They say location is everything. But what happens when location, cuisine, and atmosphere collide in perfect harmony? You get something like Panorama Restaurant, perched high above Dubrovnik on Mount Srđ, where every bite is paired with one of the most dramatic views in the Mediterranean. I recently dined there under the guise of journalistic duty—but let’s be honest, this was a lunch I would have happily paid for just to marvel at the surroundings.
Welcome to another instalment of Tasted By the Editor—where I take on the noble challenge of eating my way through Dubrovnik’s most talked-about tables.
Location, Location, Elevation
If you’ve never been to Panorama before, the journey is half the thrill. The cable car glides silently up from just outside the Old City, delivering passengers to a world that feels somewhere between a James Bond lair and a Mediterranean dream. The view from the terrace at Panorama is postcard-perfect in every direction: Dubrovnik’s red rooftops, Lokrum Island, the Elaphite archipelago, and on a clear day, even a hint of Italy shimmering on the horizon.
By the time I stepped onto the terrace, every table was taken. Smartly dressed couples were sipping cocktails, families were clinking glasses, and at least one birthday cake was being carried out by a smiling waiter. If you’re planning to eat here, book ahead. It gets busy—and for good reason.
The First Impression: Octopus Carpaccio
I began with a dish that’s quickly becoming a benchmark for me when dining along the Dalmatian coast: Octopus Carpaccio. I’ve had it served in ways that range from sublime to borderline rubbery, so I approached with cautious optimism. But this one? Exceptional.
Thin, translucent slices of octopus were arranged with the precision of sashimi and dressed lightly with olive oil, citrus, and a hint of sea salt. There was none of the chewiness that often haunts this dish—just a silky texture and a clean, oceanic flavour that made it one of the finest I’ve tasted, anywhere.
Main Course: “Light Lunch”
From the “Light Lunch” menu, I chose the chicken and pine seed salad. A seemingly humble option, but let me assure you—this was no delicate, diet-friendly affair. This was a proper plate of food, generous in both size and flavour.
The salad was a masterclass in texture. Perfectly grilled chicken breast—tender, seasoned, and still warm—was layered over a bed of fresh greens, punctuated with crunchy pine seeds, shaved Parmesan, and a dressing that whispered rather than shouted. There were pops of cherry tomato and ribbons of onion adding colour and crunch, but what struck me most was the portion size.
If this is “light,” then I dread to think how heroic their full lunch portions must be. I was halfway through and seriously considering canceling dinner.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It? Absolutely
You might wonder if a restaurant with this kind of setting needs to try hard at all. But Panorama doesn’t rest on its altitude. It offers well-executed dishes, friendly service, and a relaxed luxury that doesn’t feel forced. Whether you’re visiting Dubrovnik for the first time or have lived here for years (like me), it’s worth riding the cable car just for the experience.
So yes—if you’re thinking about a special lunch or dinner in Dubrovnik, go ahead and book Panorama. Order the octopus if you can, and don’t be shy about that chicken salad either. Just make sure you leave room for the view.