I'll admit it - I have a soft spot for this place. Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Café is a firm favourite of mine, not just when entertaining friends or family, but also when I want to steer visitors in the right culinary direction. And every time I go, I'm reminded why it deserves the glowing praise

Let's start with the obvious: the location. If there's a more picturesque dining spot in Dubrovnik, I've yet to find it. Nestled right at the entrance to the Old City, just metres from the iconic Pile Gate, Dubravka 1836 offers diners a front-row seat to the city's historic splendour.

With sweeping views over Lovrijenac Fortress, the imposing stone walls, and the shimmering Adriatic Sea, it's the kind of setting that makes you want to linger just a little longer. Whether you're fuelling up before exploring the city or winding down after a day of sightseeing, this is an ideal stop.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner - Dubravka has you covered, and always with a side of scenery.

On this visit, I decided to start with something light but flavourful - the beef carpaccio. Served with fresh rocket, shavings of parmesan, and a drizzle of balsamico, it was not only beautifully presented but also a refreshingly large portion. Perfect for sharing… though I didn't.

Then came the main event - something I hadn't tried before: the gratinated beef fillet. And what a treat it was. The fillet arrived nestled beneath layers of smoked ham, asparagus, and mushrooms, all brought together with a rich Béarnaise sauce. You can choose your own side (I went for a classic - roasted potatoes), making it a deeply satisfying dish from start to finish.

The service? Impeccable.

Friendly, efficient, and with genuine recommendations that clearly came from experience, not just a script. The staff manage to strike that perfect balance between attentive and relaxed - you feel looked after, but never rushed. Of course, it's not just the views and the food that bring people back. The spacious outdoor terrace, nearly every table blessed with that million-dollar panorama, creates a welcoming, breezy atmosphere whether you're a first-timer or a regular like me.

Dubravka's Mediterranean-inspired menu leans proudly into local ingredients and traditional recipes, but with just enough flair to keep things exciting. It's a restaurant that honours Dubrovnik's culinary heritage while keeping standards refreshingly high. So, can you ever have too much of a good thing? When it comes to Dubravka 1836, I don't think so. I'll be back - and I'll likely be ordering that beef fillet again.

Or maybe I'll try something new. Either way, with a view like that and food this good, you can't go wrong.