Author: zeze

Marija and Zlatko were such gracious, warm hosts, the food and wine was so delicious and abundant, and their back yard was so cozy and green, that we quickly forgot that we were half way around the world and that it was raining. Foodies everywhere speak the same language – traditional ways of cooking, where to get the freshest, most seasonal ingredients, including in this case local olive oil, wine, and salt.

We met their children as they came in from school and sports practice. The evening felt like dinner with friends. As for the food, everything was local, homemade, traditional, and delicious. “Dinner with locals” is a wonderful experience in every way – we highly recommend it to anyone who is visiting beautiful Dubrovnik.

Deb and Syd Sewall
Hallowell, Maine

The previous comments on this site are so “on-the-mark” that there’s no reason to repeat what has already been so eloquently said by others. Let us just add that no matter how terrific the food we ate, the warmth of our hosts was even more so. Within minutes of meeting Marija and Zlatko, we already felt like family. We didn’t feel like guests, we felt like long-lost relatives. And when Zlatko’s daughter arrived, and later their son, the family feeling was even stronger.
So despite their business’ name “Eat with Locals,” dining with Marija and Zlatko should more accurately be called “Eat with your Dubrovnik family.” You’ll go for the food (which as everyone else has commented is incredibly good), but you’ll leave with new relatives.

Eric & Nancy Garen

Los Angeles, California

My husband and I were welcomed into Marija and Vlatko’s home for a traditional Croatian dinner. They made us feel like we were at home! We started with homemade cherry and walnut liqueur. It was fabulous. Marija made delightful snacks for us to try. Then the Peka which was cooking for hours in cast iron over a flame turned out to be fabulous. Something we have never had anywhere else. There was very fresh Salad, wonderful potatoes, assorted fresh cheese and meats, fresh asparagus picked that day, and home made amazing bread!!!! The desert was the best desert I have had. The food was fabulous. The people were both warm and charming. I would highly recommend reserving a night of true Croatian culture. It was a night we will never forget. So authentically cheerful with the hugest form of hospitality. Don’t even think about it! Go before they are booked up! You can’t come to Dubrovnik without being fed by Marija and Zlatko!!!

Mary and Bill

Redlands, California

Everywhere I travel, I make it a point to seek out where the locals are and how they live – how else are you ever going to truly experience a city’s culture through food, drink and people? This trip to Dubrovnik was no different, other than the fact that Marija and Zlatko are at the top of the charts! I could write a short – or long :] – story diving into every intricacy of the night and highlight every moment with the utmost detail to captivate not only your interest, but your imagination and salivary glands. My two brothers, father, uncle and I had the absolute pleasure of spending our first evening with these two beautiful people. Start to finish was an absolute pleasure with the perfect combination of food, drink, conversation and laughter. I would love to dive into the simple yet deliciousness of the freshly dried figs, home infused liqueurs, local wines, cheeses, meats and oils, or the traditional fire cooked main course followed by decadent sweets, but to completely understand how great Marija and Zlatko and their mission is, you need to experience it for yourself. I whole heartedly believe that you cannot visit Dubrovnik, let along Croatia, without spending an evening at their humble abode. I am happy to have found such great people in such a beautiful place and I cannot wait until my return to spend another evening with my newfound friends. Until next time. Cheers!

Wyatt Earp :] and Family