$$ - Fusion/European - Lapad
Lapadska obala 20, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
I was staying in the Lapad area of Dubrovnik north of Old Town to the west of the Gruž/cruise port and was looking for dinner nearby. Having found Peppers, I reserved online through a form for 7pm as the website said to reserve for 7/9pm. However, I did this two nights in a row and both times I was the only person arriving at that time so it seems like you can reserve for another time. Reservations are recommended as it can get pretty busy. People walked in and sometimes they were able to get space outside. Towards 8:30pm some people started being turned away, it didn't look like they were put on a list. As a result, try to reserve or come early.
THE SPACE
As you walk along the west side of Lapad Bay next to the boats, you see the blue awning of Peppers. As you walk through the archway, the outside area is a very cozy space with string lights and wooden tables where you sit upon reservation. Sitting outside in summer was lovely, Dubrovnik’s mild climate means it’s probably great in the winter as well. There’s also a large inside space where many walk-ins are placed when the outside is full.
VISIT 1
They have a very extensive drink menu with lots of different flavor profiles and alcohols, I went for a Strawberry Agave Mojito - lime juice + agave nectar + mint leaves + tequila + strawberries + club soda.
There were a couple of specials and I chose to get the burrata (a common choice for me whenever I see it on a menu). The Italian Burrata EVO came with olive oil, fresh basil, basil pesto, and sun-blushed San Marzano tomatoes.
Though technically an appetizer, after getting the burrata, I decided to get the pork belly as an entree. The BBQ Pork Belly is slow-cooked in Chinese five spices with homemade BBQ sauce and is pretty dense and filling.
I did have some space for dessert, especially considering the list looked so great. I chose the Ultimate Wild Berry Cheesecake with fresh berries, as a big cheesecake fan. The cake texture was very light and I enjoyed the fruitiness.
VISIT 2
The very next day at the same time, I was back at Peppers. I didn't see too many other restaurants in Lapad I wanted to go to as the other ones by the water looked overly expensive (even for Dubrovnik) and the strip of resataurants on Šetalište kralja Zvonimira to the west looked very touristy and generic. Furthermore, I wanted to try the many great looking things on the menu that I hadn't been able to try the day before.
I wanted something a little different on their extensive drink list so I got the Mango Margarita with gold tequila, triple sec, mango and lime. This one was very strong and I didn't love as much.
I then got the Grilled Chicken Satay Skewers with crushed peanuts and coconut chili sauce which were flavorful and crunchy. Even as someone who doesn't love coconut or spice, I really enjoyed the sauce.
I then had the Aromatic Shredded Duck Salad as a main course (can also be a starter). It's duck with carrots and cucumber with a salad of spring onions, red pepper, peanuts, lemongrass, wonton crisps and hoisin sauce.
WINNERS
Strawberry Agave Mojito - sweet, fun container, tastes great (the couple next to me, after seeing mine, ordered it too).
Ultimate Wild Berry Cheesecake - very fruity and creamy, yumm
Duck Salad - packed with flavor and is filling
COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
Mango Margarita: less alcohol or something to hide the bitterness
Final Verdict
If you're staying in the Lapad area, this is a great place to come to eat. It has a wide variety of foods where anyone can find something they would enjoy. It has a great ambiance and the service is good (not always easy to find in Croatian tourist hubs). It isn’t the cheapest but for Dubrovnik, it’s a pretty good value for money and you’ll have a very positive experience. There’s a reason I came back my second and last night!
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