On the small but lively island of Silba, where the gastronomic offer is traditionally modest, one place has stood out for years as a beacon of quality and innovation. The story of Konoba Alavija began back in 2007 as a small family café, and by 2010 it had developed into a tavern with classic Dalmatian dishes. However, the real turning point came when their team was joined by the exceptionally talented head chef Milenko Vitorović.
His arrival elevated the restaurant‘s reputation, but the real change happened in 2022. At that time, the chef, enriched with new knowledge and techniques, decided to modernize the approach to traditional Dalmatian cuisine. Since then, the menu has been based on the very best the island has to offer: seasonal and local ingredients, from freshly caught fish and seafood to fruit, vegetables, and herbs that the team often forages themselves in nature.
Although they do not want to be categorized as haute cuisine, their dedication to detail and creativity is unquestionable. And then, this summer, something completely unexpected happened. Something that exploded in popularity and created lines in front of the tavern. We‘re talking about sandwiches.
It all started with the inspiration of owner Saša Predovan, who, on a trip, tried a fantastic focaccia sandwich, popular in Italy. He realized that this was exactly what Silba was missing and decided to make the best sandwiches on the island. Since there is no bakery on Silba that could meet their high standards, they rolled up their sleeves themselves. After numerous experiments, they created the perfect recipe for their own focaccia—soft, airy, and an excellent base for the rich flavors of local ingredients.
They immediately included sandwiches with top-quality local ingredients: prosciutto from Posedarje, fresh ricotta from Pag, octopus caught around Silba, and even homemade ham that comes from Zagreb. At first, the public‘s reaction was shy. But since the tavern is located right next to the harbor on the western side of the island, the story quickly spread. People started buying their sandwiches more and more, and now they sell out every day until the very last one.
We‘re talking about a big, hearty sandwich that can replace a complete meal, and as Predovan revealed to us, it‘s so generous that guests often share it. The success exceeded all expectations. For next year, they are already making new plans: they will expand the concept, introduce brunch, and enrich the sandwich offer.
One thing is certain—as Konoba Alavija continues its path as a synonym for top island cuisine, their sandwiches have become the absolute summer hit. We eagerly await to see what new things they will prepare for us.
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