What is the secret to a delicious, flavorful meal? If you ask our Chefs, it is focusing on simple and genuine flavors revolving around local cuisine, sometimes with a signature spin, just enough to make it unique and memorable. We only use fresh fish and the best, high-quality meat. Our pastas are handmade. Did we also mention our bread is freshly baked every day? Let us take you on a tour of restaurant Orka’s 5 best signature dishes, which you simply must try during your (next) visit to Dubrovnik.
Fish tartare
Fish tartare is a classy starter to any (fish) meal in Dubrovnik. It is healthy, full of proteins, and quite trendy in recent years. This Chef’s special at Restaurant Orka is made from fresh Adriatic tuna, seasoned with Mediterranean herbs, olive oil, and lime, and served with balsamic pearls. Accompanying this culinary delight are artisanal bread croutons, expertly flavored to add a satisfying crunch and enhance the dish’s texture. Every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, celebrating the wholesome goodness of the Mediterranean diet renowned for its health benefits and culinary richness.
Chef’s recommendation – Dubrovnik Ceviche
If you do not know what ceviche is – it is a raw fish or seafood entrée, originating from Peru as a citrus-marinated seafood dish. It is even recognized by UNESCO as an expression of Peruvian traditional cuisine and the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Due to the popularity of raw, healthy cuisine, and growing trends of fusion cuisine, ceviche conquered the world spreading from South America to almost all corners of the earth.
The essential ingredients of any ceviche are raw fish or seafood, citrus juices, and seasonings. The best fish for ceviche may include snapper, sea bass, mahi-mahi, fluke, flounder, red snapper, and sashimi-quality tuna. Seasoning and toppings are vital as they contribute to the dish’s texture and flavor. When marinating, timing is everything – too short can mean raw fish, and too long makes it overcooked.
There are many variations of the original Peruvian recipe given the spin on a dish by different countries and regions. In Dubrovnik, you can try Dubrovnik Ceviche, one of Restaurant Orka’s house specialties. Delicately sliced seabass, succulent tuna, and tender Adriatic shrimp are marinated to perfection in a zesty dressing infused with the brightness of lemon and the sweetness of orange. Each bite is a harmonious symphony of fresh seafood and citrus, transporting your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of Dubrovnik. Savor the essence of the Adriatic Sea in every refreshing mouthful of this exquisite signature dish.
Homemade pasta with beefsteak and Istrian truffle sauce
For those who prefer meat dishes, we highly recommend another Orka’s top-seller – Homemade pasta with slices of beefsteak and Istrian truffle sauce. Experience a taste of Dubrovnik’s culinary charm with our homemade pasta featuring tender slices of beefsteak and a rich Istrian truffle sauce. Handcrafted with care, our pasta is cooked to perfection and served with savory beefsteak, creating a satisfying and comforting dish. Drizzled with a decadent Istrian truffle sauce, each bite is a delightful blend of earthy flavors that’s sure to please. Join us for a relaxed dining experience and savor the essence of Dubrovnik’s vibrant culinary scene.
Scallops with zucchini and bacon
Have you ever tried this interesting combination of seafood and bacon? At Restaurant Orka in Dubrovnik, we welcome you to try our signature meal, Scallops with Zucchini and Bacon. Our scallops and zucchini are brimming with flavor, having been sourced from the Adriatic Sea and our restaurant garden. This meal, enriched with crispy bacon, provides a beautiful combination of tastes and textures. Prepared with care and competence, it highlights the finest of local ingredients and culinary craftsmanship, providing a genuinely unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Dubrovnik.
Signature grilled daily catch filet
We can’t finish this list without featuring grilled daily catch filet on the menu. Dubrovnik is not famous for its crystal clear sea for no reason; in addition to the beauty of the surroundings and the developed shoreline with islands and islets, the area is endowed with an abundance of fish. Our Grilled Daily Catch Filet, made with the day’s freshest catch straight from the Adriatic Sea, is a delicious combination of flavors that captures the essence of seaside cuisine. It usually includes sea bream (orada), sea bass (brancin) or dentex (zubatac).
Seared to perfection, each soft bite of our filet combines smokey grilled richness with the subtle sweetness of seafood. Paired with a silky Celery Puree and a colorful array of julienne vegetables, this dish exemplifies the finest traditions of Mediterranean cuisine.
If you still can’t make up your mind, or you want to try them all, Dubrovnik restaurant Orka provides a six-course tasting menu featuring the best of Croatian cuisine, showcasing the culinary team’s experience and inventiveness. Learn and feel the restaurant’s history while enjoying chef specialties and drinking award-winning wines.