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Set along Montenegro’s calm Bay of Kotor, Sabia brings the soul of Italian dining to the elegant seafront of One&Only Portonovi. Helmed by chef Giorgio Locatelli, the restaurant celebrates simplicity done beautifully – seasonal flavours, thoughtful service, and a setting that makes dinner feel quietly special.
A Setting That Feels Effortlessly Elegant
Sabia’s design reflects the rhythm of its surroundings. Gentle curves in the ceiling recall the nearby waves, while natural tones of driftwood and stone soften the sleek lines of glass that open towards the bay. As evening settles, the space glows with a subtle amber warmth – calm, contemporary, and inviting.
The atmosphere strikes a relaxed balance. Conversations flow easily, music is low, and the sound of the sea carries just enough presence to remind you where you are. Guests linger here; there’s no sense of hurry, only the quiet pleasure of an unspoiled view and a well-poured glass of wine.
A Menu Rooted in Honest Italian Craft
Sabia’s seasonal menu, designed under Locatelli’s direction, focuses on precision and purity of flavour. Each course draws inspiration from southern Italy’s coastal kitchens while incorporating the freshness of Montenegrin produce.
To begin, diners often start with the Zuppa di Cavolfiore e Gorgonzola, a smooth cauliflower soup lifted by almond milk and gorgonzola fondue, or the Burrata e Pomodorini, a rich local burrata paired with tomatoes served three ways. For seafood lovers, the Zuppa di Ceci e Gamberi – a chickpea, tomato, and garlic soup with sautéed prawns – offers warmth and depth in every spoonful.
Pasta dishes are crafted with clarity and restraint. The Calamarata al Tartufo e Stracciatella blends truffled cheese with confit tomato sauce and chives for a comforting, aromatic plate, while the Risotto Frutti di Mare delivers a taste of the Adriatic with seafood ragù, white wine, and parsley.
From the grill, the Tagliata di Manzo, made with Australian rib-eye and a silky celeriac cream, feels indulgent without excess. The Farfalla di Branzino pairs sea bass with clams, lemon, and a bright gremolata, while the Brasato di Manzo offers slow-cooked beef enriched with port wine and truffle mashed potatoes – a perfect dish for cooler evenings.
For something lighter, the Pollo alla Cacciatora brings rustic comfort with chicken thighs cooked with peppers, olives, and capers. Vegetarian sides like Broccoli e Limone in Agrodolce or Patatine Arrosto e Rosmarino round out the menu with balance and flavour.
To finish, desserts stay faithful to Italian tradition: the house Tiramisù is rich with espresso and Amaretto, while the Tortino al Cioccolato – served with banana sorbet and salted caramel – adds a modern touch. A warm Crostata di Zucca e Agrumi, finished with cinnamon gelato, offers a comforting close to the meal.
Service That Complements the Setting
The service at Sabia mirrors the restaurant’s tone – refined yet personal. Staff move with quiet confidence, always near but never hovering. They know the food, understand the wine, and genuinely enjoy the exchange. Everything runs with an ease that makes the experience feel graceful rather than formal.
Evenings by the Bay
There’s a particular kind of calm that descends over Portonovi at dusk. The light softens over the water, the terrace fills with the scent of sea air, and the restaurant takes on a quiet glow. Dinner here unfolds naturally – a few hours that feel well-spent, free from any need to rush or overindulge.
Where Italian Soul Meets Montenegrin Calm
Sabia has a confidence that comes from knowing exactly what it is – a place where good food, good wine, and an exceptional setting work in harmony. The restaurant captures the essence of coastal dining: sophisticated but relaxed, international yet grounded in local rhythm.
It’s an evening that stays with you, not for theatrics, but for the simple pleasure of everything coming together just as it should.
Location: Portonovi Resort, Kumbor 85340, Montenegro
