Bugenvila in Cavtat — Restaurant in Općina Konavle

So possible one of the most difficult reviews I've had to write, basically because I've got no idea where to start or I know once I do start I'm not going to know where to stop. Okay some details we visited on the 18/09/2018 it was my girlfriends & my 2nd anniversary, so needed to push the boat out. First thanks to Monika, who I originally spoke to back in June about booking the table, and my goodness did she deliver, we had the best table in the restaurant and her solid recommendation of the tasting menu was finally settled on in late August. The restaurant is stunning, so bright with a rustic feel I particularly liked the fact the terrace was closed off in some areas with plants and trees but no way obstructed the view. The food was mind blowing and I had to capture each course as soon as they arrived, the presentation was out of this world, and the flavours on the plate just came alive together, the written menu doesn't do it justice for what you actually get in front of you, particular highlight for us, Beetroot Gazpacho, who ever would have thought but it was mind-blowing, then I decided on the wine-pairing and my goodness the sommelier Igor is not over sell him but his knowledge of the menu and wines was incredible, we even offered him our spare room in London, I'd love to go wine shopping with that man, so please if you're in the area and you're after a dining experience not just a nice meal, then please go to Bugenvila in Cavtat and have the tasting menu, it tell's a story it's far more than just a meal. Now lastly and most importantly the team at Bugenvila in Cavtat, you all epitomize the word hospitality, from the moment we arrived, nothing was too much trouble, everything was said with a smile and a friendly hello, I'm only sorry we didn't get more names or meet the team in the kitchen, as I would have loved to meet the team who delivered our meal, however as mentioned Monika, I can't thank you enough for giving our special occasion that extra sparkle and Igor is an absolute credit to the industry he made me want to retrain as a Sommelier and was so nice to see him speak so his family and made us feel like dinner guests at his home rather than the restaurant. I'm hoping one day to be lucky enough to return to Cavtat and without a doubt my reservation will be in for this place. I really can't gush enough about it and wish you many more years of continued success and for sure will be keeping an eye on the menu going forward and Igor if you ever find yourself in London we're going wine shopping. Thanks again for everything Best Wishes Graham...

Disappointed. I read all the good reviews here and decided to pay Bugenvila a visit. Here is what I think of this place:

Only visit if you have allocated plenty of time for lunch/dinner. Food does not get served quickly. I had to wait more than 20 minutes for a salad. At some point they bring you some cold bread buns with butter to kill the hunger before starters/salads arrive. Everywhere else I have been in Cavtat, the bread was served warm. Not a deal breaker for me, just an observation.

Coming onto the salad. I ordered a Greek Salad. It had pesto and basil in it which gave it a totally different flavour, more reminiscing of an Italian Caprese salad. I did not want a Caprese, but a Greek salad. The fact was that I ordered a Greek Salad without looking at the menu. There may have been a description of the ingredients, I don’t know. However, the waiter should have informed me that the Greek Salad is not exactly a Greek Salad but a modified one. None of this happened. I also ordered a cucumber salad. Old and funny tasting soft cucumbers. How difficult is to cut a fresh cucumber and serve it? Not impressed at all.

Coming onto the waiter. In my opinion, you will be well looked after and bathed in lots of attention if you are Russian. The waiter spoke fluent Russian and I suspect she was Russian. Not sure but a very good chance she was. I had to wait for quite a while so she could divert her attention to me. Not impressed.

To add insult to injury, I had to wait at least 5-6 minutes desperately trying to get a waiters attention so I can ask for the check. Then another 5-6 minutes to be awarded with the attention and opportunity to actually pay said bill. Not impressed is an understatement.

The last thing I wanted to mention is that there was no fresh squid/calamari in the restaurant offerings. They describe themselves as a seafood and Mediterranean restaurant and it is strange that they do not provide this staple in a Mediterranean seafood restaurant’s menu. Not impressed.

They get a star more than the lowest rating because of their great location at Cavtat harbour, ceiling fans, cold local beer and the smiling eyes of the waitress (when she is not looking after a big group of Russians).

I would rather go somewhere...

Me and my partner went there for an early dinner, end of April. We didn't have a reservation, but most of the tables outside were empty, although labelled 'reserved'. We asked politely, if there was any possibility to get a table outside anyway, and our wish was granted! We sat down and were immediately taken care of by a very friendly and professional waiter. He provided us with the wifi password, made sure we're protected from the sun, and he seemed to be quite amused when I proclaimed that I needed a big beer for refreshment (I wasn't aware that I was in a fine dining restaurant at that point, and wine or an apéritif would've been more appropriate lol). According to our receipt, his name was Stjepan, so kudos to Stjepan for doing an amazing job!

We were absolutely not prepared for the experience that awaited us. We chose the fixed price menu for 29 Euros, which is very cheap for a 3 course menu, so we didn't expect anything too special. We didn't see the "Guide Michelin" sign next to the entrance until later. First, Stjepan introduced a selection of complimentary bread and spreads, made freshly every day. It was absolutely delicious!

When the first course arrived, we started to realise that this was not an ordinary tavern, because that food looked and tasted like ART. I mean, look at the pictures. We had to add a dessert, of course.

Stjepan introduced each course in a professional manner, naming the main ingredients and explained the little twists, without sounding patronising or pompous. He treated us with utmost respect and courtesy throughout the evening, although we weren't even dressed properly for the occasion. The food was outstanding and some of the best I've ever tasted in my life. The whole experience made me feel like a princess, something I'm usually not even into, but this time it felt right :) Thank you, to the whole team of the Bugenvila, for such an...