The Ultimate Split Old Town Food Guide: Eating Your Way Through Diocletian’s Palace

Summer in Split, Croatia, is nothing short of magical. The sea is crystal clear, the Riva promenade is buzzing with energy, and the ancient stone streets of Diocletian's Palace come alive with music, laughter, and romance.

However, as tourism in Dalmatia reaches an all-time high, the local culinary scene can become overwhelming for first-time visitors. With hundreds of signs, flyers, and hosts trying to grab your attention, finding an authentic meal can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

This Split old town food guide is designed to help you navigate the chaos, avoid the typical tourist traps, and discover where to find the absolute best food while visiting Split in summer dining guide style.

Navigating the Summer Food Scene: 3 Major Traps to Avoid

Before we talk about where to eat in Split, let’s establish some golden rules for summer dining inside the palace walls: 

1. The "picture menu" warning

If a restaurant has a giant laminated menu outside featuring bright, faded pictures of 50 different dishes (ranging from Mexican tacos to local seafood and cheap pizza), run away. True gourmet spots focus on doing a few things flawlessly rather than doing everything poorly. 

2. The aggressive street hosts

Exceptional food speaks for itself. The best restaurants in split don’t need to hire aggressive hosts to block your path in the alley and push a menu into your hands. Look for places where people are happily lining up or booking in advance.

3. Ignoring the ingredients

Don't hesitate to ask where the ingredients come from. Authentic Dalmatian dining and high-end modern pizzerias take pride in using local artisan suppliers, fresh seasonal produce, and premium imported goods.

Discovering Pizzaferaj City: A Culinary Sanctuary Near the Golden Gate

If you want to experience how modern gastronomy can elevate casual dining, your culinary journey through the Old Town must include a stop at Pizzaferaj City. Located at Majstora Jurja 8, right by the historic North Entrance (The Golden Gate) of the palace, this cozy sanctuary is a favorite among both international foodies and locals.

While many places in the center offer standard, heavy fast-food pizza, Pizzaferaj has introduced a true sourdough revolution to Split. Our pizzas are completely yeast-free, crafted with a 100% natural starter and fermented for 3 full days. This artisanal process creates a crust that is unbelievably light, airy, and deeply flavorful, meaning you can enjoy a full gourmet meal and still have plenty of energy to climb the Saint Domnius bell tower afterward. 

What to Order: From Sourdough Pizzas to Festival-Favorite Burgers

While our signature Neo-Neapolitan pizzas—topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh burrata, premium prosciutto, or creamy goat cheese are the main stars of the show, Pizzaferaj offers a diverse menu that caters to all cravings.

If you are in the mood for meat, you are in luck. Pizzaferaj is home to the famous Tony's Burger, a craft masterpiece that has taken the local street food scene by storm. We partner with Meat The King, Croatia's premier boutique butcher, for our premium beef patties, and use artisan sourdough buns baked daily by the local cult bakery Kruv. It is, without a doubt, a must-try item for any serious burger lover visiting Split.

Pro Tips for Dining in Split This Summer

• Book your table early

The evening rush inside Diocletian's Palace starts around 7:30 PM. To avoid waiting in the heat, use the online booking system on our landing page (/landing) to secure your table.

• Stay hydrated and cool

Pair your meal with our selection of refreshing craft beers, local wines, or cold drinks to combat the Mediterranean summer heat. 

• Payment methods

Unlike many small spots in Croatia that strictly demand cash, Pizzaferaj happily accepts both cash and credit cards, making your vacation dining stress-free.

Don't settle for mediocre food on your dream vacation. Use this guide, explore the beautiful northern corner of the palace, and join us at Pizzaferaj City (Majstora Jurja 8, Split) or Pizzaferaj Mejasi (Ul. Mejaši 33, 21000, Split). for an authentic dining Split experience you won't forget.