3 Must-Try Cafes & Coffee Shops in Split, Croatia

I originally moved to Croatia as it was one of the closest places I could enter for 3 months after my time in the Schengen Area had expired (90 days). I didn’t have any preconceptions before I first moved, and originally planned to spend my slotted three months in Zagreb. However, after taking a trip down to Split in the first week of December, 2019, I felt at home and shifted plans. 

I ended up staying the next three months (just about), in Split, Croatia, and really made myself at home. The below three cafes were all a big part of my life and daily routine while there and absolutely worth checking out. 

D16 Coffee

Courtesy of D16 Coffee’s Facebook page.

Located right in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace (and the home of the tetrarchy), D16 Coffee will bring you back to the days of the Roman Empire with the hidden alleyways you’ll trek through to get there. Of all coffee shops I worked out of in Split, Croatia, D16 is hands down a coffee aficionado’s favorite cafe, thanks to their incredibly knowledgeable baristas, 100% Arabica coffee beans, and speciality cold brew. 

Not only is D16 a coffee lover’s paradise, it is extremely affordable as well and preferable to most of the cafes down on the Promenade for those just wanting a quick cup of joe. D16 was also a favorite and staple of my daily routine due to its strong WiFi and surprising number of digital nomads and freelancers who worked out of there. D16’s back room sports a communal working table that is typically packed from morning until afternoon. It is quite a tight fit, so it is inevitable that you will strike up conversation with a patron or two. 

I really have to tip my cap to the baristas at D16, as they were all extremely hospitable and knowledgeable about all blends – something that allowed me to step out of my coffee comfort-zone. 

Pro Tip: I recommend grabbing a coffee from D16 Coffee and then heading down to site along the Split Promenade. Not only will this not break the bank, you can then choose the optimal spot for relaxing along the water. 

Website, Address, & Details: https://d16coffee.com/ 

Hours: Everyday 7AM – 7PM (do note that D16 usually closes around 3PM during winter)

Location: Dominisova ul. 16, 21000, Split, Croatia

Gourmet Bar Basta

Courtesy of Basta’s website.

During my three month stint in Split, Croatia, Basta was by far my most frequented spot. Not only was it a roughly 5 minute walk from my apartment (located in the heart of the Old Town), it served up the best salad I’ve had to date. I’ll get into that in a minute. When most tourists flock to Split, they immediately post up right on the Promenade. Little do most know that only a 5 minute walk down Obala kneza Branimira, right along the water, is the best restaurant and cafe on the strip – Basta. 

Basta sports an up-close and courtside view of the Split Promenade and Marina. Seriously, when sitting outside at Basta, you are only about 10 feet from the water. Basta is also a surprisingly hip spot for digital nomads and freelancers, and you can often find several on their laptops grinding out some work, with one of the best views there is. 

Now, let’s get into that salad. For starters, the name is the “Bella Burrata” salad, and that is exactly what it is. Beautiful and filled with burrata cheese. Think of a mediterranean salad, with olives, capers, and sun dried tomatoes, then throw a heart ball of burrata cheese on top. It is perfection (and that is coming from someone who would eat only meat if I could). The coffee is worth mentioning too, as their espresso had one of the most unique tastes I’ve had, with a slightly nutty flavor. Like grapefruit juice, it took me a bit to get used to it. But once I did, I loved it and couldn’t get enough. 

What Basta prides themselves on is their woodfire oven and specialty pizzas. Literally 80% of people here order the pizza. I felt like a bit of a pig ordering a pizza by myself each day (though I did take down my fair share of their margherita pizzas), so I would often opt for their mediterranean calzone – packed with sardines and olives. While probably the same amount of calories, psychologically it made me feel like I was eating less! 

Website, Address, & Details: http://basta.bar/split/

Hours: M-W 8AM – 12AM, Thursday & Friday 8AM – 1AM, Saturday 8AM – 12AM, Sunday 12PM – 12AM

Location: Obala kneza Branimira BB, 21000, Split, Croatia

Teraca Vidilica

Courtesy of Teraca Vidilica’s Facebook page.

If you are looking for the cafe in Split, Croatia with the best view (no lie), you’ve found it. Situated halfway up the Marjan Hill and overlooking the Split Promenade, Marina, and Adriatic, Teraca Vidilica is a “chilled out” terrace for those looking to wind down with a coffee (or beer) while checking out a Split sunset. This is the spot that I would frequent when I wanted to turn my mind completely off, appreciate the natural beauty of Split, and sip on a strong espresso. 

Getting up to Teraca Vidilica might seem like quite a feat, but it is actually a pleasant, not-very-strenuous uphill walk. It’s also great to walk off those one-too-many Karlovacko beers you drank the night before. Teraca Vidilica doesn’t just serve coffee, you can find a whole menu of food and drink here, which includes gnocchi, bruschetta, steaks and more. 

So, whether you are looking to enjoy your breakfast and coffee “on top of the world” (well…just Split), or wind down with a Split sunset and several drinks after a short “hike,” Vidilica is the spot to go. 

If you don’t believe my review of this place and how gorgeous the view is, check out the reviews for yourself – you won’t be disappointed. 

Pro Tip: I recommend grabbing a seat right on the edge of the terrace for a breathtaking view of Split’s Old Town, Mount Mosor, and the Promenade. 

Website, Address, & Details: https://www.facebook.com/Teraca-Vidilica-973159252723663/ 

Hours: Everyday 8AM – 6PM

Location: prilaz Vladimira Nazora 1, 21000, Split, Croatia

Final Thoughts on Split, Croatia Coffee Houses & Cafes

Split’s coffee culture draws inspiration from the Venetians, Ottomans, and Austro-Hungarians, which makes for a rich history and no shortage of options when it comes to starting your day off right. 

Keep in mind that the cafes and coffee shops along the Promenade are packed daily with tourists from Italy and other Croatian islands, so it can be somewhat chaotic trying to snag a seat and relax. The above cafes all (in my experience) are somewhat off the typical tourist’s radar, which makes for a more relaxing and authentic experience. 

If you are headed to Budapest, Bratislava, or even Vienna and looking for some great cafes to post up at and get some work done, I recommend checking out my other blog posts here: 

• 6 Best Cafes to Work From in Vienna
• Best Budapest Cafes For Digital Nomads & Freelancers
• 4 Laptop Friendly Cafes & Places For Digital Nomads in Bratislava

If you’ve been to Split, Croatia and checked out some of the coffee shops and cafes there, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Or feel free to contact me here.

Best,

Big Body