Nautika — Restaurant in Dubrovnik

Disappointed, chef just not up to this price point. We went for our anniversary and got the five course tasting and wine pairing. For over 400E for two, it was just not of the caliber you would expect both in terms of the food and service. The biggest letdown in the service was the wine pairing. We are very interested in wines, and with a wine pairing you usually get enthusiastic and knowledgeable descriptions of the wine with local context, and why it is paired with the specific food. The sommelier never looked us in the eye, just recited a few facts, seemed to be in a rush to get away, basically calling it in instead of trying to make it a nice foodie experience. The bread service was also both odd and underwhelming. They presented a tray of five different flavors of rolls, but all bland with the same texture and softer crust, they looked like they came out of a supermarket. With this they brought olive oil in a bottle and placed it on the table. We didn't see them again for quite a while and we each ate a couple of pieces of bread. Then with the first course they brought a different bottle of olive oil and explained why it was better. They did this with each course, but it made no sense because we had already eaten our fill of bread. Ultimately they brought 4-5 different bottles of olive oil to the table. If this was meant to be an olive oil tasting, they should have stated that at the beginning explaining that they will bring other bottles throughout the meal--we could have saved the bread and tried the different oils-- or they could have brought them all at once and explained the concept. Also, having five bottles on the table doesn't seem very elegant. The food was the biggest problem, nothing memorable/creative at all and nothing showing the marks of a great chef. Usually at a meal like this (and we've done many), the food is surprising, the plating exciting, each course is a joy of culinary discovery. As an example, the beef cheek was presented in a dark gravy, with brown hazelnut mashed potatoes, garnished with a mini carrot that had been fried in a brown crumb coating. The carrot was overcooked, the potatoes confusing (why?), the beef mundane-- no better than any beef cheek I've had in an average priced restaurant. And the all brown plating? It is so fun to discover a new chef and see how they made their mark but this is not that experience and definitely not a place for foodies. We actually liked their sister restaurant Gradska kavana Arsenal far better. We had an ocean front table with just as lovely a view, the bread was far superior, the food/chef was a lot better, the service more warm and on point. The veal I ordered was not only plated more appealingly and professionally, but perfectly cooked and better than any course at Nautika. Our meal there with a great bottle of local wine was $130E for two. Save your money. For a truly one of a kind dining experience try Local in their brand new old town location and watch them cook Peka over...

Embarking on a culinary adventure at Nautika, perched on the edge of Dubrovnik's serene Adriatic waters, was nothing short of a voyage into the essence of Croatian fine dining. The restaurant itself is a jewel, its location offering breathtaking vistas that blend seamlessly with the historic charm of Dubrovnik, making every meal an occasion to remember.The culinary journey began with St. Jacob's scallops, a dish that captured the freshness of the sea. The scallops were seared to perfection, their succulent sweetness enhanced by a delicate accompaniment that paid homage to traditional Croatian flavors while embracing modern culinary techniques. It was an opening act that set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.Next, the carrot and apple soup was a revelation in itself— a blend that teased the palate with its smooth, comforting texture and the surprising harmony of sweet and savory notes. This dish was a testament to the chef's skill in transforming simple ingredients into a creation that was both innovative and deeply satisfying.The star of the evening, however, was undoubtedly the amazing red snapper. Sourced directly from the clear waters of the Adriatic, the snapper was a masterpiece of flavor and presentation. The fish was cooked to flaky perfection, its delicate flesh yielding effortlessly to the fork, each bite a symphony of sea-infused goodness. The accompanying garnishes only served to elevate the snapper's intrinsic flavors, showcasing the chef's ability to balance complexity and simplicity in a single dish.No culinary voyage at Nautika would be complete without indulging in their hazelnut dessert. This final course was a triumph of texture and taste, with the rich, earthy tones of hazelnut melding beautifully with sweet, decadent layers that left an indelible mark on the taste buds. It was a fitting end to a meal that was as much a celebration of Croatian culinary heritage as it was a showcase of contemporary innovation.Nautika isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience—a place where the stunning backdrop of Dubrovnik meets the pinnacle of gastronomic excellence. The amazing red snapper, St. Jacob's scallops, the uniquely delightful carrot and apple soup, and the unforgettable hazelnut dessert are but a few highlights of a menu that's crafted to enchant. Dining here is not merely eating; it's an act of immersing oneself in the very soul of Croatia, made memorable by impeccable service, a warm atmosphere, and culinary creations that linger long after...

From the moment we stepped into Nautika Restaurant in Dubrovnik, we knew we were about to embark on a culinary journey like no other. Set against the historic backdrop of this UNESCO World Heritage city, Nautika offered us an exquisite dining experience that truly elevated our honeymoon.

The white-glove service was impeccable, striking the perfect balance between attentiveness and discretion. It's not every day that you encounter a team so dedicated to perfection. Our server, in particular, went above and beyond, not only ensuring our dining experience was flawless but also taking the time to capture multiple cherished photographs of us. This personal touch, combined with the expertise of multiple servers guiding and educating us on the array of delectable dishes and crafted cocktails, made us feel like royalty.

The food, as expected, was a symphony of flavors, each dish artfully presented and bursting with freshness and creativity. And while the price point may be on the higher side, every bite justified the expense. As they say, you get what you pay for, and at Nautica, we were served nothing short of excellence.

In a city renowned for its dining experiences, Nautika stands out not just for its outstanding cuisine, but for the passion and dedication of its staff. Our evening there wasn't just a meal; it was an event, an experience, a memory we will cherish forever.

For those contemplating a visit, our advice is simple: treat yourself. Whether it's a special occasion like ours or simply the desire for an unmatched dining experience, Nautika Restaurant in Dubrovnik is well worth the splurge. Here's to an evening of sheer perfection by the Adriatic! 🍷🍴🌊 Book a reservation as this is a Michelin guide restaurant and you won't be able to just walk-in as it's high demand and...