Barba

Barba is the answer for anyone who wants Adriatic seafood in the Old Town without the price or the time commitment of a sit-down restaurant. This small counter on Boškovićeva, a lane just off Stradun, turns local fish and shellfish into street food, and its octopus burger has become something of a calling card for the place. It is one of the most popular budget options inside the walls.

The menu is short and focused. Alongside the octopus burger you will find tuna and shrimp burgers and fried oysters, all designed to be eaten quickly, either standing up, perched on one of the bar stools inside, or carried away to a shady step or the harbour wall. Portions are sized as a snack or a light meal rather than a feast, so hungry visitors may want two items. Ask about the day's specials, as seafood availability changes.

Barba suits solo travellers, families with children who want something familiar in a bun, and anyone on a tight budget, which in Dubrovnik's Old Town is no small thing. It is also handy for a late bite after an evening on the walls or at a bar, as it keeps long hours in season, from late morning until around midnight. Seating is very limited, so treat it as a takeaway rather than a place to linger.

There is no website, so check the restaurant's social media pages for current opening times, especially outside summer, when many Old Town eateries shorten their hours or close for a few weeks. Payment options are best checked on the spot; carrying some cash is sensible for small purchases in the Old Town.

To find it, walk along Stradun and turn north into Boškovićeva; the counter is only a few steps up. Allow 15 to 30 minutes. Pair a burger with a stroll down to the old harbour, or use it as a cheap lunch between the Franciscan Monastery and the Rector's Palace. For a first taste of Dalmatian octopus without a formal meal, it is hard to find an easier option in the walled city, and the quick service means you lose very little sightseeing time.