Passarola Restaurant — Restaurant in Grad Hvar

Last night, we enjoyed a thoroughly delightful dinner in the heart of Hvar at Passarola. While we’ve been largely disappointed by fine dining in Croatia, Passarola definitely exceeded our expectations!

We were greeted earlier in the day by Charlie and invited in the view the panoramic terrace before making a booking that evening. Charlie mentioned his family owned the restaurant, and his pride in this wonderful space was evident.

Spanning two stories (in addition to a bar/event space in the basement) it was a lovely blend of ancient stonework, contemporary art, and tasteful lighting. While not sporting a view of the harbor, it was nestled into the heart of old town, with the open dining space on the rooftop having a view of the Spanish Fortress (apparently so named for the Spanish architects and not occupation) as well as picturesque alleyways.

Our meal began with complementary tuna pâté which was creamy and well seasoned, easing us into the meal. Next we were treated to our appetizers, and this is where the chef’s expertise began to really shine.

Mrs. IsntWitty opted for the sea bass tartare, which highlighted the versatility of this fish. It was very well prepared, with the perfect balance of firm fish and creamy binder, with an absolutely delicious saffron sauce accenting the plate. Our companions opted for a local charcuterie plate for two, which was overflowing with delicious local cheeses, smoked meats and perfectly ripe figs and cherry tomatoes from the owner’s garden. At Mrs. IsntWitty’s behest (ok, twist my rubber arm) I selected the beef tartare and foie gras appetizer, which was served with grilled in-house baked bread and a portion of reduced browned butter. This appetizer was absolutely delicious, and likely ranks as one of the very best beef tartare I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy. At our server Mario’s recommendation, the combination of the three ingredients combined to make a savory crostini bursting with flavor.

For our mains, Mrs. IsntWitty opted for the lobster ravioli in a luxurious bisque reduction formed from a variety of local crustaceans (excellent btw) while I, intent on continuing the theme of local seafood, went with the seafood risotto. The scallops and scampi were perfectly prepared, and worked well with the fresh tomatoes, creamy sauce and al dente rice. Bill’s steak, prepared medium (medium rare tbh) at the chef’s discretion was served with a brilliant grainy mustard sauce that had us all eyeing his plate, and Elizabeth’s sea bass and fennel was tender and flaky.

We paired the meal with another wine from Krajančić, this time selecting the sur lies expression of their Pošip, which paired wonderfully.

Finally, a word of thanks to our brilliant server Mario, who was gracious and attentive throughout the evening. Despite a small mix up at the end, we couldn’t have asked for more. We highly recommend this restaurant if you’re in Old Town Hvar and in search of an excellent fine dining...

A Food Nightmare

I had high expectations for this supposedly upscale restaurant, but it turned out to be an overwhelming failure on every front. The slow-cooked beef, which should have been tender and melt-in-your-mouth, was shockingly tough and chewy—more like rubber than a premium cut of meat. It was an agonizing experience trying to chew through what should have been a signature dish.

The accompanying gnocchi was no better. Overcooked and mushy beyond recognition, it was an unappetizing, gloppy mess that seemed to have been left to stew in its own heat way past perfection. No texture, no flavor, just a sad, soggy ruin of what should have been a delicate, fluffy accompaniment.

To make matters worse, other guests at my table ordered the fish stew—which was an absolute disgrace. Instead of a flavorful, hearty broth, it was nothing but a plate of bones and tasteless fragments, clearly prepared with no real care or skill. Far from a refined, memorable dish, it was a tedious and bland ordeal for the eye and the palate.

The entire experience felt like a series of culinary letdowns, especially considering the exorbitant prices charged. This place is an insult to fine dining. Do yourself a favor: save your money and your taste buds—stay far away from this miserable excuse for a restaurant. There are countless better options out there that won’t leave you hungry and...

A Dive into the Depths of Disappointment

I had high hopes for this supposedly upscale restaurant, but my experience was nothing short of appalling. The signature dish—a fish stew—consisted exclusively of fish heads and tails, with barely any edible flesh or flavor to speak of. The presentation was unappetizing, resembling a murky, uninviting mess rather than a refined culinary experience.

The taste was equally grievous. The broth lacked any semblance of seasoning or depth, and the “delicacies” of fish heads and tails were nothing more than overcooked, gelatinous, and frankly disgusting remnants that should never grace a plate, much less a restaurant promising high-end fare. It felt more like a poorly executed fish market reject than a thoughtfully curated dish.

To make matters worse, the portion was minuscule considering the exorbitant price. What was charged as a “luxury” meal was a far cry from value—more like a scandalous rip-off. For anyone who values their taste buds and their hard-earned money, I implore you: avoid this place at all costs. There are countless eateries out there that serve food worth your time and money; this one is an...