The Culinary Identity of Portonovi
One&Only Portonovi establishes itself as the premier gastronomic destination in the Southern Adriatic by bridging classic Mediterranean culinary customs with contemporary international flair. Positioned directly at the water’s edge with panoramic vistas over the marina and bay, the resort avoids the generic international buffet archetype in favor of distinct, chef-driven restaurant concepts.
Sabia offers an al fresco terrace directly adjoining the resort’s sand beach.
Key Dining Venues & Concepts
1. Sabia by Giorgio Locatelli
Curated by renowned Michelin-starred Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli, Sabia represents the culinary crown jewel of the property. The restaurant champions Southern Italian coastal traditions, emphasizing pristine raw ingredients, artisanal wood-fired ovens, and freshly caught Adriatic seafood.
- Signature Raw Bar: Thinly sliced wild Adriatic sea bream carpaccio infused with citrus olive oil and sea salt harvested from local salt pans.
- Handmade Pasta: Delicate squid-ink tagliolini tossed with native bay rock lobsters and sweet datterini tomatoes.
- Wood-Fired Pizza: Thin, light Neapolitan crust fermented for 48 hours and topped with creamy buffalo mozzarella from Campania.
2. Tapasake Club
Serving as the social heartbeat of One&Only Portonovi, Tapasake Club combines an open-air 40-metre swimming pool with a vibrant contemporary Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) dining experience. With DJ sets playing from late afternoon through sunset, it draws both resort residents and superyacht crews visiting the Portonovi marina.
- Nikkei Ceviches: Yellowtail hamachi marinated in spicy yuzu kosho leche de tigre, garnished with puffed white corn and crisp coriander.
- Robata Grilling: Wagyu beef skewers charred over Japanese binchotan charcoal with smoky anticucho glaze.
- Sake & Mixology: An extensive library of rare Junmai Daiginjo sakes, artisan shochu, and highball cocktails infused with Montenegrin wild herbs.
3. La Veranda: Authentic Montenegrin Heritage
La Veranda captures the rustic authenticity of Montenegro’s mountain and coastal cuisines. Open for daily gourmet breakfast and candlelit evening dining, chefs prepare slow-cooked meats under the traditional iron bell (sač), paired with hearty Njeguški prosciutto, aged sheep’s milk cheeses, and rich Montenegrin olive oils from nearby Luštica orchards.
4. Caminetti Lounge & Bar
Situated within the central lobby pavilion beneath soaring timber ceilings, Caminetti provides an elegant salon for high afternoon tea, single-origin espressos, and evening apéritifs. Guests can sample rare vintage Armagnacs, Montenegrin Vranac red reserves, and light tapas while enjoying panoramic views through double-height windows.
Dining Overview & Operating Characteristics
| Venue | Cuisine Focus | Atmosphere | Attire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sabia | Southern Italian, Seafood & Raw Bar | Sophisticated, seaside romantic | Resort Elegant |
| Tapasake Club | Contemporary Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) | Vibrant, poolside club with DJ music | Smart Casual |
| La Veranda | Montenegrin Heritage & Mediterranean | Relaxed family dining with open kitchen | Casual Chic |
| Caminetti | Cocktails, Apéritifs & Light Bites | Refined lobby salon & terrace | Smart Casual |