Old Olive

Restaurant Stara Oljka, located at the recognizable location of Obala 20 in Portorož, has been a fixture on the culinary map of the Slovenian coast for many years. With its terrace adorned with olive trees and a view of the sea, it attracts both tourists and locals. However, the experiences of guests paint a complex picture full of contradictions, ranging from unforgettable evenings to feelings of disappointment. An overall rating of 3.9 from more than 1,700 reviews shows that this is a place that divides opinions, so it is worth considering both the positive and negative sides before visiting.

Atmosphere and service: Heart of hospitality with occasional slip-ups

One of the most frequently mentioned positive aspects of Stara Oljka is undoubtedly the ambiance. Guests describe a pleasant, homely atmosphere, which, combined with the location, creates the ideal backdrop for a relaxed lunch or romantic dinner. Some were so impressed with the atmosphere that the planned short dinner stretched into a four-hour socializing. This shows the power of the space to create a sense of comfort and welcome. The staff also contributes significantly to this impression. Many compliments are paid to the friendly, fast and professional service . The effort of individual waiters is especially emphasized, who leave a lasting positive impression with their helpfulness and attention. One guest even pointed out that she and her husband always get excited when they see a particular waiter at work, because they know they will receive a top-notch experience. Such reviews show that the core of the team is dedicated to their work.

However, the picture is not entirely clear. There are also reports of less pleasant experiences, where service was described as unfriendly and unprofessional. In one case, a waiter told guests looking for a table to find one themselves, and later was even rude when clearing the table. Such incidents, while perhaps isolated, cast a shadow over the otherwise positive image of the staff and indicate a possible inconsistency in the quality of service, especially during busy times.

Culinary offering: Between seafood excellence and mediocrity

The menu at Stara Oljka is extensive and offers a wide range of dishes, from seafood specialties to grilled meat dishes. It is the seafood that often impresses. Guests have particularly praised the delicious food , especially dishes such as stuffed squid, which were described as "very tasty" and "prepared to perfection", so that they "literally melted in the mouth". This confirms that the kitchen has mastered the preparation of fresh seafood delicacies and can offer guests a top-notch culinary experience . In addition to squid, fish platters and scampi are also popular, which places Stara Oljka among the important fish restaurants in Portorož.

On the other hand, there are criticisms that indicate fluctuations in quality. Some guests rated the food as merely "average." Even more concerning are comments that some dishes were not properly prepared, such as squid that were not cleaned properly. Such mistakes are unacceptable in a restaurant famous for its seafood and can completely ruin the experience. There has also been criticism of the pre-prepared dishes, which taste like frozen products from the store, which is in no way in line with expectations given the price and location of the restaurant .

Prices and transparency: The biggest stumbling block

The most serious criticisms and warnings to potential guests relate to the area of prices and service charges. While some visitors consider the prices to be "very acceptable", others have had an extremely negative experience, bordering on deception. The most prominent complaint is that the prices on the restaurant's menu differ from those on the final bill. One guest expressed suspicion that the prices on the menu may not include VAT, which is an unusual and non-transparent practice in Slovenia.

Additional dissatisfaction is caused by charging for "placemats" or bread that guests neither ordered nor received. The amount, although small (just over €1 per person), creates the feeling that the restaurant is trying to covertly increase the final bill. This practice has been described as a "very strange business practice" and was the main reason for some guests not to return to Stara Oljka. Such methods undermine trust and can leave a bitter aftertaste, no matter how good the food or service was.

Final rating: Two-faced restaurant

Stara Oljka is a restaurant in Portorož that offers two sides to the story. On the one hand, there is a beautiful ambiance in a prime location, where you can enjoy excellently prepared seafood specialties with friendly service. It is an experience that many guests praise and for which they like to return. On the other hand, there is a risk of inconsistent food quality and, more importantly, non-transparent and controversial billing practices. A visitor who decides to visit is thus entering a kind of lottery: he can experience an unforgettable evening or leave with the feeling of having been deceived. The recommendation for anyone who decides to try their offer is to be careful when checking the bill and not be afraid to ask questions if they notice discrepancies. Stara Oljka has the potential for a top-notch experience, but it urgently needs to address issues of transparency in order to regain the trust of all its guests.