the case for a splendid finale to the meal. 

Chocolate marquise cake - snickers ice cream and strawberry. It tasted three times as good as it looked. 

I haven't tried other Hvar restaurants this year, but they will have to be pretty good to knock Val Marina off its top perch. An excellent restaurant, which comes attached with rooms in a four-star hotel, which comes with the inclusion of that incredible breakfast. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. 

April on Hvar is divine.

(Paul Bradbury was a guest of Suncani Hvar Hotels in April 2023)