Discover Bukovica beyond the coast — enjoy authentic Dalmatian food, homemade olive oil, traditional roga crafts, and the welcoming Šunić family at Srce Bukovice, a hidden gem of Zadar County.
What to expect
You can expect authentic food, beautiful nature and animals, rich cultural heritage, and the warm hospitality of the Šunić family.
If you are visiting Zadar, you were probably dreaming of a perfect vacation on the coast — lying on the beach all day, feeling the salt on your skin, and soaking up the sun. A cocktail or an iced coffee in your hand, completely disconnected from the everyday rush and stress.
But what if I told you that this is just one side of the coin that Zadar County offers its visitors? On the other side lies another, equally beautiful dream vacation that you absolutely need to experience while spending your time in Zadar and its surroundings.
Yes, there is so much to see and experience here, and we are proud to introduce you to Bukovica — the picturesque hinterland of Zadar.
Welcome to Srce Bukovice: A Family-Run Konoba
We fell in love with the beautiful nature, the warm and welcoming people, the sounds, the scents, and of course — the delicious and authentic Dalmatian dishes you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Bukovica and the stunning konoba Srce Bukovice in Rodaljice, which will captivate you at first sight with its charm and heartfelt family story. The entire estate and tavern are run solely by the members of the Šunić family. The young owner and manager, Stipe Šunić, welcomed us warmly and gave us a tour of their farm and tavern (konoba).
A Warm Welcome from the Animals
If you park at the first entrance, you’ll enjoy a lovely walk to the tavern, where you’ll also find a spacious parking area. Your first welcome will come from Stipe’s chickens on the right — they rush out of their coop the moment they hear people approaching. Soon, other animals will greet you from the left side.
We felt as if we had never been welcomed so warmly before, and it’s hard to describe the joyful “band” of animals when they all start making noise at once. We met two cows, Milka and Pulcinella, and their neighbor Emil, the donkey — the star of the group and also its cuddliest member. Stipe also introduced us to his sheep, who will soon be named after the rock band Kiss because their colors resemble the members of the band. And let’s not forget the two playful Croatian Shepherd dogs, who barked happily to call their owner. There’s no doubt Stipe truly deserves the nickname Bukovica’s Dr. Dolittle, as the love between him and his animals is extraordinary.
Stipe Šunić: Continuing Family Traditions
Stipe begins his story with deep emotion, never hiding how attached he is to his family. You can see in his eyes that this place and the tavern mean much more than just a job — they represent the revival and preservation of tradition and a heartfelt connection to his grandparents, who ran a popular bar in Benkovac about 40 years ago.
Stipe is proud to continue the family tradition — a calling that will always remind him of his grandparents. Life in a bigger city and university studies could not keep him away; his heart has always belonged here.
Filled with love and gratitude toward his mother, Marina Šunić, Stipe says he owes her everything. She has always been the driving force behind all their projects and the greatest inspiration for everything they have achieved. Marina Šunić is a well-known name in Croatia — she won the Najuzoritija hrvatska seoska žena (“Most Exemplary Village Woman in Croatia”) competition in 2023. She also appeared on the TV show Večera za 5 (Dinner for 5), where she prepared a special Dalmatian dish called “Bukovica’s Octopus” — actually a rooster baked under the peka but presented to resemble an octopus, making the dish even more intriguing and memorable.
Not only his mother, but Stipe himself has received a prestigious award. In 2025, he won the title “OPG Zlata Vrijedan” as a Young Hope of the Year. When asked why he applied instead of his mother, he said:
“My mother is a diamond, not just gold. She is far above gold and the award I received — that’s why there was no need to apply her for any competition. She has already won everything for us.”
Authentic Dalmatian Cuisine
After sharing his touching story, Stipe brought out some potatoes to start preparing the next delicious dish, and we continued our pleasant conversation. We were happy to see firsthand what he was doing and to learn more about the menu you can expect at Srce Bukovice.
One important note for all guests: reservations at least 24 hours in advance are required to ensure the best service and desired dishes. While this might disappoint last-minute visitors, Stipe never compromises on quality — in his tavern, you will always be served freshly prepared, authentic dishes. All ingredients are homemade or sourced from trusted local family farms, never factory-made or from outside Bukovica and Zadar County.
Her Majesty – Peka
You can try the famous peka in various combinations — rooster, veal, lamb, or octopus baked under the peka, all served with homemade potatoes and vegetables. The fireplace is in the center of the tavern, so you can watch the entire cooking process.
Stipe’s favorite is the homemade bread baked under the peka — the one his mother makes best! Sometimes she bakes over 50 loaves for celebrations that reserve their bread in advance. Believe us, this bread is unlike any you’ve ever tasted.
Must-Try Dalmatian Dishes: Prisnac and Pršut
Another absolute must-try is the authentic Dalmatian dish prisnac, made with the finest cow’s cheese and fresh farm eggs. You can try either the salty or sweet version, and Stipe revealed that the key to a delicious prisnac is the quality of the cheese and fresh eggs.
Authentic Dalmatian pršut is not just smoked ham — it is carefully prepared and truly exceptional only when made according to traditional recipes. Knowing when to start the process, how long to smoke, and how long to let it rest in the bura wind is essential. Stipe taught us how to distinguish homemade pršut from supermarket versions: the unique smoky aroma is unmistakable.
Authentic Homemade Olive Oil
Another product that is truly nothing like the supermarket version is the Šunić family’s homemade olive oil, known for its rich texture and delightful flavor. They own 550 olive trees of various varieties and produce the oil themselves.
Stipe is grateful to have his father’s guidance in agriculture and continues to learn from him. His brothers also help, and behind this dreamy place is a clear example of family teamwork and dedication.
The Art of Roga
In this unique tavern, you’ll notice many authentic decorations on the walls and ceiling, crafted by Marina Šunić. She promotes the traditions and beauty of Bukovica not only through her work at the tavern but also through handcrafted decorations known locally as roga. Marina has been working hard to have roga considered for UNESCO recognition to preserve this cultural heritage.
Visitors can purchase roga and other handmade souvenirs at the tavern or at the famous Pazar in Benkovac, held on the 10th of every month. Srce Bukovice also hosts workshops to teach the art of roga to younger generations and school groups, passing on this treasured local tradition.
The Pool Party
If you’re worried about summer heat, the Šunić family has you covered. There is a large swimming pool and a small pool house for guests who want to stay longer or spend the night. The space is also available for private celebrations. Reach out to Stipe to experience the warmth and hospitality of the family firsthand.
Experience Bukovica for Yourself
From the flavors of Dalmatia to the warmth of a family-run tavern, Bukovica and Srce Bukovice offer an immersive experience into authentic Croatian culture. Homemade dishes, handcrafted olive oil, roga decorations, and the loving care of the Šunić family make every visit unique.
Whether you love authentic food, cultural heritage, or the peaceful charm of the Dalmatian hinterland, Bukovica and Srce Bukovice invite you to discover the true heart of Croatia. Come, meet the family, taste the traditions, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
