The story
Within the historic walls of Korčula’s Old Town, LD Restaurant offers a dining experience deeply connected to the island’s landscape. Located at Lešić Dimitri Palace, the restaurant draws its inspiration from the surrounding Adriatic coast—both above and below the sea. Head Chef Marko Gajski leads the kitchen, crafting a menu that celebrates the traditional food of the sea while navigating the seasons with bold, modern Mediterranean cuisine.
The ingredient-focused menu changes with what is available seasonally on land and at sea. Chef Gajski describes his philosophy simply: “Inspiration is all around us. It’s just a matter of surrounding yourself with the environment and focus on what mother nature provides us with each season.” This approach has earned the restaurant a Michelin star, recognizing its high-quality cooking and commitment to local, seasonal produce.
The dining experience at LD is designed to be both intimate and memorable. Guests can choose from a six-course Chef’s Tasting Menu, which features dishes like Clams with scallops and chowder, Sea Bass with Swiss chard and trout roe, and a striking Black Angus vs Wagyu course. A vegetarian tasting menu is also available, highlighting ingredients like beetroot, eggplant, and pumpkin. Each menu can be paired with wines selected by the sommeliers, who work closely with the chef to create a cohesive gastronomic identity rooted in Dalmatian cuisine.
The restaurant’s setting is as noteworthy as its food. The al fresco terrace stretches along the medieval wall, offering panoramic views across the Pelješac channel and the Korčula archipelago. For a more private affair, there is a beautiful interior space and two private dining rooms. Whether dining under the stars or inside the historic palace, the atmosphere is one of refined simplicity.
LD also takes pride in its connection to local producers, particularly family-run olive oil presses on Korčula and the nearby Pelješac Peninsula. The restaurant offers a diverse range of indigenous olive oils—such as the harmonious Drobnica and the robust Lastovka—each paired thoughtfully with dishes to enhance the flavors of the season. This dedication to local ingredients and tradition, transformed through modern techniques, makes LD a standout destination for modern Mediterranean cuisine on the Dalmatian coast.
Recognition
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