Nestled in the heart of the Croatian island of Hvar, Leporini Restaurant offers an experience that is both rooted in tradition and reimagined for the modern palate. As you approach the warm stone building with its ivy-draped terrace, you’re immediately drawn into an ambiance that feels timeless. Yet, once you step inside and taste the food, it becomes clear that this is no Historical homage to the past—it’s a bold and thoughtful reinvention of Hvar’s culinary soul.

At Leporini, tradition isn’t merely preserved; it is transformed with subtle elegance. The menu pays tribute to centuries-old Dalmatian recipes, but each dish is touched with creative flair. Local seafood—octopus, scampi, sea bass—arrives at the table with unexpected pairings: a truffle foam, a lavender reduction, or a dusting of dehydrated olive crumble. The flavors are familiar, yet strikingly new. It’s not fusion cuisine, but rather a respectful evolution of regional tastes, shaped by global inspiration and seasonal ingredients.

What sets Leporini apart is its commitment to authenticity without being bound by it. The chef, a Hvar native who trained in Italy and Spain, returned home with the vision of redefining local cuisine. His philosophy is clear: honor the ingredients of the island—olive oil, wild herbs, fresh seafood—and allow their simplicity to shine, but present them with the finesse and imagination of fine dining. The result is a culinary narrative that bridges generations, connecting the old fisherman’s stew with contemporary gastronomy.

Every element of the restaurant reflects this duality of heritage and innovation. The décor combines rustic elements with modern touches: wooden beams overhead, sleek lighting fixtures, artisanal ceramics. The wine list showcases the best of Croatian vineyards, particularly from the Dalmatian coast, alongside carefully selected international options. Many of the herbs and vegetables used in the kitchen are grown in Leporini’s own garden just outside the town center, reinforcing the restaurant’s farm-to-table ethos.

Dining at Leporini is more than a meal—it’s a curated journey through the island’s flavors, history, and identity. A guest might begin with a small plate of marinated anchovies with pickled fennel and citrus zest, followed by a risotto infused with red wine and garnished with smoked mussels. The main course could be a slow-roasted lamb shoulder, glazed in a rosemary and honey reduction, accompanied by charred root vegetables. Dessert might be a delicate basil panna cotta with a drizzle of carob syrup, subtly sweet and deeply fragrant.

Yet beyond the food, what truly elevates Leporini is the atmosphere. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate, offering stories behind the dishes and wines, creating a sense of connection that goes beyond service. There’s a genuine pride in sharing what makes Hvar special—not just as a tourist destination, but as a place with a rich cultural and culinary identity.

Leporini has quickly earned a reputation not only among travelers but also among locals, who see the restaurant as a respectful tribute to their roots. It’s become a gathering place for celebrations, intimate dinners, and those simply seeking a meaningful meal. In a landscape often overwhelmed by seasonal tourism, Leporini stands out for its integrity and its lasting appeal.

As the sun sets over the Adriatic and the terrace fills with the soft murmur of conversation, it’s clear that Leporini is more than a restaurant—it’s a symbol of how tradition can evolve without losing its essence. It invites diners to taste the past and the future of Hvar in every bite, reminding us that the best stories are the ones we continue to rewrite, plate by plate.