Tavern Buffet Fife Split: Love at first sight

Tavern Buffet Fife Split is one of my favorite places to eat in Split. It's good, homemade, hearty, fresh, and affordable. Can you ask for more?!

If you spent some time reading my blog, you've probably figured out how much I love to eat. And if you haven't, let me tell you that it is one of my biggest pleasures in life. Along with a wine. OK, and few other things. Point closed – I love to eat!

I visited Split few days ago with Vera and my in-laws. It was a lovely trip and it lifted our spirits after our disappointing trip to Dubrovnik few days earlier. Dubrovnik is really getting old if you ask me. And too expensive for what it offers. Split, on the other hand, is so refreshing, bustling and just amazing that I cannot stop bragging about it.

Tavern Buffet Fife Split: eat like a local

Tavern Buffet Fife Split is located in an old neighborhood of Matejuska, not far from the Palace walls. Just walk by the sea, pass Riva (a seaside promenade), and you'll arrive right at Fife. I loved the place from the moment I've seen it.

Located in a small, traditional stone house, with an outdoor terrace, tavern Fife is an institution for people of Split. You immediately notice a laid back attitude and a healthy balance between tourists and locals.

Even a Japanese tourist next to our table looked like he knew his way around. Judging by his order, it wasn't his first time here.

Tavern Fife is actually located in two houses, one across the small street from the other. One of them features a kitchen, a counter with drinks and one corner-sitting for maybe 6 people. That's all.

In front there is a lovely terrace. One part of the terrace is covered and partly closed, while the rest is open summer terrace. This means that even in a winter time you can eat outside. Yay! The other house features indoor dining room. 

Tavern Buffet Fife Split offers traditional Dalmatian dishes, cooked old fashion style. My advise would be not to go by the menu. Instead, just ask what's their daily special. We were four people.

We ordered cod stew (cro. bakalar na brujet), meat balls with some french fries, and boiled veal with potatoes and tomato sauce. My mother-in-law even got excited when served boiled meat, along with boiled potatoes and salsa. She said this is exactly how traditionally boiled meat was served.

Everything was delicious. And portions are large (not as large as they used to be; but still plenty to eat). We drank some white table wine (nothing to brag about; but, hey, we didn't pretend that we are in an upscale restaurant with an extensive wine list). And the water comes in a pitcher free of charge (unless you ask for a bottled water).

The total cost for four of us was 30 euros. Try to beat that! Excellent value for money.

Contacts: a: Trumbiceva obala 11; t: +385 21 345 223;

Further reading

• Learn all Split essentials with our Split Travel Guide.
• Plan your activities in Split with our detailed guide to things to do in Split.
• 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.