The story
Damir & Ornella is a Mediterranean seafood restaurant in Novigrad, at Zidine 5, up a narrow lane near the waterfront. Gault&Millau awarded it 16 points in 2026, and the kitchen builds its reputation on raw fish from the daily catch.
Damir, the father of the family, is the master of the fillet, and he has trained the younger cooks in the kitchen. His daughter Mattea, who also works the fish, is known for her risotto and homemade pasta. The seafood is dressed lightly with premium Istrian olive oil, salt, pepper and citrus, and sometimes with melon or kiwi. The menu is short and explained aloud at the table.
Raw Kvarner shrimp comes with melon, and Istrian sashimi of Adriatic squid is finished with olive oil from the Belić family and balsamic vinegar aged for more than 50 years. Lobster alla Catalana is served with fried asparagus. The pasta, including tagliatelle, gnocchi and spaghetti, is made in-house with Italian flour that is stone-ground and not genetically modified. Dessert includes homemade ice cream with olive oil.
The restaurant has 24 seats across two rooms and no terrace. Without a reservation made several days ahead, a table is hard to get. Dogs are allowed. The kitchen suggests pairing the seafood with a glass of Istrian wine, and a Malvazija is recommended with the crab.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
What else can we say, after all these years, about the restaurant Damir & Ornella, the temple of raw and fresh fish in Novigrad. The small restaurant, located in one of the alleys near the waterfront, does not even have a terrace, and has a total of 24 seats in two rooms. However, without a reservation several days in advance, it is impossible to get a table. But when you succeed, you will enjoy a symphony of flavours that you will discover during your lunch or dinner. They will offer you everything from the daily catch, from seafood to scampi and the finest fish. Fresh and raw, with a minimum of simple spices, such as premium olive oil and citrus emulsions, balsamic vinegar, and sometimes fruit such as melon or kiwi, in order to preserve the original flavours and aromas. Seemingly simple, but above all there is the art of filleting fish for which they are famous. The undisputed master is Damir, who has taught the younger generations. You will be enchanted by the skilful movements of their hands, just like by every bite on your palate in which you will feel the freshness of the sea. Father Damir and mother Ornella were joined by their daughter Mattea. She immediately mastered the art of filleting and processing fish, and she is especially good at preparing risotto and homemade pasta. Every dish that comes out of their kitchen first captivates you with its appearance, and then with the explosion of flavours in your mouth. No matter how many times you return, the experience will always be unique. With a glass of fine Istrian wine, at Damir & Ornella’s you will spend some unforgettable moments.
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