Where to Eat, Taste & Experience the East Side of Hvar (Gdinj Area)

The east side of Hvar, with Gdinj as its quiet heart, is not only about untouched beaches and silence, it’s also a place of deep hospitality, honest food, and people who live what they offer. Here, dining is never rushed, tastings turn into conversations, and landscapes become part of the experience.

Below are the places you should not miss if you want to truly understand this part of the island.

Restaurant Marini – Dining in an Olive Grove

Restaurant Marini is one of those places you remember long after you leave. Set in an olive grove above the sea, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of Brač, the Biokovo mountain, and the mainland.

What truly makes Marini special, however, are the hosts, Đina and Leonardo, whose warmth and generosity define the experience.

Perfect for: Sunset dinners, long lunches, special occasions, and travelers who value atmosphere as much as taste.

Restaurant Veprinova – A Coastal Classic

Located right by the sea in Veprinova Bay, Restaurant Veprinova is a classic for a reason. With a well-organized team led by the owner and chef, service is fast, professional, and consistent.

Expect excellent grilled fish or steak, homemade pasta, and the simple pleasure of dining with a constant sea breeze.

Perfect for: Relaxed seaside lunches, families, and those who appreciate reliable quality done right.

OPG Antonio – Home-Style Local Atmosphere

For something truly local, OPG Antonio offers a warm, homemade atmosphere where food feels like it’s coming straight from the family kitchen.

Simple, seasonal, this is where you go to experience how the island has always eaten.

Plamea Hvar – Private Lunches & Luxury Picnics

For a more intimate and refined experience, Plamea offers private lunches and curated picnics in nature. Designed around seasonal ingredients, wild herbs, and regenerative principles, Plamea experiences combine luxury with authenticity, never formal, always personal.

Perfect for: Couples, small groups, slow travelers, and anyone seeking a “different kind of luxury.”

SECA – Olive Oil Tasting Worth the Stop

Olive oil tastings are common on Hvar, almost every family produces their own, but SECA is the place to go for a complete, elevated experience.

Set in a beautifully designed olive grove, SECA pairs award-winning olive oils with architecture, landscape, and storytelling. Owner Eva brings deep knowledge, passion, and warmth, making the tasting both educational and inspiring.

Fjori Fora – Botanical Garden of Hvar

If you want to understand the smells, herbs, and plants of Hvar in one place, visit Fjori Fora. This interactive botanical garden showcases the island’s aromatic heritage and allows visitors to touch, smell, and learn, ending with the option to purchase their beautifully crafted products.

OPG Petar Radovanović – Wine & Tradition

OPG Petar Radovanović offers wine tastings paired with cheese and meat platters, but the experience goes far beyond the glass. As a local wine producer working with indigenous Hvar varieties, Petar shares deep knowledge of wine, history, and island traditions. making each tasting a cultural exchange.

OPG Baka & Dida – Artistic Hvar Souvenirs

For meaningful souvenirs, visit OPG Baka & Dida. Created by local artist Jadranka, the shop offers artistic, recycled souvenirs made from driftwood, stone, and natural island materials, each piece carrying a story rather than just a logo.

Why the East Side of Hvar Is Worth Your Time

The east side of Hvar, with Gdinj as its anchor, is less crowded, more spacious, and deeply experiential. You can easily spend a full day here, swimming in hidden bays, tasting olive oil and wine, visiting gardens, shopping local, and ending with a sunset dinner overlooking the sea.