Top 5 Calamari in Croatia – and One Big Disappointment

If you’re searching for the best calamari in Croatia, welcome – you’re in the right place. This post is for all fellow calamari lovers who, like me, dream of that perfect bite: crispy on the outside, tender inside, never rubbery, and just salty enough to make you want another plate.

Since moving to Sweden, calamari has become one of those foods I constantly crave. You can find it here, but it’s far from a staple. And when it shows up on a menu, it’s rarely done right. Either too soft, too chewy, or just plain boring. It’s nothing like the delicious calamari I’ve had in Italy or, more recently, in Croatia.

During our summer road trip through Istria, I started doing something a little ridiculous – I ordered calamari in almost every restaurant we visited. At first, I felt a bit embarrassed. But eventually, I thought: why not turn this into something useful? Everything else on the menu I could find back home, but good calamari? That’s worth documenting.

So here it is – my totally personal ranking of calamari dishes across Croatia’s Istrian coast. Most of them were fried (my favorite – crunchy, golden, and perfect with a slice of lemon), though I tried a few grilled ones too. We’ll start with the biggest disappointments and work our way up to the plates that made me consider ordering seconds.

Let’s start in order from the worst to the best.

❌ Veritas Food&Vine, Pula – the worst calamari in Croatia

With over 10,000 Google reviews and an impressive 4.9 rating, Veritas Food & Wine in Pula looked like an absolute gem. It was, by far, the most hyped-up place we visited during our Istrian road trip. So naturally, I had high hopes. Unfortunately, it turned out to be the biggest disappointment on my calamari in Croatia quest – and quite possibly the worst calamari I’ve ever had.

By this point in the trip, I had mostly been ordering fried calamari. But here, I decided to switch it up and try the grilled version. The dish was beautifully presented: calamari served with Istrian-style potatoes with spinach, and a buttery garlic sauce on the side. It looked promising. But that’s where the praise ends.

The potatoes were undercooked – just a bit too firm and chalky – and the calamari itself seemed poorly cleaned. Some bites had a gritty, sandy texture, and a few pieces had an unpleasant, almost bitter flavor that made me question whether they were even fresh. The worst part? My stomach was not happy afterwards. I could feel the meal for hours – bloating, nausea, and regret.

To be fair, my husband had a steak that, while a bit tough, was okay overall. But considering the high prices, even that felt underwhelming. Needless to say, we won’t be going back, and I can’t recommend this spot to anyone chasing great calamari in Croatia.

5. Restaurant Lampo, Rovinj

We didn’t choose Restaurant Lampo in Rovinj for the food – we chose it for the view. It was golden hour, the sun was setting, and we wanted to sit somewhere right by the water, surrounded by the magical pastel glow that only Rovinj can deliver. Many restaurants in the area offer waterfront terraces, but most were fully booked. Lampo still had space, so we took it – and honestly, for the view alone, it’s a 10 out of 10. Pure Croatian dream.

Now, the calamari. They were fine. Not amazing, not memorable, but… fine. The calamari itself was decently fried, with a good texture and mild flavor. The real letdown was the side: frozen supermarket-style fries that clashed with the atmosphere completely. And the portion? Tiny. Definitely not enough if you’re actually hungry – and for the price, you’d expect a bit more on the plate.

So while I wouldn’t steer you away from Lampo if you’re after a magical sunset dinner with decent calamari, just don’t come here expecting a standout calamari experience. Come for the view, enjoy the vibes, and lower your expectations just a little.

4. Bijeli San, Poreč

In the lively town of Poreč, we found ourselves at Bijeli San, a charming little restaurant located on a busy square surrounded by narrow streets and historic facades. The terrace was packed, the energy was high, and the atmosphere felt exactly like what you want from a summer evening in Croatia.

The calamari here? Very solid. They were fried to a lovely golden crisp, served hot and fresh, with a squeeze of lemon on top – simple, flavorful, satisfying. Yes, they came with frozen fries again (why is this such a theme?), but this time they were the good kind. Crisp, golden, and actually enjoyable.

What really made this place stand out, though, was the portion size. The plate was absolutely loaded with calamari. Honestly, you could split it between two people if you’re not starving – and if you are, this will fill you up nicely. No regrets. Plus, it came with a generous side of aioli, which was creamy, garlicky, and delicious – the perfect dipping companion.

Great value, friendly service, and a vibrant location. Not the absolute best calamari in Croatia, but definitely one of the most satisfying meals on the trip.

3. La Pentola Trattoria Italiana, Lanterna Camping

This was a tough one to place. I honestly debated whether it should be tied with the previous spot or maybe just a notch below. But in the end, I decided to give La Pentola Trattoria Italiana a slight edge – if only for the cozy vibes and the memories tied to our first day of the trip.

Located right on Camping Lanterna, where we were staying, this was the very first plate of calamari I had in Croatia during this visit. And you know what? It was a pretty strong start. The calamari were nicely fried – light, flavorful, and satisfying. The portion wasn’t huge, especially for the price, but it came with a little side of aioli, which I always appreciate.

The fries? Yes, frozen again (are we sensing a pattern?), but they were steak-cut, crispy on the outside and soft inside, and actually kind of delightful. Nothing mind-blowing, but definitely on the “good” side of the scale.

So while this wasn’t the most epic calamari in Croatia, it was a pleasant one. Solid flavors, good textures, and a relaxed, holiday-kind-of-feeling made it an easy pick for the top half of my ranking.

2. Bacchus, Poreč

Sometimes the best meals come from pure chance. We stumbled upon Bacchus in Poreč completely by accident – and it became one of the absolute highlights of our calamari adventure.

It all started when we wandered into a little ceramics shop that was just about to close. The owner zipped off on his scooter before we could finish browsing. A few minutes later, we spotted him again – this time in an apron, serving guests at a nearby restaurant. He recognized us and warmly invited us in, explaining that this was his family’s place. His grandparents catch the seafood, his mother cooks it, and he helps run the floor. That alone had us sold – but what came next was pure magic.

We shared a plate of fried calamari for two, served with traditional Istrian potatoes – creamy, garlicky, mashed just enough to still have texture, with fresh spinach mixed in. The calamari were golden, crispy, perfectly seasoned, and cooked just right. Every bite melted in the mouth, and the potatoes complemented them beautifully. It was simple but unforgettable.

The atmosphere was just as charming as the food – relaxed, intimate, full of joy. We were treated like family, offered a taste of rakija and teranino, and left with full bellies and even fuller hearts.

I honestly thought this might be the best calamari in Croatia. It set the bar very high – and it was only our second evening. The only reason it’s not number one is because something just barely edged it out… but this one is unforgettable.

1. Konoba Anni, Novigrad – the best calamari in Croatia

And now – the winner. The dish that I’ve been dreaming about ever since we left Istria. If you want to experience the absolute peak of calamari Croatia, you need to visit Konoba Anni in Novigrad.

I’ve written a full review about this place elsewhere on the blog (because yes, it deserved its own dedicated love letter), but here’s the short version: it was perfect. Truly.

The fried calamari comes in a rustic clay bowl, golden and generous, with a wedge of lemon tucked in for that perfect zing. Alongside it, another clay dish – this time filled with crispy roasted potatoes and a generous helping of garlicky aioli that was so delicious, I’ve honestly had dreams about it. Add to that a huge bowl of salad with fresh cucumber, tomato, and a vinaigrette that ties it all together, and… it’s a plate I’d travel hours for.

Every element of the meal sang in harmony. The portion size was huge, the flavors were fresh and bright, and the presentation had that down-to-earth charm that makes everything taste better. I’m already planning my return.

If you want all the details (and you should), head over to the full blog post dedicated to Konoba Anni. But know this – it’s the gold medalist in my calamari in Croatia ranking for a reason.

We’re already dreaming about going back to some of these places – especially our top two picks, which left us absolutely delighted and more than satisfied. There’s something magical about the way calamari is prepared in Istria – from the freshness of the seafood to the warmth of the local hospitality. One thing is certain: our search for the best calamari in Croatia is far from over. We can’t wait to explore other regions of this beautiful country and discover new favorites along the way. Until then, we’ll be here, missing those crispy bites and planning our return.