Ristorante Navigando Trieste — Restaurant in Trieste

I've seen and enjoyed the owner/manager in arguments with people on TripAdvisor, so I'll at first refrain from opinion and give an objective description and allow people to make their own conclusions. Limitations: first, I was in a bad mood, and second, I only ordered the appetizer trio. Now, description. From my seat I had a view of a cruise ship. That's what I got to look at the whole time. All diners were speaking something other than Italian. The wait staff was dressed in uniform T-shirts bearing the name of the restaurant in a large, colourful design. They also wore jaunty little sailing hats. (They were also nice). The music was all English, soft rock from the 70s that I desired to escape immediately. I think this gives an idea. The restaurant practices the nationwide scam of taking terrible bread and forcing you to pay 2+ EUR for it even if you don't want or eat it, yet still charges for water and other basics, which is what this 'cover' charge supposedly is meant to cover. The food (opinion now) was acceptable but mediocre, the shrimp appetizer having a nice flavour but looking like something from a buffet tray at Panda Express, and the tuna being...edible (I found the nearly-smooth texture to be odd and take away from some of the nicest aspects of eating raw tuna). The cod appetizer was like eating cement, and there sure was a lot of it, but I've never had this dish before so that may be more or less what it's supposed to be like. Overall I felt like I paid 20+ Euro for a decent amount of mayonnaise, some overly processed fresh seafood, bad bread that sat untouched on the table but was forced on me, and a laughably poor atmosphere. BUT perhaps the mains are better (the pictures look nice, which is what brought me in), or my mood was worse...

Located just a short walk from Piazza Unità d’Italia, Ristorante Navigando boasts a lovely outdoor terrace with sea views — perfect for a relaxed meal while enjoying Trieste’s waterfront. The restaurant has a calm, welcoming atmosphere.

We visited without a reservation, and unfortunately, the concierge was rude. I didn’t take it personally, but it did make me hesitant to spend too much. We only went because it came recommended by colleagues at the Portuguese consulate.

Once seated, the experience improved significantly. The fresh seafood was excellent – the tuna carbonara is a must-try, the fritto misto perfectly crisp – and the rest of the staff made us feel right at home. Prices are fair, portions could be a bit bigger, but the quality and atmosphere are top-notch. Regarding the food, I have nothing to complain about.

Overall, we give the staff (excluding the concierge) a solid 5 stars, and the restaurant itself remains one of the best spots in Trieste for fresh seafood and a...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at [Navigando], and I must say it was an exceptional experience. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance was inviting and warm, perfect for a cozy meal or a special occasion.

Food: The menu offered a variety of delectable options. I ordered Coperto, Calice Casa Frizzante , Pizza and it was beautifully presented . The ingredients were fresh, and you could tell that a lot of care went into preparation. I also tried Tagliata di n manzo rucola pomoddorri which was equally impressive.

Service: The staff was attentive and friendly, making sure we had everything we needed without being intrusive. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and provided great recommendations.

Overall Experience: I highly recommend Navigando Triest to anyone looking for a delightful dining experience. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this place is a must-visit. I can't wait to return and try more...