Nestled in Split’s Varos neighborhood, Tavern Buffet Fife is more than just a restaurant; it’s an institution.
The Tavern Buffet Fife restaurant, established in the late 1980s, is a living testament to the time-honored traditions and timeless recipes of Split, Croatia, passed down the generations.
Buffet Fife’s tavern serves meat and seafood dishes, focusing on traditional Dalmatian cuisine. Expect to spend around €20-€30 ($22-$32, £17-£26) per person for lunch or dinner.
The Tavern Buffet Fife in Split has a lively and relaxing atmosphere. We have visited Fife many times over the years and always enjoyed their homemade, hearty, tasty, fresh, and affordable food.
Tavern Buffet Fife Split is still among our favorite places to eat in Split, Croatia.
Table of Contents
Tavern Buffet Fife in Split, Croatia: Overview
Overview | Buffet Fife |
---|---|
Cuisine | Dalmatian |
Style | Local eatery |
Type of Food | Hearty, traditional |
Recommended Dishes | Stuffed peppers, boiled veal with tomato sauce, cod stew, tripes |
Price Range | Starters €5-€12 ($6-$13, £4-£10), Pasta, risotto: €10-€14 ($11-$15, £9-£12), Main Dishes: €12-€20 ($13-$22, £10-£17), Dessert: €5 ($6, £4) |
Ambiance | Bustling |
Car access / Parking | Yes |
Best For | Families, couples, groups, foodies |
Service | Friendly, Informal |
Vegetarian / Vegan | Available, but limited choice |
Capacity | 60 inside, 80 outside |
Distance to town center | 500 m |
Credit Cards | Yes |
Working Hours | Daily, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
Reservations | Available only for large groups |
Address | Trumbićeva obala 11, Split, Croatia |
Contact | m: +385 21 345 223 |
Where to Find the Tavern Buffet Fife?
The tavern Buffet Fife is located in the Varos neighborhood, right at the heart of Split, Croatia, next to the Matejuska harbor. It is just 500 meters away from Diocletian’s Palace, towards Marjan Hill.
While you can reach Buffet Fife by car, it’s more convenient to walk there. The tavern is less than 10 minutes away from the Riva waterfront if you go on foot.
If you’re driving to the tavern, it’s better to park at designated parking lots in the Varos neighborhood. It will allow you to take a leisurely stroll to the tavern, and you can reach it within 10 minutes.
When is Tavern Buffet Fife open?
The tavern Buffet Fife is open daily, throughout the year, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m..
This popular spot is a favorite among both locals and tourists alike. So, expect crowds, especially in summer. However, service is swift, and tables free up promptly.
Food in the Tavern Buffet Fife: What To Expect?
The menu at Tavern Buffet Fife is a tribute to the diverse and delicious flavors of Dalmatia. The restaurant offers an extensive selection of dishes featuring both land and sea treats that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Buffet Fife’s tavern serves meat and seafood dishes based on traditional Dalmatian recipes and cooking techniques. Popular dishes include baby beef stew (pasticada), black risotto, meatballs, stuffed peppers, boiled veal, fried Adriatic small fish and seafood, grilled fish, and meat.
The portions are generous, and the quality of the food is good.
How much does it cost to eat at Buffet Fife?
Buffet Fife offers a range of dishes at reasonable prices. Price of a meal with drinks costs €20-€30 ($22-$33, £17-£26) per person.
For starters, you can choose from a range of appetizers that cost between €5-€12 ($6-$13, £4-£10). If you’re in the mood for pasta or risotto, a plate will set you back €10-€14 ($11-$15, £9-£12).
For the main course, the prices range from €12-€20 ($13-$22, £10-£17), and you can choose from a variety of dishes such as meatballs with mashed potatoes, baby beef stew with gnocchi, and grilled fish, among others.
If you have a sweet tooth, cakes are priced at €5 ($6, £4).
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The Vibe in the restaurant Buffet Fife
The atmosphere at Buffet Fife is electric and loved by many who frequent the place. The service is efficient. The space is filled with laughter and conversation, creating a vibrant dining experience typical of Split and Dalmatia.
Here, the fun is just as important as the food, with diners sharing meals and stories. Whether you’re squeezed onto a bench with friends or clinking glasses on the terrace, Buffet Fife delivers an authentic sense of conviviality.
You immediately notice a laid-back attitude and a healthy mix of tourists and locals.
The tavern Buffet Fife is spread across two houses, one located across a small street from the other.
One house has a kitchen, a counter with drinks, and a corner sitting area. In front of this house, there is a lovely terrace. Part of the terrace is covered while the rest is open. This means that even in winter, you can dine outside. The other house, located across the street, features an indoor dining room.
The restaurant has been recently renovated and has a refreshed look, with exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and lovely wooden furniture. Instead of classic tables with chairs, the tavern Buffet Fife has wooden benches.
Our experience at Fife
We have visited Fife in Split, Croatia many times over the years, and it has become one of our favorite eateries.
Although we have heard some locals complain that Fife isn’t what it used to be due to its popularity, we believe it is still a one-of-a-kind place with an authentic ambiance and an excellent selection of traditional specialties.
Additionally, their french fries are homemade, which is a rarity in many Split restaurants and throughout Croatia.
Our advice for dining at Buffet Fife would be to stick to the traditional dishes on the menu. We recommend trying boiled meat, meatballs, stuffed peppers, cod stew, baby beef stew, and similar dishes.
We have always found the food at Buffet Fife to be honest, tasty, homemade, hearty, fresh, and affordable.
Have you eaten at Buffet Fife in Split? Share your opinion in the comments below!
More Info about Visiting Split, Croatia
- Learn all Split essentials with our Split Travel Guide.
- Plan your activities in Split with our detailed guide to things to do in Split.
- Looking for the unusual things to do in Split, Croatia? Check our in-depth guide!
- If you plan to stay in Split, check a list of recommended accommodation in Split Croatia.
- Find out where to eat in Split with our post on best restaurants in Split.
- Detailed info on Split beaches you’ll find here.
- A list of Split bars and clubs.
- If you are staying in Split only for a day, here is our One Day in Split Itinerary. Staying for 3 days? No problem, we’ve written also on how to spend three days in Split, Croatia!
- Planing a day trip from Split? Here is our list of the best day trips from Split, Croatia!
- Arriving to Split by plane? Here is our Split airport guide, including tips on how to get to Split center from the Split Airport.
- Want to visit Hvar from Split? Check out our ultimate guide on visiting Hvar from Split!
- Planing your Croatia trip, but not sure where to go first? Our Split or Hvar? and Split or Dubrovnik? posts will help you decide!
- Visiting Dubrovnik from Split? Find here all details on how to get from Split to Dubrovnik!
- Interested in other Split restaurants? Read our reviews on Villa Spiza, Uje Oil Bar, Buffet Fife, and Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar.
Hi Roger,
Fife got a bit touristy, but I still think it’s good value for money. Last year they didn’t accept credit cards, but not sure if they’ve changed that policy since. You can pay with euros too, but then at the restaurant they’ll do their own currency conversion, and also often they will give you change in Kuna. Have fun!
Visiting Split in September and this place appeals to us. You say the meal for four was 30 Euros. Do they accept Euros as well as Croation kuna? Also do they accept Visa at these smaller restaurants?
We get cod here mostly around Christmas. But the real local delicacy is dried hake. Maybe you could look for that in Argentina (?)
That cod stew looks amazing! I love a good stew, unfortunately they don’t really have them in Buenos Aires, or maybe I haven’t searched good enough. Also the meat balls yum!
Thanks Travis! I am madly in love with this place. It’s so authentic, and yet prices are really affordable. So glad you are sharing my enthusiasm for the Buffet Fife.
We LOVED this restaurant when we were in Split! We must have eaten there three or four times…every time it was cheap and delicious. Plus sitting with other people led to some interesting conversations! Thanks for sharing…safe travels!
Thanks Samantha! I’ll take you around if you ever decide to visit Croatia. Food is awesome!
Yum! That looks good. Never tried Dalmatian food but looks tasty!
Hi Ashely! They were so good that the next day we made them at home. Couldn’t get enough meat balls after eating these ones :-)
Hi Steph, thanks so much for stopping by. Glad you share my opinion on this restaurant. We were seriously blown away. Excellent food, very affordable, and big portions. Any other you can recommend in Split?
The fried squid here is fab, and the portion was huge! Went down well with plenty of cheap, table wine :) Highly recommended for the budget traveller
Ummmm those meatballs look amazing!
Hi Nina, it’s really a great place to have dinner in Split (not a romantic dinner though :-)
Ow boy, this is making me hungry. Sounds like a great place to have dinner.
Lol, that was my point!
You know when your MIL gets excited that it’s GOT to be the place to visit!!