Coffee, Drinks and Food in Split
coffee
D16 coffee
A stones throw away from the famous Diocletians Palace sits one of the best cafés I found in Europe. D16 is a haven for anyone who values decent coffee, fantastic service and a curated food menu. During my time in Split I visited D16 twice, drinking an espresso, filter and flat-white on each occasion. The coffee was remarkably good, and consistent in a way that I usually only expect in Melbourne. D16 roasts their own beans, hires very experienced baristas, and have a strong focus on quality beans, all of which shines through in the coffee served up at their flagship store in the heart of Split. The artwork inside the cafe is outstanding, with a huge mural depicting a melding of Croatia’s rich history with urban elements. The name D16 is a melding of both their location and a homage to medieval scientist Marco Antonio de Dominis who devised the theory of light and the theory of the rainbow, hence their signature light roast is called Dominis blend, perfect in a milk-based coffee. Go check them out, you won’t find a better coffee in the centre of Split.
D16 Coffee: Dominisova ul. 16, 21000, Split
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drink
Monikas Wine Bar
MoNIKa’s Wine bar, located on the outskirts of the old town of Split is the perfect place to take a date, meet up with an old friend, or go out for a pre-dinner wine. Expect a refined interior with a very curated wine list, featuring some of the best of both established and up and coming Croatian wine makers. We were only able to go to MoNIKa’s for one drink before dinner up the road, but can certainly attest to how good the Plavac I had was, the best in Croatia. Monika, the owner, comes from a long lineage of winemakers, and is a rained sommelier, and is said to provide excellent recommendations for anyone unsure about what they want. MoNIKa’s hold regular tastings, which you can book in through their website.
MoNIKa’s Wine Bar: Ul. ban Mladenova 1, 21000, Split
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FOOD
Villa Spiza
Writing this now, I’m feeling giddy. Giddy at how good the food was at Villa Spizza. It’s everything I wanted in a Dalmatian dining experience. Casual, low on pretension, quick, and very, very tasty. Words fail me on this front, so go there. Just go there. The guys behind the bar are amazing, have a strong interest in playing only 1980’s Americana hits, and serving up the best Dalmatian and Istrian cuisine you’re going to find for the price. The menu is hand-drawn, the vibe extremely friendly, and the food very, very good. With a strong focus on down-home favourites, Istrian style pasta and feel good food, how could this place be bad? It simply couldn’t. Did I mention a large beer will set you back $3 USD? Perhaps there is a God after all? We ate the truffle pasta and a brudet, a type of local fish-stew both of which were mouthwateringly perfect. Villa Spiza has two locations, both directly opposite one another in the same alleyway. We sat in the bar, which seemed to be the more relaxed of the two. Regardless, get yourself there as soon as you arrive in Split. Best food in Croatia. I’ve said it.
Villa Spiza: Ul. Petra Kružića 3, 21000, Split
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