Portofino

The story

Portofino Restaurant in Split: International Flavors Inside Diocletian’s Palace

A Courtyard Kitchen Near Peristil

Portofino in Split delivers a refined international cuisine set within a quiet courtyard inside Diocletian’s Palace. The venue opened three years ago to provide a deliberate contrast to the surrounding tourist eateries. An open kitchen anchors the dining room, allowing guests to watch chefs prepare steaks, pastas, and seafood. Large parasols and white linen cover the adjacent terrace, which faces a small piazza decorated with fresh blooms.

Seasonal Plates and Refined Techniques

The kitchen follows a seasonal approach, rotating small plates that blend regional ingredients with broader seasonal cuisine traditions. Guests frequently order the salmon Wellington or duck confit, alongside housemade ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta. Lighter options include seared sea bass with celery cream and tuna fillets paired with red pepper hummus. Every plate arrives attractively presented, reflecting the team’s focus on consistent execution rather than heavy tradition.

Outdoor Seating and Wine Selection

Gault & Millau awarded the establishment fourteen points this year, largely praising the charm of its sunlit terrace and attentive service. The wine list balances local Croatian labels with imported bottles, providing steady support for the refined cuisine offerings. Desserts close the meal with structured textures, including chocolate mousse and strawberry preparations topped with almond crumble. Reservations remain essential during peak summer months when foreign visitors fill the piazza tables.