Restoran Navetta Fažana

About the Restaurant

Trattoria Pizzeria Navetta is located on Dragonja 116, just outside Pula and only a few minutes’ drive from Fažana. Set away from the main tourist rush and surrounded by greenery, it feels like a countryside stopover even though it is very close to the coast and major holiday apartments. The large private parking lot right in front of the building makes it an easy choice for guests arriving by car.

The concept combines a classic Istrian trattoria with a relaxed pizzeria, inspired by rustic Tuscan farmhouses and a touch of nautical character, reminiscent of an old English frigate. Navetta is open all year, serving both locals and visitors who return season after season for reliable food, friendly service and a comfortable, homely atmosphere.

Navetta is very much a family-friendly place, with space for children, a welcoming approach to families and a dedicated kids’ menu. The restaurant can host larger groups and celebrations, and on busy evenings tables are often pushed together for bigger parties. Besides the main dining areas, there is on-site accommodation with several rooms and suites, making it a practical base for guests who want to stay nearby and have a restaurant right at their doorstep.

Food & What to Expect

The kitchen at Navetta is built around Istrian and Mediterranean flavours with strong Italian influences. The menu offers a wide choice, from antipasti and pasta to grilled meats, seafood and pizza. Seasonal ingredients play an important role, so you can expect fresh seafood in summer, comforting pasta and meat dishes when the weather cools, and desserts that follow the time of year.

On the trattoria side, you will find classic regional starters and warm homemade dishes. Cold seafood plates and octopus salad are popular choices when you want something lighter, while hearty plates such as gnocchi with salmon, fuži with prawns and courgettes, or a well-cooked tuna steak show the kitchen’s strength with pasta and fish. Traditional platters with local cheese and pršut appear on the menu as well; they offer a taste of Istria, though portions and composition can feel modest compared to the price for some guests.

The pizzeria section specialises in pizza all’Italiana, baked in modern Italian double-deck ovens for an even bake and soft, airy dough. Toppings range from simple margherita to seafood combinations such as tuna pizza; even when canned tuna is used, pizzas are still considered tasty and satisfying. Children are well catered for with a kids’ menu, making it easy for families where not everyone wants a full multi-course meal.

Desserts include homemade and seasonal options, from simple sweets to more elaborate plates, rounding off the meal without pushing the bill too high. Overall, prices are mid-range for this part of Istria, with a typical spend of around 25–40 € per person depending on whether you choose pizza or a full seafood or meat dinner with starters, dessert and drinks.

Atmosphere & Who It’s For

The atmosphere at Navetta is relaxed and welcoming, shaped by its green surroundings and generous outdoor terrace. In warmer months, most guests gravitate to the terrace, where tables are spaced comfortably and the mood is easy-going. Indoors, the decor mixes rustic touches with subtle maritime details, creating the feeling of a cosy country house with a nautical twist rather than a formal dining room.

Navetta suits a wide range of guests: families with children, couples looking for a quiet dinner, and groups of friends or colleagues meeting over pizza and wine. The team is used to handling larger groups and is happy to rearrange tables so everyone can sit together, which makes it a popular choice for celebrations, business dinners and casual gatherings. On certain evenings, especially weekends in season, live music adds a festive note without turning the place into a loud party venue.

Most of the time, the ambience stays pleasantly balanced – calm enough for conversation, but lively enough to feel like a proper night out. Service is generally friendly and helpful, with staff paying attention to guests’ needs and working efficiently even when the terrace is full. Small hiccups can happen on very busy nights, such as a missed dish or slower pacing between courses, but overall the feeling is of a capable, guest-focused team. Dogs are allowed, the setting is informal, and it is the kind of place where guests feel comfortable lingering over dessert and another drink.

Visit Pula Review

Trattoria Pizzeria Navetta comes across as a reliable choice for guests who want a relaxed meal just outside Fažana, with easy parking and a comfortable, leafy setting. The strongest impressions are the generous main courses, well-prepared seafood and pasta, and the ability to serve everything from a quiet dinner for two to a long table of more than twenty guests without losing the friendly tone. Pizza all’Italiana from modern ovens, a kids’ menu, free Wi-Fi and dog-friendly policy all add to its appeal for holidaymakers and locals alike.

There are a few minor caveats to keep in mind. Starters such as the local cheese and pršut platter can feel on the small side for the price, and on very busy evenings the kitchen and service can occasionally miss a dish or move at a slower pace. Bread baskets are simple rather than artisanal, and not every detail on the plate is at the same high level as the best mains or seafood dishes. Overall, however, the balance of quality, atmosphere and mid-range prices makes Navetta a solid ★★★★☆ recommendation for anyone looking for a friendly trattoria-pizzeria between Pula and Fažana.