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

You Can’t Experience Dubrovnik w/o Marija and Zlatko

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

If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

And that is exactly how dinner at Marija and Zlatko’s home started and ended.

It was my first time in Dubrovnik and won’t be my last after this food journey at Marija and Zlatko’s home. At the first holler of “Come on Up” by Zlatko at the top of the stairwell, I knew I was in for some no non-sense local experience. The climb up the few steps from street level was a precursor of more gym sessions I probably needed to do after a very generous and sumptuous dinner that evening.

I was welcomed very warmly by Marija who immediately made me feel like I’ve meet a long lost sister. The first drink I had was a homemade on the sweet-side wine that was delicious and refreshing at the same time. My glass was never left empty that night.

I was immediately introduced to other guest diners that evening – people from all over the Unites States, Canada and Asia. It was a cozy party of 8 guests that was just, to my mind, the right size for an experience such as this.

As Zlatko focused on ensuring that the Peka was going to be beautifully done, we were spoiled with choices of out-of-this world decadent appetizers ranging from homemade cheese, succulent local tomatoes, locally-grown olives & grapes, family-made prosciutto, backyard-grown figs – a balanced overload to the senses, I must say.

As I sat under trellises of grapevines which hung above our dining table in Marija’s garden, I thoroughly enjoyed the international company, conversations and cultural exchanges. What better way to learn!

The highlight of the evening was the Peka dish. A traditional Croation dish of meats (veal, beef, etc.) and vegetables cooked inside a metal tray with a bell-like cover and cooked over an open fire. When Zlatko opened the cover, the aroma of the dish overcame my senses. I was in heaven! But the aroma was just the start, the texter of the meat was so soft and tender that I did not need any knife to cut through it. The flavour was beyond description. You just need to experience it for yourself. The portions were generous and there was more than enough to go around! Marija poured various other types of wines to accompany personal wine-pairing preferences. Maybe out of sated bliss, the image of Scarlette o’Hara came to mind as she said – ‘… and I’ll never be hungry again.”

And just as I thought I could not possibly eat another bite, Marija tempts (and we succumb) us with her homemade Tiramisu. One bite and I was definitely in heaven! I will not ruin the experience for you by even trying to describe you. You just have to try it yourself!

Eat at the Home of Marija & Zlatko Papak – only then can you say that you’ve had a good trip to Dubrovnik

VaVel

Singapore

Posts navigation

1 2 3 4 5
Scroll to top