6 of the Best Places to Eat in Montenegro

When you’re thinking of fine foods and culinary delights, Montenegro doesn’t really spring to mind. But in actual fact, this Balkan beauty often has plenty to offer when it comes to food. Montenegro’s cuisine is classified as Mediterranean, and there's a bunch of influences from countries like Italy and Turkey, as well as its other neighbouring countries, which all come together to form a delectable Montenegrin menu. Soups and stews are popular, but it’s the fish and meat dishes that are the best. When it comes to picking restaurants in Montenegro, here's a few that shouldn’t be missed:

Konoba Feral (‘Ships Lantern Restaurant’) is a family run affair in the coastal town of Herceg Novi. Dishes are traditional and hearty, and they offer the whole range of Montenegrin delights for a very reasonable price. Meats, soups, pastas and risottos galore, but the seafood dishes are hands down the best choice. Try the catch of the day or squid ink risotto.

Address: 4 Vasa Ćukovića, Herceg Novi

Telephone: +382 31 322 232

Sitting on its very own peninsula, you can arrive at Ribarsko Selo by land or sea. All ingredients are either home-grown or delivered by fisherman at noon, and the menu (which doesn’t really exist!) changes depending on your taste. Prices are steeper here than in most other Montenegrin restaurants, but the experience is definitely worth it. The fresh squid ink pasta is great, but the fish dishes are by far the best. Guests also have access to their choice of four private beaches, but book at least two days in advance.

Address: Lustica peninsula, Herceg-Novi

Telephone: +382 69 149 119

Konoba Trpeza is a traditional gem smack in the centre of Old Town Kotor. The service is exceptional and the waiters are brilliant at recommending dishes to suit your palate. Fish dishes are incredible, and the cold plates almost too pretty eat. Try the monk fish cooked in the “Montenegrin” way (with olives, sundried tomatoes etc), and pair it up with one of their great selection of wines.

Address: Stari grad 478, Kotor

Telephone: +382 67 280 281

Sat in a prime location overlooking Boka Bay, Gradska Kafana is a symbol of Herceg Novi. The food might not be as mouthwateringly Montenegrin as some of the other choices here, but they have a great selection of cold appetisers and their breakfast menu is excellent. Mornings are the best time to visit as it gets pretty busy in the evenings.

Address: Njegoševa 31, Herceg Novi

Telephone: +382 31 321 066

Home-cooked Montenegrin food at its best. A friendly, family-run restaurant with a lovely atmosphere, Bokeski Gusti sits on the waters-edge looking back on Kotor, offering up a superb seafood selection at a very reasonable price. Try the ‘Bokeski Pjat' (mix plate) as it gives you a selection of their finest eats (calamari, risotto and fried fish!).

Address: Prčanj, Kotor

Telephone: +382 67 864 313

La Bocca sits away from the touristy centre of Old Town Budva and is a destination in itself. The portion sizes are huge and this is reflected in the prices which are mid to high range. Seafood and salads aside, this place dishes up the best desserts in Montenegro. Locals even travel from the capital for a taste of their tarts.

Address: 218 Cra. 8, Budva

Telephone: +382 69 224 400