Tuesday, 18 February 2025

Indulge in Pasta Perfection: Mea Culpa Pizzeria & Trattoria's Savory Delights in Dubrovnik

Written by  Aug 17, 2023

There is no doubt that one of, if not the best, pizzerias in Dubrovnik is Mea Culpa in the heart of the Old City. But the full name of the restaurant is actually Mea Culpa Pizzeria & Trattoria, clearly it isn’t only pizzas on offer here. So I went to check out the menu a little deeper and explore the pasta specialties on offer.

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Passion in the kitchen and on the plate

So the word "trattoria" is an Italian term that refers to a type of informal, family-owned restaurant or eatery. It's often characterized by its cosy and casual atmosphere, where you can find traditional Italian dishes and comfort foods. And Mea Culpa hits all of the nails firmly on the head. It serves some of the best pasta, and by the way, most imaginative pasta dishes in town. I actually watched the chef in his kitchen and I can say from first-hand experience that he is absolutely passionate about his profession.

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Full of flavour

So what to choose from? I like the way the menu is laid out, apart from the numerous language you also have a section for spaghetti, lasagne, penne (my favourite) and bruschetta as a cool starter. I like it when a restaurant names a dish after the establishment, that kind of gives you the opinion that it is a signature dish. So when I saw penne Mea Culpa my eyes light up. Prawns, tomato sauce, basil, sounds right up my alley. And then to try something different I also order the spaghetti vegetale. A vegetarian option with a whole host of vegetables and tomato sauce.

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Watching chef actually prepare the dishes was a) fun and b) an insight into the work that actually goes into creating a meal. And I loved the tough of the basil that was used in the penne dish was picked directly from the plant, not that’s about as fresh as you get!

Firstly, the portions are generous, like really generous. Bring your appetite with you! Secondly, they are colourful and the aroma flooding from my plate (sorry plates) had made me instantly even hungrier.

Here is one quick tip – although the outside eating area is very quant amongst the stone façades in the middle of the summer sun there are three indoor spaces which are fully air-conditioned. I wrote about them here.

So I tucked in. I love penne and this penne dish was a joy. Full of mouth-watering flavours and the pasta was cooked just right. I can certainly highly recommend Mea Culpa penne. And onto the vegetarian pasta dish. I have to admit that it is not something that I would usually order. However, it was scrumptious. Full of fresh veggies and a real nice spicy mix.

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The word "trattoria" comes from the Italian verb "trattare," which means "to treat" or "to handle," reflecting the idea that these establishments provide a welcoming and familiar experience for diners. All I can say is that I was very much welcomed and treated very well at Mea Culpa Pizzeria & Trattoria. Try the pasta dishes…you can thank me later.

 

Contact Info

Address – Za Rokom 3 - Old Town - Dubrovnik
Telephone - +385 0/20 323 430
Email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

The Voice of Dubrovnik

THE VOICE OF DUBROVNIK


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