The wait is over. In April 2023, the door finally opened at Croatia’s first Hard Rock Cafe, bringing the internationally beloved franchise to the magnificent city of Dubrovnik. This isn’t just any Hard Rock Cafe either; this is a Hard Rock Cafe in a 13th-century monastery in the heart of Europe’s most jaw-dropping old town. Go big, or go home, as the old saying goes.
Croatia’s first Hard Rock Cafe was opened in the centre of Dubrovnik’s old town, in the meticulously-restored surroundings of the Convent of St Claire. The restaurant and bar are spread across more than 850 square metres, with over 400 seats waiting in three separate seating areas, each offering something magical to the visitor. The indoor seating area boasts 120 seats and a stage, while the stunning courtyard can host 200 guests in a gorgeous setting. Finally, the smaller outdoor patio has 102 seats and beautiful views of Onofrio’s Fountain in the city’s heart. Is there a more scenic setting for a Hard Rock Cafe? We’ll wait.
The juxtaposition of a 13th-century monastery and an acclaimed 20th-century food and drink franchise works tremendously. The monastery has been intricately restored and sparkles with the usual notes we have come to expect from a Hard Rock Cafe. The walls are decked with iconic memorabilia from legendary musicians, with Dubrovnik home to some seriously unique pieces. Here you’ll find a love letter from Tupac Shakur, along with a guitar used by Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, one of the most influential and impactful guitarists in the long and storied history of heavy metal.
Hard Rock Cafe Dubrovnik is the perfect place to devour a menu packed with classics, from the Signature Steak Burger series to the extensive list of bar bites, speciality entrees, salads, sandwiches and desserts. The drinks menu holds up its end of the bargain, with a fabulous selection of beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks to compliment the freshly-made dishes that have made Hard Rock Cafe an institution worldwide. When the plate is cleaned and the glass is empty, what better way to round off a visit to the Hard Rock Cafe than by nipping into the world-famous Rock Shop store? Here you’ll find classic tees, hats, pins, glassware and much more, brilliant souvenirs for remembering this charming experience.
Established in London in 1971, Hard Rock Cafe has become one of the most recognisable names in the food and entertainment world. Now with more than 170 restaurants in 74 countries, not to mention hotels, casinos, and more, the Hard Rock Cafe is synonymous with good food and good times, all accentuated by some of the most incredible rock and roll memorabilia worldwide. The company’s archives contain over 80,000 items, making it the most extensive private rock and roll memorabilia collection on the planet. With different artefacts in every cafe, no two Hard Rock Cafes are the same.
That is especially true with Hard Rock Cafe Dubrovnik, Croatia’s first. Housed in a meticulously restored monastery, the walls of Hard Rock Cafe Dubrovnik have been telling stories for centuries. Previously, this was the Convent of St Claire, established in the 13th and 14th centuries and primarily used for teaching girls of noble birth. In 1432, one of Dubrovnik’s oldest orphanages was established here. Its time as a convent ended with the arrival of Napoleon’s forces in the early 19th century when it was converted into an ammunition store and stables.
Today, the former Convent of St Claire houses one of the most impressive Hard Rock Cafes on the planet. The iconic brand has been a welcome addition to Dubrovnik’s old town, bringing its undeniable sense of show to an area of true grandeur and majesty. Hard Rock Cafe Dubrovnik straddles the line between the past and the present, as detailed by franchise owner Tom Perez, who said that they wanted to “bring the spirit and philosophy of the brand to a country rich in musical and food traditions by presenting a modern vision of a remarkable restaurant.” Have they succeeded? You better believe it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments