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Passarola, the restaurant located on one narrow side street in the capital of Hvar, is the island’s top spot for fresh seafood. I dined here recently in an effort to experience the place, since the reputation had gotten to me before I had even left for Croatia. A bustling and busy restaurant, Passarola is not a spot where you go for quiet. But, instead, for fantastic food, lively energy and even better cocktails.
I sat at a table in the back with a group of people. We had driven 30 minutes from our villa near the small village of Sveta Nedjelja on the other side of the island. The service was prompt and good, our server passing around menus and taking drink orders immediately. As I peered through the menu, which is very heavy with fresh seafood, I realized the choice would be nearly impossible. Everything looked incredibly good and I couldn’t decide between homemade pasta, grilled fish or other Dalmatian specialties that made an appearance.
I chose a plate of Croatian cheeses, Italian burrata and tuna tartare with avocado – and that was just the appetizers. For my main course, I opted for fish, Adriatic tuna – which was seared perfectly and rolled in a delicious mix of sesame seeds and spices. Each bite was better than the last.
Dessert here at Passarola is equally as good. The restaurant uses local ingredients, like lavender (Croatia is known for lavender) to infuse unique flavors into cakes, puddings and more.
The night ended perfectly with something sweet and a glass of sweet Croatian wine. Anyone who is visiting Hvar shouldn’t miss Passarola. It’s simply the best.
