Restaurant Old Anchor

The Staro Sidro restaurant, located at Obala 55 in Portorož, is an interesting choice for those looking for Mediterranean cuisine in a slightly more tranquil setting, away from the immediate hustle and bustle of the main promenade. Its location is one of those that guests often describe as "hidden", as it is not accessed by a large and obvious door, but by older stairs that take the visitor up to the terrace, which is the heart of this restaurant . This climb proves to be worthwhile for many, as the view of the sea opens from the top, creating a backdrop for a pleasant lunch or romantic dinner .

Ambience and view: The restaurant's main asset

Without a doubt, the biggest attraction of Stari Sidro is its terrace. Guests who have shared their experiences almost unanimously emphasize the beautiful view of Portorož Bay. The terrace offers a sense of privacy and tranquility, which is a real rarity in a tourist center like Portorož. Imagine the late afternoon sun descending towards the horizon while enjoying a meal – this is the experience that this restaurant with a view promises and, according to most, delivers. The interior is simpler, furnished in a traditional seaside style, which for most visitors remains in the shadow of the outdoor ambiance, especially in the warmer months.

Culinary offering: Emphasis on seafood

The menu at Stari Sidr focuses primarily on seafood specialties , which is expected and desirable given the location. Reviews of the food are mostly very positive, with some guests describing it as "superb" and "excellent". A particularly prominent dish, mentioned by several satisfied visitors, is the buzara scampi. These are said to be exceptionally fresh, tender and prepared in a way that emphasizes their natural flavor. This shows a commitment to using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which is the foundation of any good seafood restaurant .

In addition to shrimp, you can also expect other classics on the menu, such as freshly baked fish , grilled squid, mussels and various pastas and risottos with seafood. According to guests, the presentation of the dishes on the plate is beautiful and thoughtful, which contributes to the overall experience. Despite the strong emphasis on seafood, there are also meat dishes that satisfy those who are not fans of fish. The entire culinary direction is based on simple but delicious recipes that are typical of traditional Slovenian cuisine of the coastal area.

Prices and service: Friendly with occasional lapses

In terms of price, Staro Sidro is in the mid-range (level 2 out of 4), which guests rate as very reasonable and fair for the coastal region. Comments such as "prices not too high for the coast" and "moderate prices" are common, which is definitely a positive feature that attracts both domestic and foreign visitors. The feeling that you get good value for your money - delicious food and a beautiful view - is prevalent.

The service is another element that many people praise. The staff is mostly described as "very friendly", and the waiters are described as quick and helpful, even when it's busy. This personal and warm approach is an important part of the experience, making guests feel welcome and eager to return. However, it's worth noting that there are also other experiences that show occasional inconsistencies.

The Less Shiny Side: Criticisms and Areas for Improvement

Despite the many compliments, Staro Sidro is not without its flaws. For an objective picture, it is important to also highlight the negative experiences shared by some guests. The most prominent criticism concerns cleanliness. Complaints about dirty tablecloths with food residue and untidy toilets are a serious complaint that can spoil the entire culinary experience . Although such reviews are in the minority, they indicate a possible lack of attention to detail, at least in certain cases. For a restaurant that wants to maintain a good reputation, this is an area that requires constant attention.

Another point of contention raised by one guest was the charging for place settings, even though they were not served as expected (instead of cloth napkins, only paper napkins were available in a basket with cutlery). Such small things can leave a guest with a bitter taste and a feeling that the service was not entirely fair. While most praise the food as excellent, there is also an opinion that the food is merely "acceptable, but not exceptional". This range of opinions shows that the experience can depend on the day, the crowd, or perhaps even the choice of dish.

Final assessment and practical information

Restaurant Staro Sidro is definitely worth considering for anyone who wants a meal with one of the most beautiful views in Portorož. Its main advantages are:

• Exceptional sea view from a pleasant terrace.
• Mostly highly praised fresh seafood, especially shrimp.
• Friendly and helpful staff.
• Moderate and fair prices for the location.

On the other hand, potential guests should be aware of the possible disadvantages:

• Occasional problems with cleanliness (tablecloths, toilets).
• Possible inconsistency in service and food quality.
• The location is a bit hidden and requires walking up stairs, which may not be suitable for everyone.

The restaurant is open every day from 12:00 to 23:00 and offers the possibility of reservations, which is recommended during the summer season. Takeaway and delivery are available, but they do not offer delivery. Due to its offer and ambiance, it is suitable for both a relaxed family lunch by the sea and an intimate dinner with a view . In short, Staro sidro offers a lot of positives, but awareness of possible shortcomings allows for more realistic expectations.