Gradska kavana Arsenal Restaurant — Restaurant in Dubrovnik

I’ve heard about this restaurant in traveling vlogs, blogs, instagram and google reviews.

Atmosphere: The view is STUNNING and something you have to experience at least once when in Dubrovnik. It was so cool to sit on a terrace and look out the Walls that encompass the Old Town.

Food: The food was very good. We ordered the tuna salad (so flavorful), and the chicken salad (a bit bland to be honest), the focaccia bread on the side (surcharge- expected) it was fresh and still warm on the inside.

Drinks: We ordered a glass of local white wine (forget exactly with one) and when I asked if they had a sweet wine on the menu the waiter told me no, only dry and less dry. I felt rushed as I was only looking at the drinks menu for a few seconds and he was staring me down to make a choice. If I had more time I would’ve seen there was a section of DESSERT WINE at the bottom. When I realized, I got his attention a few minutes later and changed my order to the muskat dessert wine (muscato) and he was so annoyed that I pointed out the dessert wine option on the menu, he shook his head slightly and gave me a smirk and walked away…. I don’t get it. This brings me to my next point.

Service: Throughout our travels in Croatia, we’ve noticed grumpy/rude, unenthusiastic waiters/servers/employees that work in the service industry. This waiter did not smile, seemed so arrogant, annoyed, bothered. This being said, we went to this restaurant for the experience of the location and atmosphere… not expecting great service. I brushed it off and carried on with my day. It just sucks that the first impression you get walking into a classy restaurant is a waiter who doesn’t give two shits. Fake half a smile if you have to. I even tipped because I felt bullied into doing so as he handed me the terminal and stared at me until I entered an amount in the tip section. I have to say when we arrived, we didn’t have a reservation for the intended time. The hostess greeted us after a few minutes and sat us at a table with a nice view on the harbor. She smiled and was soft-spoken and welcoming. I was pleasantly surprised. Then the waiters brought me back to reality LOL.

As I mention in my other reviews of restaurants in Croatia; dont expect friendly service. I think they’re just like that, culturally. As tourists we take it bad and get offended… So carry on and enjoy the beautiful climate and scenic views this place has to offer!

S&s from...

We ventured back to this amazing restaurant after our first trip in 2019, and it was just as amazing as it was back then! The food is always delicious with plenty of variety for every palate and dietary requirement. But the food is only part of this amazing combination. Without the incredible attitude of the restaurant staff this place would not be as amazing. Their attention to detail and friendly manner would make anyone feel welcome. Our glasses were never empty, but they weren’t “hovering”. They just appeared at precisely the right moment. Now, breakfast! Wow, what a treat. A classic Eggs Benedict with eggs that were perfectly cooked, with the colour of the yolk proving they were definitely free range and farm fresh! The sourdough bread - OMG we could have eaten this fluffy delicacy all morning. I would have expected the prices to have been higher being in such a beautiful location, but they were incredibly reasonable. Accessible from “inside” or “outside” the city walls, the location, overlooking the small harbour and the northern rampart of the city walls was a hive of activity. Small wooden ferry boats moving in and out, larger ferries dancing through the smaller boats, and the throng of tourists busily going about their touristy things. Sit and chill, eat some great food, and watch the world go by - it’s better than anything you’ll see on an iPhone screen! UPDATE: Really wanted to go back for dinner with friends, so we made a reservation and our favourite waiter put us at a great table. The dinner menu, although concise, had truly amazing options for everyone. Laughs, drinks, appetisers, more laughs, wine, main course, and a birthday cake surprise for one of our friends. A truly...

This was such a lovely restaurant by the marina, I actually requested a table nearest the water in my reservation notes and they provided! It was such a nice view with my meal.

I couldnt decide between two pasta dishes so I just got both LOL. First I had the black risotto which was reeeally good. I was expecting the cuttlefish ink to make it taste super fishy but it wasnt at all! And then I realized there were actual pieces of cuttlefish in the dish as well so I was amazed by how the “fishiness” of it was kept to a minimum and the risottoness of it shined. There was also some sort of cream or soft cheese on top of a crispy topping of sorts that reminds me of like fried rice paper, I loved it!

Second pasta I got was the Gnocchi in Bourbon Sauce which came with strips of beef. I tried a similar dish elsewhere during my trip to Croatia which was also gnocchi but with venison and in a red wine sauce. That one was so good I was intrigued seeing this one with bourbon sauce, so I got it and it did NOT disappoint! This was top tier pasta dish, the gnocchi was so soft and smooth and the sauce was very rich and deep, and I loved it with the beef.

To drink alongside my meal I tried a glass of the Malvasija Dubrovačka wine which I’m no wine expert but I enjoyed this one and I thought it went well with my dishes.

For dessert I asked for the cake selection and they had a Chocolate, Orange, Carob Cake that sounded really tasty, and it was! It was very dense like a mousse and was on top of this orange soaked chocolate cake layer. Great end...