Bain

The island of Žut is the largest uninhabited island in Croatia, that becomes lively in summer. Unspoiled nature, clear sea, and beautiful bays attract many sailors. This idyll could undoubtedly be followed by a good dinner in the genuine Dalmatian tavern called Bain.

Here, they put the tradition in the first place.

Bain Tavern lies in Strunac bay in the southeastern part of a large bay called Žut. Hidden under old pine trees on one side and an olive grove on the other, it offers an extraordinary culinary experience in a natural shade with exceptional sunsets. This tavern is family-run, a fact that is the main ingredient of authentic Dalmatian cuisine. All of their recipes are based on a family tradition passed down from generation to generation. Chef Stipe is the co-owner and responsible for closely follow the tradition handed down to him by his ancestors. He prepares all food from home-grown ingredients he grows himself or from the surrounding local suppliers. They also provide fresh fish, which is the main ingredient of Dalmatian cuisine. They do the fishing with their family boat named Puhić in the bay in front of the tavern and in the vicinity of the island of Žut. The other family members take care of the service and well-being of the guests.

Food preparation

When it comes to cooking Bain Tavern is different. Their house specialty is the fish, which is hard to find in other restaurants. Hake, or as they call it “the mole”, is an underestimated and in many places forgotten fish. In Bain tavern, they prepare it in many different ways, thus returning this forgotten tradition to the plates. They fish hakes daily in the bay. Despite the fact that grilled hake is extremely popular, they also know how to cook it and offer it raw as a specialty of the house. Children will undoubtedly enjoy the classic recipe, a fried hake served with french fries, grown on the nearby island of Pašman. As a gourmet appetizer, the owner will be happy to recommend their hake carpaccio. For the most demanding visitors, Stipe can prepare another special dish with hake. A recipe from his grandmother with whom he learned how to prepare this fish in a roast, a popular dish and at the same time unique way of preparing food in Dalmatia. The fire surrounding the dish will provide a unique gourmet experience and add a taste of smoke.

That still doesn’t mean an end to the palette of hake dishes. They also know how to prepare it in many other ways. Of course, there is another seafood offer available. In the summer season, island fishermen also help them with fishing. They bring their daily catch to the tavern, caught in the immediate vicinity of the island. The offer is rich but different every day. If hake wasn’t too appealing for you, then ask what fishermen caught in the nets that day. As a traditional dish, they are also happy to recommend their brodetto, and for the classic carnivores there is always a rich selection of grilled meat or as they call it “gradele” (grills).

In Bain tavern, carnivores will not be disappointed. They always have top-quality fresh meat available. They love to boast about their grilled steak drizzled with pepper sauce.

Modesty is a beautiful virtue

Bain Tavern does not rank among the top gastronomic restaurants. They are a warm, homely and above all family-run tavern with traditional food same as their ancestors ate. Authenticity and quality provide an exceptional gourmet experience in a pleasant ambiance. Therefore, they are also modest in terms of prices. Their offer is rich but affordable. Their prices are among the average prices on the island.

Vessel mooring

In front of the tavern, there is a jetty, which provides mooring for both motorboats and sailing boats. There are mooring lines at the head of the pier, but it is also possible to moor laterally. If you don't tie up in time, you can tie up to one of the floats in the bay. If you need a shuttle to the coast, please call the Tavern. They will come to pick you up and return you to your vessel after dinner.