Picture this: The boat docked a few hours ago and after a bit of exploring Vis on foot, it was wonderful to come back to the boat to shower and freshen up. Everyone emerges feeling human again, all cleaned up and ready to casually head to dinner. It’s still early yet, and on the way into Vis your Skipper pointed out a cute little garden bar nestled in between Luka Vis and Kut, marked by a few palm trees and the concrete stairs that lead from the main seating area down to a little terrace right above the water. General consensus amongst everyone is that this little garden bar is a must before dinner!
Offering coffee, cocktails, smoothies, and so much more, this fabulous little spot is called Frutarija, and it has been a firm favorite since we first discovered it in 2016. Owned and operated by Maja and Antonio who first opened Frutarija in July 2015, this pretty little alcove set below the road level is easy to miss if you don’t know to look for it. Upon entering the gates and stepping down into the main seating area, the first thing that hits you is are glorious views out across the bay. Quaintly decorated and softly lit when the sun goes down, the ambience at Frutarija is very relaxed. Whether you’re after a pre-(or post!)dinner cocktail, a chilled out setting for an afternoon coffee or a sample of Croatia’s craft beer selection, Frutarija has something for everyone. Even a breakfast and lunch menu that includes smashed avocado on pretty little toasted bagels, which makes these two Kiwi’s VERY happy! Wander down the concrete steps to the water terrace, where you can enjoy your drink whilst listening to the waves lap at the rocks beneath your feet. Such bliss!
Given that the fare that is on offer here isn’t limited to your usual Croatian coffee and croissant, the prices aren’t cheap compared to some of the other places around in either Luka Vis or Kut. But where else can you get a delightfully large and reasonably priced cocktail, a delicious smoked turkey sandwich and a vantage point to enjoy both while you gaze out over the bay and watch the water. Their food menu depends on availability, leaving you assured that their ingredients are fresh and locally sourced. In fact, the mint for their cocktails is either picked directly from the plants on site or brought from home! The staff too make a huge difference. Getting to know Maja, Antonio and their team during the summer months is a pleasure, and all of our guests notice the warm welcome as soon as they step through the gate. My personal favourite cocktail on the menu is the Hugo, while Nick, a HUGE Hendricks fan, is partial to their Hendricks tonic (using the iconic Thomas Henry tonic), and we highly recommend the fresh-made juices to quench your summer thirst.
Warm winter evenings bring live often acoustic music, as Maja and Antonio work to showcase local talent as well as musicians from Italy, Ireland, Germany and America, to name a few. They are open to different styles of music, simply wanting to add a fresh and modern vibe to Vis nightlife. Frutarija is also available as a wedding venue, reception venue and a great place to have those all important Dalmatian summer business meetings over a coffee. It’s no wonder that the team at Summersalt Yoga have made sure to include Frutarija in their list of “The top 10 must visit places on Vis Island”!
For us, being on the water all summer is hectic and it is great to have a few little spots where it feel like home for a night, with familiar smiling faces to greet us with coffee (and Hendricks!!!). As anybody who has sailed with into Vis with us knows, we love to rave about Frutarija and can often be found sitting at one of their tables with a few empty coffee cups stacked up, staring out across the bay. Don’t just take our word for how fab these guys are. Check our their Facebook page for more photos, updates on summer events and to read more rave reviews!
