In this guide to the best Portorož restaurants, we will explore some excellent dining establishments in this vibrant town, situated on the outskirts of Piran. Portorož is not only known for its bustling promenade adorned with bars and clubs, but it also serves as one of Slovenia’s premier spa destinations. With a plethora of top-notch hotels and restaurants, Portorož offers a diverse culinary scene that is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Once favored by the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy as a holiday retreat, Portorož has a rich history. It was in this charming town that one of the most luxurious hotels of the time, now known as the magnificent 5-star Hotel Kempinski Palace Portorož, was built. Today, Portoroz remains lively throughout the year, from the vibrant summer months to the festive atmosphere of the new year.
It comes as no surprise that Portorož is renowned for its good seafood restaurants, some of which have earned accolades from the esteemed Michelin Guide. Whether you’re a connoisseur of fine cuisine or simply crave a delectable seafood feast, Portoroz offers an array of options to satisfy your culinary desires.
However, as a popular tourist destination, it’s important to be aware that prices in Portorož can be slightly higher than the local average. Consequently, it’s easy to fall into the trap of tourist-oriented establishments offering subpar quality and poor value for money. To help you navigate the dining scene, I’ve compiled this handy guide featuring the best restaurants in Portorož. From elegant fine dining venues to cozy local eateries serving authentic specialties at reasonable prices, you’ll find a range of options to suit your taste.
When it comes to cuisine, expect to indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean, reminiscent of Italian gastronomy. Portorož takes pride in its abundance of fresh seafood and shellfish sourced from the Adriatic, complemented by the finest ingredients from the Istrian region. With high-quality olive oil, savory pršut, aromatic truffles, and exquisite regional wines, Portoroz’s culinary offerings are a true delight for the senses.
Top 10 Restaurants in Portorož
COB
COB is renowned as the premier gourmet restaurant in Portorož, having been awarded a Michelin star. Its name, an acronym for “Cooking Outside the Box”, embodies the philosophy of the young chef Filip Matjaž. Tucked away on a secluded side street, far from the touristy areas of Portorož, COB offers a vibrant and captivating gastronomic experience.
The restaurant boasts a minimalist style, incorporating elements of local rustic architecture. With its breathtaking view of the sea, well-maintained ambiance, and inviting outdoor terrace, COB provides a delightful setting. The menu showcases intricate and innovative dishes that draw inspiration from local ingredients, such as fish from the Adriatic Sea, istrian meat, olives and salt sourced from nearby saltpans. The result is a culinary journey that presents a harmonious and sophisticated blend of flavors.
For those seeking the ultimate dining experience, COB offers tasting menus comprising 9-12 courses, starting at €135 per person. These delectable dishes can be expertly paired with a fine selection of local wines, ensuring a truly memorable meal.
SOPHIA
The renowned Hotel Kempinski Palace Portorož boasts one of the finest restaurant in the area, aptly named after the famous Italian diva, Sophia Loren. True to the luxury standards of the hotel, the atmosphere at Sophia is decidedly elegant and sophisticated. Being recommended by the Michelin Guide, it offers the option to order à la carte and also exquisite tasting menus starting at €90.
The cuisine at Sophia is a true reflection of the Mediterranean region, simple yet refined, aiming to elevate the flavors of the excellent local ingredients. You can indulge in a variety of delectable dishes, including succulent shellfish from the Adriatic and Istrian meat accompanied by local truffles, complemented by a diverse range of ingredients inspired by both Italian and French culinary traditions. To add an exotic twist, the menu also features oriental-inspired flavors.
RIZIBIZI
Another outstanding restaurant in Portorož is Rizibizi, situated along the central beach in the heart of the town. It features a stunning terrace that offers a captivating view of the sea. Rizibizi is renowned for its delectable Mediterranean cuisine, which is prepared with utmost care and attention to aesthetics, using fresh locally sourced ingredients.
The menu highlights prized Istrian truffles and seafood from the Adriatic, ensuring a truly authentic dining experience. Guests can choose from three distinct tasting menus, consisting of 4, 5, or 8 courses, with prices starting at €50. Furthermore, Rizibizi boasts an impressive selection of local wines to complement your meal.
SANTA LUCIA RIBJA KANTINA
Santa Lucia Ribja Kantina is one of the top restaurants in Portorož, known for its exceptional fish dishes. From delectable appetizers featuring fresh fish sourced from the Adriatic, to perfectly cooked first courses, risottos, and delectable fried and grilled fish, this restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience. Pair your meal with a few glasses of locally produced wine for a truly satisfying meal.
Conveniently located just a short distance from the Lucia promenade, near the Portorož Casino, Santa Lucia Ribja Kantina offers a convenient and enjoyable dining option. The prices are on par with the average for the area, with a three-course dinner costing around €50-60 per person (excluding wine).
GOSTILNA OŠTARIJA
Gostilna Oštarija is a highly popular restaurant located in the heart of Portorož, just a few steps away from the previous recommendation. This charming establishment offers a more casual dining experience while providing a stunning view of the sea.
It specializes in delicious first courses featuring fish, as well as a variety of mouthwatering options like fried and grilled fish, shellfish, and other delectable Istrian cuisine specialties, including pršut with locally sourced truffles. The restaurant maintains affordable average prices, making it an excellent choice for both locals and visitors alike.
FRITOLIN
Fritolin is undeniably one of my favorite restaurants in Portorož. This charming establishment offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere, where patrons can indulge in a delightful selection of fresh fish dishes cooked to perfection. From mouthwatering fried delicacies to succulent grilled options, Fritolin never fails to impress.
Despite its modest size, the service is prompt and efficient, ensuring that you won’t have to wait long to savor your chosen dish. It’s worth noting that Fritolin prioritizes simplicity, focusing solely on delivering good seafood without unnecessary embellishments. Another aspect that sets Fritolin apart is its reasonable pricing. When compared to other establishments in the area, Fritolin offers some of the best value for money.
STAZIONE PARENZANA
Situated along the road leading to Sečovlje and the Croatian border, just outside Portorož, Stazione Parenzana is undoubtedly the finest brewery in town. They craft a remarkable selection of over 8 different beer varieties, ranging from a light and refreshing 5-degree lager, which is crisp and golden, to a delightful 4.7 blanche with a slightly fruity flavor, perfect for the summer. They also produce a robust amber ale, boasting a pure caramelized malt flavor at 5.5 degrees, and a captivating 6-degree milk stout—a black beer with a coffee-milk aroma achieved through the addition of lactose.
Highly regarded by the locals, Stazione Parenzana also offers a delectable menu that includes top-notch hamburgers, delicious soups, salads, and mouthwatering meat and fish dishes. The prices are in line with the average for the area, with dinner ranging between €15 and €30 per person depending on your selection. A regular beer will cost you around €3.70 to €5.50. If you’re interested in sampling the diverse range of beers they produce, the tasting experience is available for approximately €12.
More Things to Do and See in Portorož and its Surroundings
Portorož is a popular choice for travelers seeking a base to explore the nearby beautiful town of Piran, which can be easily reached by a leisurely walk or a short bus ride. However, Portorož itself offers much more than just proximity to Piran. Renowned for its spas, hotels, luxury marina, and small airport, Portorož provides an excellent alternative to Piran while catering to travelers of all budgets with its affordable prices.
One of the main attractions of Portorož is its thermal baths, making it one of the oldest spa resorts in Slovenia. A testament to the golden age of Portorož is the famous Kempinski Palace Portorož Hotel, which not only offers luxurious accommodation but also houses a couple of excellent gourmet restaurants and some bars serving signature drinks and cocktails.
The thermal baths are now part of the Hotel Slovenija Terme & Wellness LifeClass complex. By staying in this hotel or in other hotels within the complex, such as the elegant Grand Hotel Portorož or the more modest Hotel Riviera, Hotel Mirna, and Wellness Hotel Apollo, you have direct and free access to the expansive 10,000 m² spa area and swimming pools. The complex also boasts a wide selection of high-quality restaurants and bars for your dining pleasure.
Portorož serves as an excellent base for exploring the stunning coast. The picturesque town of Piran is within close proximity, allowing for a pleasant walk along the seafront. Additionally, the immediate vicinity is home to two other major towns on the Istrian coast, Izola and Koper, which are well worth a visit.
Furthermore, Portorož is conveniently located along the road that leads to Croatia. Within approximately ten minutes, you can reach the border, providing easy access to renowned Croatian coastal cities such as Rovinj, Umag, Porec, and Novigrad, all of which are just an hour’s drive away.
