“Defensive,” they called it. Barabanata stands tall, a silent sentinel against forgotten threats. Not threats of armies or sieges. This defensive tower once guarded something far more precious. Imagine a time when the sea wasn’t just a view. It was Dubrovnik’s lifeline. Barabanata watched over those vital connections.
Now, I want to tell you what it is to discover the charm of Croatian culinary heritage. The Šare family, renowned for hospitality, has played a major role in Croatian culinary heritage. For nearly four decades, the Šare family has been in the hospitality industry. Their first restaurant, Bota Šare, was established in the late 1980s. Located in an old salt warehouse characterized by towering stone walls, the restaurant’s ambiance exudes a nostalgic charm that tells the rich story of the region and its people. Inspired by Mali Ston, hospitality is deeply ingrained in the family’s identity. Božidar and Tanja Šare laid the foundation for this gastronomic journey. Their six children now carry the legacy forward with establishments in Ston, Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb.
BOWA is a sister restaurant to Bota Šare. BOTA Šare is known for blending Dalmatian and Japanese styles to create their unique sushi. BOWA is a tribute to their grandmother’s recipes. It offers a fusion of “Robinson Crusoe” escapism with a hint of “fine dining in the jungle,” reminiscent of holiday memories with grandparents. More than just a restaurant, BOWA offers an all-day experience, celebrating family heritage and culinary nostalgia.
Prepare to be amazed. Every bite you savor originates within a mere 50 km radius of your seat. Their fishing team guarantees always fresh Adriatic bluefin tuna, swordfish and greater amberjack. The rhapsody of colors on the plate will captivate you at first sight. Original texture and fullness of taste in every bite will convince you of the uniqueness of their food.
In Konoba Dubrava, you get goods from the farmers’ market. They use hand-picked groceries bought from the nearby villages, home-made bread, fresh air and sound of nature. It is a family restaurant that feels like home. Their kind and professional personnel make sure our guests have the best service. They want you to feel welcome as long as you stay with them. It takes at least 3 hours to prepare meals under the iron bell. So they kindly ask you to make order in advance. It is an ideal city escape during the hot summer nights to the top of the Srđ hill. It became a gourmet landmark when it comes to traditional cuisine.
They make sure their guests have the best of Dubrovnik area. They put special emphasis on home-grown ingredients and traditional meals prepared according to our grandmothers’ recipes. Their specialties are dishes under the iron bell known as Dalmatian Peka. You can have lamb, pork, veal or octopus and barbecue meat. Food delights and home-made grappa selection will keep you warm long in the night. There is folklore dancing Lindo and live music. The joy of living we could say. Their meals are authentic local recipes that used to be very common dishes. Nowadays they are not so easy to be found.
Just as Barabanata served its purpose then, Dubrovnik continues to offer fortification today. Fortification not against enemies but for the soul. The kind you find in family traditions and flavors drawn from the land and sea. Stand here for a moment. Feel the echoes of watchmen. Savor the promise of a Dubrovnik that nourishes as much as it defends.