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Taj Mahal

Restaurant · Bosnian and Balkan$$Old Town, Dubrovnik

A Bib Gourmand Old Town restaurant serving Bosnian and Balkan cooking, from grilled meats out of its own butcher's to homemade plum baklava.

At a glance

Type
Bosnian and Balkan
Area
Old Town, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Price
$$ · Mid-range

Good to know

  • Bib Gourmand
  • Terrace
  • Family friendly

Why we recommend it

Despite the name, there is nothing Indian about Taj Mahal. This small Old Town restaurant serves Bosnian and wider Balkan food, and it has earned a Bib Gourmand in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Croatia, the guide's award for good-quality, good-value cooking. It is one of the best places in the city to try the hearty dishes of the inland Balkans rather than the seafood that dominates most menus on the coast.

The menu is long. Expect traditional slow-cooked dishes, family-recipe specialities, vegetable plates and above all grilled meat, which comes from the restaurant's own butcher's shop. If you are new to Bosnian cooking, ask the staff for advice; the Michelin inspectors note that service is friendly and helpful with menu choices. Leave space for the homemade plum baklava, made by the owner's mother, which the inspectors single out as unmissable. The drinks list covers wines and simple, well-made cocktails.

The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, with a terrace on the lane outside and a cosy dining room within. It suits families, groups of friends and anyone who wants a filling, reasonably priced meal in the Old Town. Pets are allowed, and the restaurant is air conditioned.

Taj Mahal is open for lunch and dinner daily, with a break in the late afternoon. It is popular, so booking is recommended for dinner, particularly in summer. If the Old Town branch is full, there is a larger, more modern Taj Mahal inside Hotel Lero, a couple of kilometres north of the Old Town. Winter hours can differ, so call ahead in the off-season.

Allow an hour and a half. Its central position makes it a convenient stop between sights such as the Rector's Palace and the Franciscan Monastery. Portions are generous, so order with restraint or share plates. First-timers might share a selection of grilled meats with bread and fresh salad, then try one of the slow-cooked family dishes. Vegetarians are catered for with vegetable plates. Lunch is usually quieter than dinner, and it is a good place to refuel in the middle of a sightseeing day. Credit cards are accepted, and it works equally well for a quick lunch or a long dinner with friends.

Taj Mahal FAQs

What kind of food does Taj Mahal serve?

Bosnian and Balkan dishes, especially grilled meats, rather than Indian food.

Does it have a Michelin distinction?

Yes. It holds a Bib Gourmand in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Croatia.

What should I not miss?

The homemade plum baklava made by the owner's mother.

Where does the meat come from?

From the restaurant's own butcher's shop.

Do I need to book?

Booking is recommended, as it is popular, especially for dinner.

Is there another branch?

Yes. A larger, more modern Taj Mahal is inside Hotel Lero, a couple of kilometres north of the Old Town.

Is it good for families?

Yes. The Michelin Guide lists it as family friendly.

Is it expensive?

It is one of the better-value sit-down restaurants in the Old Town.

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