Barka Tapas & Wine bar — Restaurant in Dubrovnik

BEST OF DUBROVNIK (and probably all of Croatia).

Matthew and his team, Dominic and Luca, treated us like old friends from the moment we arrived on the steps of Barka. We'd heard about this place because of their fantastic octopus salad - which was the best I've ever had, but the reviews couldn't have prepared us for just how good this place really is.

Service was over the top. Matty went so far as to give us his Mother's table so that we could have a comfortable seat (don't worry, Mom got a great table when she arrived :). We were treated to complementary bites and a generous pour of crisp white wine. Even during the busiest moments of service, somehow every person who approached Barka's doorstep got the same warm, genuine welcome. The boys were truly elated to greet each guest.

The food is prepared with precision and care. Every bite was exceptional and we kept wishing we had room to try the full menu. Pro tip: come hungry and try it all! They're also adding oysters to the menu soon 🤤

Unexpectedly, they pour a pint of Guinness that rivals the best of those I've had in Ireland. The cocktails are easily the best we've tried all along the coast. I'm told they have a fantastic breakfast program too, as well as strong coffee.

This family run place is a true gem - if you're lucky, you might meet Dora and her sweet pup Jackie, and adorable daughter (whose name I failed to catch). We came back the next night to thank the boys one last time and were not at all surprised to see many familiar guest faces from the night before. I guess once you find a good thing, you can't help but come...

Barka was hands-down one of the most memorable parts of our visit. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality that instantly made us feel at home. Mathew went above and beyond and his kindness, attentiveness, and genuine passion for what he does truly made the experience feel personal and unforgettable. It felt less like dining out and more like being welcomed into a friend’s home.

The food was outstanding and every dish was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. The variety of tapas makes it easy to find something for every palate which is perfect for someone as indecisive as me. The wine selection is great, and the staff knows exactly how to help you pick the perfect one. They also make some great cocktails if you’re in the mood for something different.

Beyond the food and wine, it’s the atmosphere that really sets this cutie spot apart. Cozy, lively, and effortlessly cool, it’s the kind of place you end up staying longer at because you’re having such a good time. We left already talking about when we’d come back. If you’re in Dubrovnik, Barka is a must-visit. And honestly, I’d return to Croatia just to experience it...

Matthew is the consummate host. This handsome Errol Flynn looking gentleman was very attentive, with constant jovial Irish charm at his beautifully lit restaurant. His adventure movie backstory was told to me that he made a long arduous million mile pilgrimage from the cold rainy fairy infested lands of Ireland to the sunny fast talking/chain smoking food mecca that is Bar"the"lona. It is here where he toiled away until he acquired the ancient secretive dark magical culinary arts from proud learned Spanish gastronomical wizards passed down from master to eager apprentice over the eons...with the sole, SINGULAR purpose of making tasty tapas (i.e. high end open-faced sammiches, among other magical delights). He carefully crafted a choice menu with the highest quality and taste in mind...that was also fairly & sensibly priced 😉. Whether you have a big appetite or small, the bite sized tapas will satisfy(!) and leave your soft pillowy belly engorged as you waddle away to explore the many fun adventures that await you at King's Landing!...