ARKA Dubrovnik (OLD TOWN) — Restaurant in Dubrovnik

I’m very confused about why this restaurant has such good reviews. My review is authentic and based on my real experience. The food was awful, the service was bad and it was very overpriced. I recommend avoiding at all costs.

Initially the waiter was friendly, he made very strong recommendations (he guaranteed we’d enjoy the dishes) and told us to avoid certain items on the menu because they weren’t good. Coincidentally all recommendations were the most expensive items on the menu. We took the waiters recommendations for the main course - lobster pasta - and one starter - the seafood kebab. I also ordered the tune tartar. The waiter got my order wrong and brought me the beef tataki, when I stated that was not what I ordered he got quite annoyed and argued that I had ordered it showing me the order he had written down incorrectly. The tuna was absolutely average, it was topped with a flavourless mayo and was sat on top of a overly sweet seaweed salad. The seafood kebab was disgusting - the squid was overcooked, it was greasy and was not seasoned.

Given the incredibly disappointing starters, I asked to cancel my main course lobster pasta. The waiter again reacted badly and stated it was totally impossible to cancel as it was cooked. We then waited over 25 minutes for the pasta to arrive meaning they could have cancelled it as it clearly wasn’t ready. When he was recommending the lobster pasta the waiter told us there was a whole lobster in it, half inside the pasta and half a grilled lobster on the side. The pasta did not have any lobster in it, we called over the waiter and he told us that it didn’t have the meat of half a lobster in the pasta but instead the pasta was made with lobster bisque in the sauce - absolutely not the same thing and a clear misrepresentation! In addition the pasta was too thick, the sauce lacked flavour and contained mushy edamame for some reason. The half lobster was quite nice and the only edible thing we had the whole meal.

When the waiter collected our plates he asked if we enjoyed the food. I clearly hadn’t as I left the entire plate of pasta (see photo) and I told the waiter I didn’t enjoy it. The waiter dismissed me and stated it was just “a matter of taste”. This was not a matter of taste the food was misrepresented, under seasoned, poorly cooked and...

Sunday evening in Dubrovnik, freshly arrived and eager for a memorable dinner. After some online research, Arka caught my attention, promising great food and appealing photos. We headed there around 10 pm, hopeful but not yet certain.

A short wait for our table didn't dampen the anticipation, especially since a tablet showcasing photos of the dishes outside made choosing easier and confirmed our excitement.

Food: – Burrata Starter: Beautifully presented on a large plate, this burrata was fresh and perfectly paired with tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and pesto. The flavors were balanced wonderfully, though it felt like it could have benefited from a small side of bread. Nonetheless, highly recommend. 9/10.

– Beef Tataki (Main Dish): A delightful surprise! Cooked to perfection, tender, flavorful, and complemented brilliantly by sesame and spring onion. The waiter suggested adding fries, and we went for both regular and sweet potato. My recommendation? Sweet potato fries for the win. Beef Tataki 10/10, Regular Fries 7/10, Sweet Potato Fries 9/10.

Drinks: – Great variety, from local wines to draft beer and cocktails. The local wine was excellent and highly recommended. Draft beer was reliably good, while the mojito was decent but nothing special. Wine 9/10, Beer 8/10, Mojito 6/10.

Service: Friendly, attentive, and helpful. Our waiter’s recommendations enhanced the dining experience, making us feel warmly welcomed from the moment we sat down.

Overall impression: Arka delivers not only exceptional food and friendly service but also an unforgettable atmosphere. Located in view of Dubrovnik’s iconic "SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!" staircase from Game of Thrones, dining here offers an experience beyond just a great meal. Highly recommended for a first-night experience or anytime you’re seeking quality food paired with...

A Culinary Symphony at Restoran Arka

Nestled in the vibrant streets of Jezuite , Restoran Arka beckons with promises of culinary excellence and gastronomic delight. Our recent visit for lunch to this esteemed establishment left us enchanted and eager to sing its praises.

Our culinary journey commenced with the Burrata Salad, a masterpiece of simplicity and sophistication. The creamy burrata, delicately nestled amidst a vibrant ensemble of tomatoes and pesto, was a celebration of freshness and flavor. Each bite offered a harmonious interplay of textures and tastes, further elevated by the drizzle of balsamic reduction and olive oil, which added depth and complexity to the dish.

For our main course ( light lunch :)), we indulged in the Seafood kebab and Black risotto, a symphony of oceanic delights.Both meals perfectly cooked and generously portioned, stole the spotlight with their natural sweetness and tender texture. The zesty lemon dressing provided a refreshing contrast, infusing each bite with a burst of citrusy brightness that danced on the palate.

Beyond the culinary delights, the ambiance of Restoran Arka enveloped us in a warm embrace, inviting us to savor each moment. The attentive service and attention to detail further enhanced our experience, ensuring that every aspect of our meal was nothing short of perfection. Wines are amazing and waiter knowledge about them is perfect. Definitely try Posip Intrada

In conclusion, Restoran Arka is a culinary oasis where passion meets perfection, and every dish tells a story of craftsmanship and dedication. Whether you're a connoisseur of fine dining or simply seeking an unforgettable culinary experience, a visit to Restoran Arka promises to leave a lasting impression on your senses and your soul. Thank you all, and we are definitely...