Food & Drink in Novigrad

Here are the restaurant tips for Novigrad from our guest Lothar:

The entire northwest is known for excellent small restaurants and very good traditional konobas, the best of them are also represented in the Michelin restaurant guide since 2017. Three of these restaurants are located in the town of Novigrad (Marina, Damir & Ornella, Cok), on the Istrian coast. Novigrad scallops are well-known throughout Croatia. Here they are the freshest to enjoy. Freshly caught fish and shellfish are the main ingredients in the restaurants. They are skilfully and creatively prepared by some of the best chefs in the country. As always, there are tips for best pizza and ice cream for Novigrad. The list comes again from the gastronomy expert and one of the best Sommliers of the peninsula Dragan Ruzic.

Konoba Cok (Years ago we had one of the nicest midday posts in the off season, unfortunately not a nice location, but Sergio is the super boss, but now Marine is our first address.) The Konoba Cok is one of the most famous addresses of the peninsula. For almost 20 years, the Jugovac family has taken care that every guest feels welcome and presents simple, prepared local ingredients such as fish, scampi, mussels, wild asparagus, truffles, olive oil, homemade pasta and bread in a friendly, informal atmosphere. The atmosphere is managed by the couple Sergio and Vilma Jugovac, the kitchen is run by son Vilijan. Konoba Cok, Svetog Antona 2, Tel: +385 52 757643, opening hours: Mon - Sun 12:00-15:00, closed on Wednesdays

Restaurant Damir & Ornella (not our favorite, because Lothar is not a sushi fan) Finest Istrian sashimi from the day fillet filleted at the table in the restaurant without a menu. Raw scampi and fish in a marinade of first-class olive oil, salt and a little lemon juice are obligatory. "From the sea to the table" says the small restaurant (6 tables) restaurant of the Beletic family. In addition to the talents of Damir and Ornella, those of daughter Matea become more and more visible. Restaurant Damir & Ornella, Zidine 5, Tel: +385 52 758134

Restaurant Marina (We do it once a year, always a highlight) The owner of the restaurant, Marina Gasi, is one of the leading chefs of the new generation in Croatia. Its fine, small fish restaurant is located on the first floor of the old Marina building, near the Hotel Nautica. Here there are no 08/15 fish dishes, but Cuisine d'auteur at its best. Everything will be recommended by the chef, a menu is not necessary. Restaurant Marina, Svetog Antona 38, Tel: +385 52 726691, opening hours: 12:00-15:00 and 18:00-23:00

Restaurant Pepenero The Pepenero of the chef Marin Rendic is one of the best restaurants in the country, located directly on the sea and is open all year round. For 600 kuna there is an excellent 7-course gourmet fish menu. Restaurant Pepenero, Porporela bb, Tel: +385 52 757706, opening hours: 12:00-15:00 and 18:00-23:00

Restaurant Navigare (once eaten well at tuna season) The Navigare is part of the Nautica Hotel on the Marina of Novigrad. It offers the best of the region in terms of fish, Novigrad scallops, Tuna, a good selection of local cheeses, prosciutto, truffles, wild asparagus, etc. all freshly prepared, to enjoy in a fine setting. Restaurant Navigare, Svetog Antona 15, Tel: +385 52 52600473, opening hours: 7:30-23:00

Konoba San Benedetto (Our classic, always after a short hike) The popular and always well visited San Benedetto tavern in Dajla, about 5 km from Novigrad, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. It offers all Istrian classics, fish and Novigrad scallops in a casual atmosphere Konoba San Benedetto, Sveti Benedikt 35, Dajla, Tel: +385 52 735484, opening hours: daily 12:00-24:00

Konoba Nino (we have to try it once, as we always drove past) Konoba Nino of the Beakovic family is located just outside Novigrad in the direction of Brtonigla and is also well-suited for groups with children due to its ample parking and close proximity to the Aquapark Istralandia. The konoba offers traditional Istrian cuisine. Konoba Nino, Buzinija 21, Tel: +385 52 758051, opening hours: 12:00-22:00, closed on Wednesdays

Restaurant-Pizzeria Lungomare (we had bad luck, really moderate) In the Lungomare of the Cittar family there is not only the best pizza in Novigrad, but also a number of other dishes. Also recommended are grilled dishes. Parking is available and the Lungomare is good for groups. Restaurant-Pizzeria Lungomare, Karpinjan, Tel: +385 52 649331, opening hours 12:00-23:00

Vitriol Caffe Vitriol has been providing good coffee, smoothies, ice cream, freshly squeezed juices, cakes, cocktails and a good selection of wines and beers for 15 years. The cafe is located directly on the sea .. breakfast can also be here. Vitriol Caffe, Ribarnicka 6, Tel: +385 52 758270, opening hours: 8:00-23:00

Bäckerei Oso (we always buy here!) The traditional bakery is based in Buzet. There is also a branch in Oprtalj. Baked goods are also available at Motovun. Bakery Oso, Gradska vrata 36, Tel: +385 52 726813, opening hours in summer: 7:00-24:00