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DUBROVNIK
Pucic Palace
The top choice for style and service, at the center of the Old Town in an impeccably restored 18th-century villa. Rooms are smallish, but comfortable and well designed. Doubles from $584. 1 Ulica Od Puca; 385-20/326-200; www.thepucicpalace.com
Atlas Club Nautika
An upmarket restaurant (complete with a pianist) that's exceedingly popular with both locals and travelers, not least for its cliffside view over the harbor and its terrific seafood risotto. Dinner for two $146. 3 Brsalje; 385-20/442-526
Rozarij
At the end of a narrow lane crowded with tourist restaurants, this one stands out, with house-made pastas and grilled fish and shellfish. Lunch for two $30. 4 Zladarska; 385-20/321-257
Buza Bar
Ispod Mira; no phone
KORCULA
Hotel Korcula
A former villa on the waterfront abutting the Old Town walls. Despite the lumpy beds and slightly faded interiors, an unbeatable location (with stunning sea views) makes this the top option in town. Doubles from $196. 5 Obala Franje Tudjmana; 385-20/726-480; www.korcula-hotels.com
Adio Mare
Touristy, crowded, and kitschy it may be, but this is a requisite stop for sublime fresh fish and good Korculan wines. 92 Ulica Marco Polo; 385-20/711-253
Cocktail Bar Massimo
Trendy bar occupying the upper levels of a medieval turret at the "prow" of the Old Town, with dead-on views of the Peljesac Peninsula. Setaliste Petra Karnevelica; 385-20/715-073
Caffè Bar Arula
The best among many outdoor cafés near the Old Town's Land Gate; the adjoining bakery has marvelous croissants and Croatian pastries. 19 Plokata; 385-20/711-005
HVAR
Hotel Palace
There's a surprisingly mediocre hotel selection in Hvar Town, but the Palace is ideally situated (ask for a balcony room facing the marina) and offers decent value, though rooms are bare-bones and old-fashioned—the hotel dates from the Hapsburg era. Doubles from $173 (no reservations by phone). St. Stephen Square; 385-21/741-956; www.suncanihvar.hr
Konoba Menego
One of the only restaurants on Hvar focusing on Croatian cuisine and ingredients (small plates of sir, prsut, anchovies, bacon, and olives, all from local producers). Meals are served on long wooden tables in a cool grotto-like tavern. Try the outstanding homemade lemonade and wild-orange grappa. Dinner for two $36. Groda; 385-21/742-036; www.menego.hr
Macondo Restaurant
Buttery spaghetti with lobster is the standout at this jam-packed local favorite, on a narrow backstreet above town. Dinner for two $48. Groda; 385-21/742-850
Carpe Diem
Mecca for the beau monde, who linger here all day, from 9 A.M. espressos through 3 A.M. cocktails. Riva; 385-21/742-369
Zimmer Frei
A cooler, less ostentatious alternative to Carpe Diem, this tiny alleyside bar fills up nightly with 18- to 35-year-old hipsters. With its all-white walls, white benches, white cushions, white lilies, and white candles, Zimmer Frei could be in South Beach, but the crowd is mainly Croatian. Pjaca, Hvar town; no phone
Veneranda
An alfresco club and disco tucked amid the pine groves on a hillside overlooking the harbor. The first crowds arrive at 9:30 P.M. for nightly films at the outdoor cinema; later, the yachties trickle in from the marina to dance until sunrise. Hvar town; no phone
VIS
Konoba Bako
Superb grilled fish, octopus goulash, and house-made breads are the highlights at this harborside landmark in Vis's prettiest town. Lunch for two $53. 1 Gunduliceva, Komiza; 385-21/713-742
BRAC
Hotel Kastil
The island's most stylish property, in a retrofitted Turkish fortress smack on the waterfront, with spare, airy guest rooms and a great in-house café. Doubles from $152. 1 Riva Frane Radica, Bol; 385-21/635-995; www.kastil.hr
Konoba Gust
A convivial joint decorated with farm and fishing tools and vintage photos, just above the main square. Excellent pasticada (beef stewed with wine, prunes, and vinegar). Dinner for two $59. 14 Riva Frane Radica, Bol; 385-21/635-911
Varadero
Just below the Hotel Kastil, in Bol. Open-air patio bar with harbor views, top-notch cocktails, and a fabulous crowd. 1 Riva Frane Radica; no phone
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