And boy, have I got one to share with you.
I've had a fair few dinners in my time. 26 years x 365 days. You do the math. But I think that this one is the highlight. Top of the lot. I won't be forgetting my dinner at Nautika in a hurry...
It was our last evening in Dubrovnik and we were in for a treat. Dinner at the renowned Nautika just outside the Old Town's walls. Originally a nautical school established in 1881, this restaurant boasts plenty of history that sailors and foodies alike are sure to love. Not to mention its commitment to the theme. Blues and sea references appear throughout...
Ok enough about the inside, let's head on out to the deck where it just got better and better. Waves crashed below and riffs from the pianist inside tinkled out to greet you. Not to mention the view. See what I mean...
Our meal started, as all good meals should, with a cocktail. And not just any cocktail. Mine included a bird cage and rose petals. It's called Show Me The Bird if you fancy ordering it yourself.
Then a little appetiser to start. Ricotta with beetroot accompanied by a cuttlefish ink rice crisp. Delightfully light with incredible texture.
Next, [my favourite] some top-notch seafood. A trio of tuna carpaccio, lobster with sea urchin and prawn with ricotta. Each was delightful and I was enthralled with the lobster. It sat on a bed of dehydrated olive oil which simply dissolved on your tongue like magic. Fancy.
Continuing the sea-theme we then had scallops with kale and potato mash. Topped with plenty of truffles. Again, a triumph with a beautiful flavour combination.
Tuna coated in a crust of rosemary and capers with zucchini. The previous night we'd dined somewhere I would not recommend and endured dry, tough tuna. This dish could not have been more opposite. Delightfully tender, moist and perfectly cooked.
We rounded out the night with the aptly named Chocolate Fantasy. Fresh berries sit perched in a vanilla creme-filled chocolate basket. All my favourite things together. Yum.
We enjoyed our last few bites, watching as the sun went down, feeling weary yet delighted after a jam-packed day. Because like they say in this town "One day in Dubrovnik is like ten anywhere else..."
Thank you to Nautika for having us. The service here is top-notch, the waiters are so friendly and efficient, particularly Ivan who looked after us splendidly and knows everything there is to know about wine. If you're in Dubrovnik, make this dinner a must on your list. You'll be missing out if you don't.
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Photos by Krissie.