Val Marina Restaurant — Restaurant in Grad Hvar

We reserved at this restaurant as it had best review score of the island. When we arrived, we were sited and they give us a complimentary welcome drink. After some minutes, they give us a small appetiser (bread with tomato, which was average) and the menu.

After 30 minutes, we were still waiting for somebody to come take our order. So after 15 minutes more later, one of the waitresses that was with another table asked us if everything was okay. After we said that no, he completely ignored us. We had to go ask to the manager to send someone, and he didn’t apologise for the situation.

Right away, he came take our order and the dishes arrived very fast. He invited us to another drink. We have to say that both the pasta nero di sepia and the pasta con ragout were delicious. To finish they invited us to a desert selection which was very good, but unfortunately the damage was already been done :(

Also, I have never paid such an expensive price for water. 8€ for less than a litter of water, without comments.

To stir up the evening, there was a 8-10 people table very rude doing a lot of noise, which were disturbing the rest of diners. Nobody from the restaurant said nothing…. You don’t expect such as atmosphere in a place like this.

Very sad that a poor service and a bad atmosphere ruins all the good job done...

If you’re in Hvar and skipping Val Marina, you’re missing out—period. We had one of the most memorable dinners of our trip here, and every dish delivered on flavor, freshness, and finesse.

Octopus Salad – Light, tender, and beautifully balanced. A perfect start that set the tone for the evening.

Lobster Bisque Soup – Rich, velvety, and deeply satisfying. Easily one of the best bisques we’ve had in Croatia.

Fish of the Day (Sea Bass) – This was the showstopper. Perfectly grilled, flaky, and seasoned to perfection. If sea bass is on the menu, don’t hesitate.

Don’t Miss Lamb – The name says it all. Bold, succulent, and unforgettable. If you only order one dish, make it this one.

Tomato Pasta – Simple, classic, and comforting. A great option if you’re craving something familiar with a Mediterranean twist.

And then there’s the waiter—when I say funny, I mean too funny. He was the life of the restaurant, cracking jokes, making everyone feel welcome, and somehow managing to be incredibly attentive at the same time. He didn’t just serve food; he served joy.

The marina views, the elegant ambiance, and the warm hospitality made this dinner a highlight of our Hvar experience. Highly recommend booking a table at Val Marina Restaurant and letting the team there take care...

Based on the reviews we booked ahead and glad we did, as we were able to get a table overlooking the harbour on the outside terrace. We observed a number of walk ups being turned away because they didn't have a reservation. The views over the harbour to the main square were amazing and got better when the sun set, and all the lights came on.

Once seated we were offered a serving of fresh homemade bread and local olive oil and a complimentary glass of Prosecco - gratefully appreciated. We agreed to skip the entrees and head straight to mains: Sea bottom risotto (carnaroli rice, olive oil, black pepper, baby spinach, sea urchins, shrimp, young goat cheese); and Bistecca di Tonna (tuna steak, olive oil, lime juice, black pepper, assorted sprouts); with a serving of Baked fennel and Parmesan cheese. All our dishes were delicious.

We even found room for dessert: Caprese all Limone (almond cake, lemon sorbetto, homemade limoncello).

The service here is worth mentioning, right from when we first entered until we eventually left - the staff were attentive, exceptional even. This was our most enjoyable...