There are places in Dubrovnik where the setting is almost as memorable as the food, and Imperial Terrace at Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik is definitely one of them. Just steps from the Old Town, the terrace is surrounded by greenery, with views towards the Adriatic and Lovrijenac.
The hotel dates back to 1897 and is one of those landmark buildings that has been part of Dubrovnik’s more recent history for generations. There is something special about dining here. It feels elegant enough for a special occasion yet relaxed enough that you never feel like you have to dress up the experience too much.
And if there is one thing the Hilton Imperial has become particularly known for among locals and visitors, it is its tea and cake afternoons at the Imperial Bar. It is one of those simple Dubrovnik pleasures that feels a little more special here. The afternoon tea is rich and indulgent, with delicious cakes and treats that are best enjoyed slowly. The setting certainly helps. From the beautiful terrace of the Imperial Bar, Lovrijenac is right in front of you, and it is the kind of view that makes you want to order another cup of tea and stay a little longer. It is perfect for meeting friends, taking a quiet afternoon break or simply enjoying something sweet while watching Dubrovnik go by. But tea and cake were not the only reason we came to Hilton Imperial.
We wanted to see what Chef Julija Bašić has been cooking at Imperial Terrace, and it did not take us long to understand what makes her kitchen stand out. Julija, a Dubrovnik local who has been part of Hilton Imperial since 2005, is very much a chef who lets the ingredients lead the way. Her cooking is rooted in authentic Mediterranean flavours, quality local produce and a rather refreshing refusal to overcomplicate things. Most of her dishes are made from scratch, with plenty of attention given to the ingredient itself and to what is in season.
Her connection to food goes back to summers spent with her grandmother on the Pelješac Peninsula, where food was grown, prepared and cooked from scratch. It is easy to see how that experience shaped her approach today. There is a genuine respect for ingredients in her cooking, and an understanding that sometimes the best thing a chef can do is simply not get in the way.
We also loved hearing how closely Julija connects her cooking with Dubrovnik itself. For her, food can capture the colours, weather and moods of the city, as well as the Adriatic that surrounds it. Even the famous bura wind plays a part in her inspiration, bringing to mind clear skies, deep blue sea, white stone and the red rooftops of Dubrovnik.
One dish that really caught our attention was her signature sea urchin pasta with smoked mussels. It is the kind of dish that feels completely at home in Dubrovnik. The flavours are unmistakably Adriatic, with the sea urchin and smoked mussels bringing plenty of character without needing much else. It feels creative, but at the same time completely natural.
Julija has a particular love for pasta and risotto, which she sees as perfect canvases for exploring different flavours and combinations. She also has a deep appreciation for the seafood coming from the local waters, something that comes through very naturally in her cooking.
What we appreciated about Imperial Terrace, though, was that the experience wasn’t only about what was on the plate. Julija has built a loyal kitchen team over the years, with many members having worked alongside her for a long time. She is also passionate about mentoring younger chefs and passing on the importance of working from scratch and respecting the basics.
Imperial Terrace offers a quieter side of Dubrovnik dining. It is close enough to the Old Town to be convenient, but once you sit down on the terrace, everything feels a little removed from the crowds and the rush.
And perhaps that is what we liked most. Chef Julija’s thoughtful, ingredient-focused cooking fits the place perfectly. Local ingredients, Mediterranean flavours and a real connection to Dubrovnik come together in a beautiful setting that might initially make you expect the kind of elaborate dishes often associated with high-end restaurants such as foams, clever techniques and all the rest of it. Instead, we found something much more appealing: authenticity.
The dishes may sound simple, but there is nothing simple about getting them right. Behind that simplicity are years of experience, care and a deep respect for the ingredients. And in a city as rich in tradition and flavour as Dubrovnik, that feels like exactly the kind of cooking we want to enjoy.
