When we were planning our trip to Croatia we decided to book ahead and in Split we reserved the Michelin rated Šug restaurant - had to leave a deposit when we booked.

Located just outside of the old town, in almost a residential neighbourhood. We had an option of either the indoor dining area or the adjoining outdoor garden area. The atmosphere and decor is quaint and unpretentious.

We started with smoked swordfish carpaccio (rice, lemon & capers) and Beefsteak tartar (tomato jam, lemon jam, mustard cream & grilled bread). Both of which were delicious.

For our mains we went with the waiter’s recommendation: “Royal Tećada" (lobster, white fish, oysters, octopus, shrimp/langoustines, macaroni). The dish however didn’t live up to its hype. The lobster and langoustines were both overcooked and the flesh was mushy and almost inedible. The heads of the octopus were a little tough and chewy. The sauce was really nice though.

For our dessert we had the recommended traditional Split cake : almond/fig/vanilla panacotta/white chocolate and Paradižot (a floating island of meringue on a milk/egg yolk custard). The split cake was a deconstructed version of cake and completely missed the mark - the apricots were at odds with the other ingredients. The paradizot was slightly eggy for my tastes but loved the biscuit inside the custard.

Each plate was beautifully presented, yet a number of our dishes weren’t well-balanced in flavor.

Based on the seafood we’ve tasted, something at Šug just falls short. For the price, we had high standards and expectations.