My experience at the NAPA restaurant, Porto Palace Hotel, Tivat
by Sanya Milo
When you’ve spent over ten years living in Tivat, you naturally develop the ability to recognise places that genuinely enrich the life of the town. You learn to distinguish between what is fleeting and what truly leaves a mark. I’ve always sought out spaces that speak through their details, their atmosphere, and their flavours. And I found exactly that at the heart of Porto Palace Hotel – at NAPA Restaurant, which has quickly become my safe, inspiring place. Leading a dynamic life, balancing numerous projects, the Women of Influence initiative, motherhood and my own dreams, it is essential for me to have a space where I can return to myself. This restaurant has become one of those rare places where I sit alone, enjoying breakfast and coffee after dropping my son off at kindergarten. It is my small ritual, my quiet moment, my morning meeting with myself. A time when I carefully arrange my thoughts and plan the day ahead, without haste. What immediately won me over was the tranquillity that lives here. The setting is sophisticated yet understated, elegant yet warm. Spacious enough for pleasant gatherings with friends, yet sufficiently discreet for important business meetings where focus and comfort are key. It is a space that invites you to linger, to enjoy, to engage in conversations that truly matter.
FLAVOURS THAT TELL A STORY
As someone who genuinely loves seafood and often opts for lighter Mediterranean cuisine, I was pleasantly surprised when the Head Chef, Nikola Jokanović, encouraged me to step outside of my usual comfort zone. I tried the lamb terrine and lamb fillet served on semolina gnocchi with truffles – a truly memorable culinary story that completely won me over. This sophisticated combination of traditional Montenegrin flavours and modern gastronomy delivers lamb prepared with exceptional care. The slow-cooked lamb terrine, rich and intense, perfectly complements the tender, succulent lamb fillet, cooked to perfection. The entire dish is thoughtfully served atop semolina gnocchi, enriched with the aroma of black truffles, creating a harmonious blend of textures and the fragrant spirit of Montenegro’s north. Not only did this dish surprise me, but it also reminded me how important it is to occasionally surrender to the chef’s vision and expertise. Although I have long been impressed by the restaurant’s selection of seafood specialities, this time particular praise goes to the prawn bouillon – rich yet light, full of delicate sea aromas that calm you from the very first spoonful. The white carpaccio also left a strong impression – simple yet perfectly balanced, a dish that celebrates freshness and pure taste. One highlight on my personal menu remains the tartare steak – the signature dish of Chef Nikola Jokanović. Prepared in his distinctive style, the tartare was perfectly seasoned and delicately textured, an ideal choice for true meat lovers who appreciate premium ingredients and minimalist presentation.
A WINE STORY THAT TRAVELS THE WORLD
The pleasure of these dishes was further elevated by my visit to the Wine Club – a charming wine corner where I discovered exceptional wines from some of the world’s most prestigious wine regions, with a special focus on selections from Napa Valley. Here, wine is not simply a menu offering – it is a story, an experience, an invitation to truly understand and savour it. Alongside the seafood dishes, the sommelier recommended a Napa Valley Chardonnay, a wine with a rich structure and refreshing character that beautifully complemented the chosen flavours. This was more than just an ordinary wine recommendation – it was a perfect harmony of time, place, and taste that remains with me.
A PLACE FOR MEETINGS – BOTH BUSINESS AND PERSONAL
What I value most about this restaurant is its natural versatility. When I need a serious business meeting – it is peaceful, comfortable, and discreet. When I need time for myself – this is where I enjoy breakfast in silence, gently planning my day. When I want to bring together friends or my fellow women from the Women of Influence network – this space offers more than enough room and warmth for us to savour our time together. There is no rushing here. This is a place where you come to stay, to create, to enjoy without the pressure of time. Whether you are seeking a quiet corner, a professional setting, or a dinner to remember – you will find your place here.
CUISINE THAT IS LIVED, NOT JUST PREPARED
What truly delights me is the sincerity of this place. Here, luxury is not proven by glitter, but by substance. It is found in carefully crafted dishes, in the professional and genuinely warm staff, in the passion the chef pours into every plate. This is luxury with a soul. The restaurant’s working hours, from 7:30 AM to midnight, make it the perfect setting for various life moments – from morning rituals and business lunches to leisurely wine afternoons and elegant dinners that turn into cherished memories.
AN EXTRA TIP FOR TRUE FOOD LOVERS
For those who genuinely love discovering small culinary surprises, I have a special recommendation: confit duck leg served with roasted carrot, poached quince, and celeriac cream. The duck leg, lovingly prepared in its own fat until perfectly tender, is beautifully complemented by the sweetness of roasted carrot and the fragrant poached quince. Paired with a rich, velvety celeriac cream, this dish offers an elegant balance of earthy, sweet, and savoury notes – a true hidden gem on the menu.
WHY I ALWAYS RETURN
As the founder of Women of Influence, but above all, as a woman who values peace, authenticity, and subtle luxury – I have found my place here. I don’t come here simply to eat – I come here to truly be present. To be with myself, to spend time with those I cherish, to enjoy the small luxuries that everyday life often forgets to offer. Whether I come alone, with friends, or with business partners – this is a space that naturally adapts to me, my needs, and my rhythm. A comfortable setting, plenty of room, impeccable service, and a menu that will satisfy even the most refined palates. Tivat is growing, evolving, opening new doors. And I am grateful that among those doors, this one now stands open – my corner, my haven, my daily retreat of taste and tranquillity by the sea.
e-mail: info@portopalace.me
telephone: +382 67 198 430