Konoba Mate — Restaurant in Grad Korčula

I will never be able to say enough good things about this restaurant. Even calling it a restaurant doesn't do it justice. It is simply something that should be experienced.

There is a genuine sense of warmth and familial ease that permeates the establishment. The care and attention to detail in the cuisine is foreshadowed by the subtle nuances of and consideration given to the surroundings. There is artistry in the simplicity if you merely take the time to look for it.

The service was nothing short of splendid. Fascinating details and background were shared about how certain items were prepared and all questions were happily answered. We were never rushed and were graced with ample time to fully appreciate all the items set before us. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, our enthusiasm was always mirrored perfectly by the staff.

As a group, we were fortune enough to be able to sample a little bit of almost everything, eagerly passing dishes back and forth so we all could marvel at the morsels presented. There is nothing quite like hearing someone laugh in delight upon taking that first bite, and this happened several times. Everything we ate was simply fantastic, sparking not only comments in the moment, but for hours that followed as well.

You will see the word "Konoba" attached to countless restaurants, but in this case it is truly apt. I encourage anyone and everyone who truly appreciates an authentic and traditional experience to visit Konoba Mate. You won't be disappointed. Just remember that you can only get back what you offer yourself.

Update: To the Konoba Mate Owner - Just wanted to let you know that I was able to read your reply to this review which I cannot seem to see anymore. I shared it with all that attended it was fantastic to read! The response was just a heartfelt as the care you out into your food, service and establishment and I just wanted to thank you for taking that time to write it.

Will continue to sing praises for the gem you have built on Korčula for years to come....

I was at this konoba 2 times in a matter of days and the difference between the level of the service and the food was rather overwhelming. The first time I arrived earlier, at 18:00, and had really good service and great food, that made us take the bus there and back from Korcula town a second time. Which proved to be not a very inspired decision, as the whole meal was rather rushed and not the same impressive quality as the first. It tool 10+ min to get our drinks order, 20+ min to get the drinks themselves and 45+ min to get our starters, although one of them (cheese platter) needed almost no preparation. Since we were quite hungry we decided to ask for the homemade bread ourselves after waiting for so long. The server was smiling and nice, but seemed rather inattentive, as we had asked for an olive oil that never arrived. The swordfish had a good taste, but a really dry texture. The grilled figs that were supposed to be wrapped in prosciutto and that were amazing the first time were only ok-ish this time, as one of them had already desintegrated and the prosciutto was replaced by simply the slana /greasy part and no meat. Both homemade pasta were rushed and their flavours did not have time to mix in together, they seemed like being made by some chef in training. I can truly say that the fennel pasta that blew my mind the other day was simply good this time, but definitely would not make me make such an effort to come back. The dessert was nice, the cheese platter was nice, but all the dishes that needed preparation on the spot were not compared to just 4 days before. When mentioned, the server said they were full last night and maybe that's the reason for the quality and service difference, but still, a customer...

If you're planning a visit to Korčula, Konoba Mate is an absolute must! I recently had the pleasure of dining there, and I can confidently say it was one of the best gastronomic experiences I've had in a long time.

From the moment I walked in, the ambiance of the restaurant set the stage for an unforgettable evening. The rustic decor, warm lighting, and welcoming atmosphere create a perfect setting for a delightful meal. It feels cozy yet vibrant, a true reflection of the local culture.

What truly stood out was the quality of the food. I decided to take a leap of faith and let the waiter choose my meal for me. I simply asked him to feed me as per his wish, assuring him that I didn’t want to be disappointed. Let me tell you, it was a fantastic decision! Each dish that arrived was better than the last, showcasing the freshest local ingredients and traditional Croatian flavors. The presentation was impeccable, and the taste was nothing short of spectacular.

The service was equally impressive. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the food they were serving. They made sure I felt taken care of without being intrusive, striking the perfect balance that made the dining experience all the more enjoyable.

Overall, Konoba Mate exceeded all my expectations. If you find yourself in Korčula, do yourself a favor and visit this gem. Whether you're a foodie or just looking for a lovely place to enjoy a meal, you won't be disappointed. I left with a full stomach and a happy heart, and I can't...