Caffe Cele

Caffe Cele has been part of life on Stradun since 1932, when it was opened by Celestin Šikić, known to everyone as Cele. It stands among the group of cafés clustered at the eastern end of the main street, close to Luža Square, and its sizeable pavement terrace is a natural place to stop between the Rector's Palace and the Franciscan Monastery.

After a thorough renovation in the winter of 2010 to 2011, Cele relaunched as a brunch café and bar. During the day it serves all-day breakfasts, from omelettes to croissants and cereals, alongside salads, wok-fried dishes and burgers, so it works well for a late breakfast or a light lunch. Later in the day the emphasis shifts to drinks, and the terrace becomes a place for an aperitif or a nightcap with Stradun lit up in front of you.

The terrace is large but very popular, and in peak season it can be crowded with visitors, especially in the middle of the day. Arrive early for breakfast, or come in the evening when the day-trippers have gone and the street is calmer. It suits families and groups, as the menu has something for most tastes, and solo travellers can easily find a small table for a quick coffee. Prices are in line with other cafés on Stradun.

Cele has historically kept long hours, opening early for brunch and staying open late as a bar. Hours may change with the seasons, and the details in older guides may no longer be current, so check the café's website or ask in person before planning around it, particularly in winter.

Allow 30 minutes for coffee or an hour for brunch. From the terrace it is a minute's walk to Luža Square, the Church of St Blaise and Sponza Palace, and a short stroll through the Ploče Gate brings you to Banje Beach. As one of the oldest names on Stradun, it is a good place to soak up the atmosphere of the main street over a long, unhurried breakfast before a day of sightseeing, or to people-watch with a drink once the evening lights come on along the street.