The story
Tucked up a narrow lane near the seafront in the Istrian town of Novigrad-Cittanova, Damir & Ornella is a small, family-run restaurant that puts the spotlight on raw fish. The Michelin Guide highlights this approach, noting that “ultra-fresh and simply dressed with a little olive oil on the table in front of the guests” is the draw here. There is no written menu; instead, the concise offerings are explained verbally, and returning customers are treated like family.
The restaurant’s philosophy is one of deliberate simplicity. “Simplicity is our final achievement,” the team states. “Our mantra is to make a masterpiece using only raw fish, salt, pepper and olive oil.” That principle runs through the Mediterranean and seafood-focused menu, where the quality of the Adriatic catch takes center stage. Dishes include Raw Kvarner shrimps paired with melon, an Istrian Sashimi of Adriatic squid dressed with family Belić olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar, and raw fish served with black truffle-topped polenta. Homemade pasta, made with stone-ground flour from Italy, and fresh desserts like homemade ice cream with olive oil round out the offering.
The setting is intimate, with just 24 to 28 seats inside. Dogs are welcome. Open daily except Monday from 18:00 to 23:00, and on Sundays from 12:00 to 15:00, Damir & Ornella offers a quiet, personal dining experience that lets the flavors of the sea speak for themselves.
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.
Location
Facebook