Redefining Fine Dining in a Historical Gem
Nestled against the southern wall of Diocletian’s Palace, ZOI offers an exquisite dining experience within a 1700-year-old setting. Since opening in 2017, ZOI has redefined the essence of fine dining, blending history, innovation, and culinary artistry.
Whether you seek a taste of history, a journey through innovative flavors, or a memorable evening with friends and loved ones, ZOI promises an experience that transcends mere sustenance. Our accolades include prestigious recognitions from Michelin, Gault & Millau, and the HTZ Restaurant of the Year 2022 award.
ZOI is situated on Split Riva, along the southern wall of Diocletian’s Palace, near the emperor’s former chambers. This unique location, once home to the emperor’s triclinium, infuses the restaurant with a special historical energy, perfect for sophisticated meals, fine wines, philosophical discussions, and joyful gatherings.
Ambiance
A Journey Through Time and Elegance
Imagine dining where history whispers from every corner, blending ancient banquet echoes with the clinking of modern wine glasses. ZOI offers more than just a meal; it’s a journey through time. The interior harmoniously combines old-world charm with contemporary elegance, meticulously curated to create an atmosphere of refined luxury. The palace wall, stretching the length of the restaurant, is the most captivating feature. Ascend the staircase to the magnificent terrace, where panoramic views of Split’s bustling waterfront, the imposing walls of Diocletian’s Palace, and swaying palm trees create a breathtaking backdrop.
Experiences
A Culinary Journey Through Dalmatia
The name ZOI, meaning “life” in Greek, couldn’t be more fitting. This is a place animated by Mediterranean complexity: Roman bones, Venetian grace, French charm, Dalmatian soul. It’s not a recreation of the past, but a respectful dialogue with it –brought vividly into the present.
The kitchen is led by chef Alberto García Pérez, whose experience includes some of Europe’s most respected Michelin-starred restaurants. His cuisine combines Mediterranean identity with refined technique, creating elegant dishes deeply connected to the sea, local ingredients and the rhythm of Dalmatia. Chef Alberto’s creative direction has breathed a bold, poetic clarity into the ZOI experience.
His current tasting menus, ECHO and TERRA, capture two dimensions of the ZOI philosophy.
ECHO reverberates with ancient feasting and celebratory abundance—luxurious, emotional, transportive. TERRA, in contrast, is rooted, quiet, vegetarian—a reverent ode to simplicity, seasonality, and the sensual rhythms of nature.
The dishes that arrive are thoughtful without being theatrical. A crudo of yellowtail cured in seawater, resting in tomato tea and lemon verbena, speaks of both sea and sun. Monkfish aged in Pata Negra, with a scattering of snow peas and whisper of cauliflower, is delicate but daring.
What makes ZOI truly special isn’t just the food or the view—it’s the feeling that something essential is being honored. Not tradition for tradition’s sake, but a certain Mediterranean art of living: unrushed, layered, full of flavor and feeling.
ZOI is a place where travelers pause, locals return, and stories are shared over surprising plates and rare wines. A place where each season brings new inspiration, yet its essence remains unchanged.
Experience the epitome of fine dining at ZOI, nestled against the historic backdrop of Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Indulge in meticulously crafted menus inspired by the rich tapestry of Croatian cuisine, with offerings ranging from land to sea. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of refined elegance, where every detail, from the historic palace wall to the panoramic terrace views, evokes a sense of luxury and sophistication.
Explore Restaurant ZOI
Gallery
Source of images on this page: Partners of Stories Croatia (HGK).