zeze

Don’t even think of leaving Dubrovnik before sharing an amazing evening with Marija & Zlatko!

July 3, 2023
by zeze

It’s been 8 months since our memorable trip to Croatia, and the one experience we are still enthusiastically talking about and recommending is an evening at the Papak’s home. This is a unique group ‘breaking bread’ experience in the beautiful garden dining area of two generous and talented Croatians whose goal is to immerse their guests in the culture, traditional food and drink of their country. A truly outstanding and delicious evening. Thank you Marija & Zlatko. DON’T MISS THIS … JUST DO IT!

Gloria Clamen

Torronto, Canada

Fabulous Food and Fun Night

There were 9 of us at the dinner party and what a fantastic dinner party it was. Marija and Zlatko were perfect hosts and we felt like friends around for a evening of good food and conversation. The food was amazing. Beautifully prepared and so fresh, the nicest we had had since arriving in Europe 3 weeks earlier. We were also given the chance to try some home made cherry and walnut liqueurs- so good. We had a mix of fresh salads, homemade cheeses, bread, prosciutto and salamis which were all lovely and a dish of anchovies which I thought I would not enjoy but to my surprise they were lovely, it is all in the way they are prepared. Of course the starters were the lead up to the main dish which was the Peka prepared the traditional way with burning coals on top of a huge covered metal dish . Zlatko was the one who changed the coals and stirred the dish and each time he opened the lid the aroma was amazing. Conversation flowed freely as did the wine and then we were treated to the cooked lamb and potatoes of the Peka dish. Hard to describe how good this was. Meat so tender, crispy potatoes, fantastic sauce in the pot that was ladled out on our plates rich with herbs and pot juices. Just when we thought we couldn’t eat anymore the most delightful plum strudel was served and a plate of the best tasting watermelon. What a fantastic night it was. As we waddled down the steps we said goodbye to a great fun night out. Make sure when you are in Dubrovnik you don’t miss out on enjoying this wonderful night with Marija and Zlatko.

Marilyn Kent

Australia

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

Terrific food, and even more terrific hosts!

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

Remarkable Experience!

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

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