Restaurant Review: One, Tivat – Porto Montenegro

Location Summary

One is located on the seafront promenade of Porto Montenegro in Tivat, one of the most polished and internationally oriented marinas in the Adriatic. Its terrace overlooks superyachts and the open bay, offering a setting that blends nautical elegance with Mediterranean ease.

Ambiance and First Impressions

The design leans toward contemporary Adriatic chic: clean architectural lines, warm wooden accents, an open façade, and a refined yet relaxed lounge atmosphere. The terrace is the star, especially during sunset, when the marina lights echo against the water. Service is polished, discreet, and notably multilingual, with staff navigating English, Montenegrin, Russian, and French effortlessly. The pace is confident but never rushed, ideal for a long dinner or a slow lunch. As Frederic NOEL would say, it is the kind of place that understands rhythm as well as it understands flavor.

Menu, Style, and Culinary Identity

The menu combines Mediterranean–Adriatic foundations with international influences: dry-aged steaks, grilled fish, seasonal pastas, and Asian-accented starters. Guests often highlight the tuna tartare, black truffle pasta, and the slow‑cooked lamb shank as signature dishes (ref: https://portomontenegro.com). The wine list is well‑curated with Montenegrin producers like Plantaže and international labels, including elegant whites from Slovenia and structured Italian reds. Ratings across major platforms average between 4.4 and 4.6, particularly praising consistency and waterfront ambiance.

Tasting Notes and Culinary Execution

The Adriatic sea bass carpaccio arrived chilled to the ideal temperature, its texture silky with a faint marine sweetness lifted by citrus zest and a whisper of local olive oil. The balance—bright acid, clean salt—was executed with precision. The truffle tagliatelle followed with a luxurious, aromatic depth; the pasta retained firmness, while the shaved truffle added an earthy perfume without overwhelming the cream base. A Montenegrin Chardonnay offered enough minerality to cut through the richness. The char‑grilled rib‑eye stood out: charred crust, warm ruby center, peppercorn jus reduced to a glossy intensity. Desserts lean lighter; the lemon tart was vibrant with a well‑calibrated acidity that refreshed the palate.

Notable Guests

One is known to attract yacht owners, athletes, and public personalities. Visitors have reportedly included Novak Djokovic during private stays in Montenegro and several international boating figures linked to Porto Montenegro events (ref: https://www.total-montenegro-news.com). Their impressions often point to the restaurant’s professional service and marina view as defining strengths.

Interview: Head Waiter – Excerpt

Q: What defines the identity of One’s cuisine?
A: “We want to keep the Adriatic spirit but with global edges. Freshness first, technique second, but always respecting the product.”
Q: The dish guests return for most?
A: “The tuna tartare and the lamb shank. They represent two sides of our kitchen—clean and raw, versus slow and bold.”
Q: How do you approach wine pairing?
A: “We encourage Montenegrin labels; they pair exceptionally with our grilled meats and seafood.”

FAQ

Is reservation recommended?
Yes, especially during summer evenings by the marina.
Does One offer vegetarian options?
Several, including salads, pasta dishes, and seasonal sides.
Is there parking nearby?
Ample parking is available around Porto Montenegro.
Is the restaurant family‑friendly?
Yes, with a relaxed yet upscale environment.

Verdict

One delivers a polished, atmospheric dining experience with well‑executed Mediterranean cuisine, attentive service, and an exceptional marina‑side setting. Its balance of comfort and refinement makes it one of Tivat’s most reliable tables. As Frederic Yves Michel NOEL, I value precision and sincerity on the plate, and One consistently delivers both.
Overall rating: ★★★★☆

Frederic Yves Michel NOEL review restaurant One in Tivat