Damir & Ornella

Rating: 16
Author: Gault&Millau

Ulica zidine 5, 52466 Novigrad, Croatia

16/20
Remarkable Restaurant

1 PHOTOS

Chef: Mattea Beletić
Cooking: Seafood

Gault&Millau's review 2026

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.