Mazzgoon, the self proclaimed “Stubbornest Restaurant in Split”, prides itself on persevering to provide the best food and the best service they possibly can. The name comes from the Dalmatian word for mule, a strong, hard working animal which embodies the restaurant owner’s beliefs. Situated just outside the western gate Diocletian’s Palace, it looks no different on the outside to all the other stone walled buildings on its street. The interior is a stylish juxtaposition of new and old and the quiet shady courtyard out the back is a welcome break from the hordes of tourists traipsing back and forth along the streets. The food and the wine is excellent, with clear dalmatian roots intertwined with an international influence.

With over 100 different bottles of wine available at any one time, the choice of wine here is more than you could ever ask for. Zinfandel, a grape which has been made famous in Californian vineyards, has its roots in the vineyards surrounding Split. This is a fabulous place to come in the evening and try some local Dalmatian wine, listen to live music (which plays every night in the summer) and top it off with some high quality food from the seasonal menu. Zinfandel also run wine tasting sessions aiming to bring their customers closer to Croatian wines.

Luxor, housed in the aches of Diocletian’s Palace, is named after the city in Egypt where the sphinx originates from. The emperor Diocletian brought many sphinxes from Luxor to guard his palace and they are still there today, guarding the imperial square where Luxor Cafe & restaurant is based. In the evenings the stairs lining the square are peppered with people who have come to listen to the live music which is performed every night during the summer. The waiters from Luxor know the old classics well and often join in the performance as they fetch and carry sweet treats out to customers on the steps. The atmosphere here in the evening is certainly worth stopping in for.