Trattoria Carmen — Restaurant in Dubrovnik

We were fortunate to enjoy a lot of delicious meals in Dubrovnik but this was hands down the best restaurant we ate at. I randomly found it googling local Italian restaurants and wanted to try it because of the excellent reviews. We were not disappointed! … hence this review, I want to pay it forward to the next person looking for PHENOMENAL Italian food in Dubrovnik.

I had the fresh baked bread basket and burrata appetizer (bread and burrata made in house!) and for the entree my partner and I shared the truffle and shrimp pasta and pasta with beef. Both were DELICIOUS!!! The home made pasta was better than Italian food I enjoyed in Italy. I would highly recommend getting at least one pasta dish because it’s incredible.

The service was also excellent! Everyone is so nice and truly wants you to enjoy your experience … and the ambiance is ADORABLE! Stone walls, flower accents and a charming atmosphere.

I read a few reviews where someone took off a star in their review because the menu is written on a large black board and “only have a few to pass around”. I don’t think that’s fair; this adds charm to the restaurant and you know you’re choosing from dishes with only the freshest ingredients! What has happened to our society that we’re so impatient and entitled that we can’t wait 5 mins for the table next to us to look at the black board (which I might add, you can clearly see from any part of the restaurant). If you want a tech forward restaurant, go to the Olive Garden and scan a QR code to eat your 1 star quality food. Trattoria Carmen had a charming, old school, family vibe where you can expect to get the highest quality food so go to a chain if you want a conveyer belt experience. ;)

I already can’t wait to go back! I love...

Edit: While I understand the need to prioritize larger tables for parties of four, I believe transparency matters—especially when a “larger table” turns out to be two small ones pushed together. It’s not about entitlement; it’s about setting accurate expectations for your guests.

As for the food, I want to clarify that my critique wasn’t influenced by the seating arrangement. If anything, I made a point to evaluate the food on its own merit. Credit where it’s due: your meatballs were flavorful and well-prepared. However, the pasta was overcooked and bland, not just at my table, but at others nearby. The potatoes were similarly mushy and greasy.

I completely respect your passion as chefs, but great hospitality also comes from listening to feedback without dismissing it as emotionally charged.

Original feedback We waited over 40 minutes for a meal that was so disappointing across the board. Despite being a party of two, a table of four who arrived after us was seated first. I understand the business rationale, but from a customer service perspective, it was frustrating.

The meatball pasta was soggy, overcooked, and lacked flavor—though the meatballs themselves were tender (a bit on the salty side). The grilled squid was also overcooked, and the accompanying potatoes were mushy and drenched in oil.

Overall, the experience felt like a tourist trap. The prices were high for the quality of food, and it genuinely felt more like a survival meal than an enjoyable dining experience. I wouldn’t...

If you want the best fresh seafood in Dubrovnik then Trattoria Carmen is the answer to your quest. This is a cosy family run restraunt tucked away off the main marina in Old Town specialising in fresh fish and seafood prepared with traditional recipes. The place is really well priced for the quality and not inflated like other places on the main tourist strip.

They don't take reservations so it is first come first served with the option to queue outside. Do not fear the wait will be worth it plus you can always enjoy a nice cool drink while you wait. Our group of four arrived around 8pm and had approximately 30 minute wait, however groups of two were able to take the outdoor tables slightly quicker.

I had been craving fresh seafood our whole trip so indulged in the Brodet for two. A beautifully flavoured tomato based broth with a whole sea bass and sea bream paired with a generous compliment of prawns, mussles and whole calamari. It is a rich, flavourful dish that you get hands on with. I recommend ordering a serving of bread to dip in as you go.

My friends had the handmade pasta with seafood which was once again abundant in fresh seafood. The seabass fillet served with potatoes was cooked to perfection to flake away and melt in the mouth.

Lastly, I have to say Thank-you to the staff who were so welcoming, attentive and friendly. They make the restaurant everything that it is.

This place should...