Emily: I’ve wanted to go to Croatia for the last several years. I heard wonderful things about the country and how beautiful (and relatively affordable) it was compared to the rest of Europe. It’s located in Eastern Europe and is just a few hours from Venice, Italy, making it a great side trip.
Last year, my friends and I organized a group trip to visit Rovinj, a small coastal town on the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. It’s a gorgeous town full of romance. Everything is stunning there, from the streets to the houses. The food is also excellent.
We went for a kizomba dance festival. Later in the trip report series, I will introduce you to kizomba and describe what an incredible dance it is! The dance festival was amazing and Croatia is definitely a place I want to return and spend more time exploring! The trip’s retail cost was ~$17,000 but I paid ~$900.
You’ll Find Restaurants to Suit Most Tastes in Rovinj – and at a Very Reasonable Price!
Captivating Croatia Trip Report Index:
- Part 1 – Introduction and Planning
- Part 2 – Admirals Club Lounge, New York (JFK)
- Part 3 – Air Berlin Flight to Croatia
- Part 4 – Getting to Venice
- Part 5 – A Night in Venice – Gritti Palace Hotel Overview
- Part 6 – A Night in Venice – Gritti Palace Hotel Room
- Part 7 – Apartment in Rovinj, Croatia
- Part 8 – Activities in Rovinj, Croatia – Discovering the Old Town
- Part 9 – Activities in Rovinj, Croatia – Exploring the Old Church
- Part 10 – Activities in Rovinj, Croatia – Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes
- Part 11 – Activities in Rovinj, Croatia – Dance Festival Review
- Part 12 – Eating in Rovinj, Croatia
- Part 13 – Shopping in Rovinj, Croatia
- Part 14 – Return Flight on Lufthansa
- Part 15 – Conclusion & Reader Giveaway
Eating in Rovinj
Rovinj has excellent food. You’ll find lots of fresh fish, as well as many meat options. And the local white wine is a perfect complement to any meal!
Marinero
Gissell heard great feedback about Marinero, so we went there for dinner 1 evening. We were lucky to find a table outside on the street. All the tables were full when we 1st arrived.
Marinero Gets Terrific Reviews – You Can Choose to Eat Inside or Outside
We ordered a carafe of white wine to share.
The Local White Wine Is Refreshing and Cheap!
The waiter was very nice and we couldn’t wait to eat. All of the dancing really works up a hunger!
We Were Famished From Dancing All Day and Night!
The price of food in Rovinj is generally a little cheaper than what you’ll find in the rest of Europe.
We Ate Very Well at Marinero and Didn’t Pay a Fortune
Some days, we did have some fast food to save money and time. We found a little doner kebab eatery, so I ordered one.
Jagoda’s
Jagoda Serves Pizza, Sandwiches, and Excellent Kebab!
I didn’t have high expectations, but my kebab was amazing!!
Inexpensive and Fast! Great for a Quick Meal on the Go
Plus I didn’t spend much, so that made me happy, too! My huge kebab was only ~$5.
Kebab Sandwiches and Wraps Cost Just ~$4 to ~$5
Mikula
Another day, my friends and I had a leisurely 2 hour lunch at Mikula, a restaurant by the sea.
Mikula Restaurant Specializes in Fresh Seafood, Grilled Meats, and Pizza
We ordered mussels and a carafe of Croatian wine to start.
My Friends Said the Mussels and Other Shellfish Were Amazing! I Took Their Word for It :)
My friend Paolo ordered a variety of meats.
A Carnivore’s Dream!
I had croquetas and veggies. Everything was absolutely amazing!
I Went for the Less Filling Option and It Was Tasty
Restaurant Pineta
We were lucky enough to have a delicious restaurant, Pineta, close to our apartment, and we stopped here at least 2 to 4 times during the course of our stay.
Restaurant Pineta Offered a Variety of Food and Was Perfectly Located Near Our Rental Apartment
I had some beef stew gnocchi that was 1 of the best meals I had in Rovinj.
We Ate Here a Few Times and Tried Many of the Dishes – All Were Excellent
It was delicious!!
The Beef Gnocchi Was 1 of My Favorite Meals!
Concettino’s
In the morning, my friends and I liked to stop at Concettino’s for a coffee and pastries. My favorite were the potato and cheese filled pastries. Yum!
Concettino’s Was a Convenient Spot for Breakfast
This place was cheap, too, which was an added bonus.
Good Food With Good Friends for a Good Price!
You go in to choose your food. There’s a huge selection.
Pastries of All Kinds to Satisfy Your Sweet (or Savory) Tooth
We enjoyed sampling their different specialties each day.
We Loaded up on Carbs for Energy – All That Dancing Makes You Hungry!
Everything was baked fresh that day.
All Kinds of Croissants, Rolls, and Donuts to Choose From
Konzum Supermarket
We went to Konzum supermarket twice during our stay. We loaded up on fruits, veggies, deli meat, salmon, wine, liquor, and chocolate. This was a great way to save a lot of money because we had a lot of meals at home.
Stocking up on Basics at the Supermarket Saved Us a Ton of Money!
The Konzums in the old town are smaller. We went to 1 by our apartment which was huge!
I’m Always Interested in Seeing the Different Products Available in Supermarkets Overseas
There was a large selection of everything, including many gluten free foods! We had fun making dinner together 1 evening.
Eating in the Apartment Was Cheaper and Healthier!
Robbie is an excellent cook and roasted a delicious whole chicken for us!
If Only I Could Get My Roast Chickens to Look Like This!
Gelateria Italia
Rovinj has a very strong Italian influence, so there were many gelato shops. One evening, we had gelato at Gelateria Italia.
Nothing Like Treating Yourself to Homemade Gelato
It was handmade in the store.
Some of the Flavors Required an Explanation!
I ordered cookies. It was delicious!!
Perfect After a Long Day of Dancing and Swimming!
Bottom Line
Rovinj is filled with excellent restaurants. Be sure to try the fresh seafood and local Croatian wine! And the gelato is a must.
You can save money by going to the supermarket and making many meals at an apartment, like we did.
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