Nothing elevates a holiday experience like dining with a view, especially in a medieval town such as Kotor. Here, the simple meal is complemented by spectacular views on one of the most beautiful bays in the world..
Most popular spots around the city are typically those near the waterfront promenade. However, there are also some hidden spots featuring terraces clinging to the edge of stone walls. What makes dining with a view in Kotor so special is that the view is always changing. On one side, the calm waters of the Bay and on the other, rugged cliffs of magnificent mountains topped with fortress ruins.
But dining is not only about the views, it is also about tasting locally cured meats, sun-ripened vegetables, fresh fish and olive oil. A plate of black risotto or grilled calamari tastes different when eaten under the warm glow of sunset, with the sound of church bells in the distance and the scent of salt in the air.
Therefore, if you want to experience this and much more, keep reading as we bring you a well-curated guide of localsโ favourite spots. If you choose to visit one of the restaurants from our list, you can be assured that you will create a cherished memory with your loved ones.
So letโs dive in!
What is dining in Kotor all about?
While the views are what first capture your attention in Kotor, and the main thing you choose your restaurant by, the flavours are what truly elevate the experience. The townโs food culture is shaped by a mix of coastal tradition, home-style cooking, and a deep respect for fresh, local ingredients, which captivates visitors.
The majority of the menus are built around fish and meat, featuring grilled seabass, octopus salad, and mussels. Local favourites are also traditional products like njeguski prsut (smoked ham from the nearby mountains), cheese aged in olive oil, or rich pasticada slow-cooked in red wine. You can also enjoy some delicious risottos, or try the local speciality, mussels na buzaru.
Some of the best places to enjoy these delicious traditional dishes are local taverns or konobas. Kotor has plenty of them, and each offers something new and unique. Feel free to share the plates, ask for the chef’s recommendation and order freshly baked bread that you will dip in local olive oil. In this way, you will truly grasp dining in Kotor. Before diving into our curated list, one tip is to plan your visit and make a reservation, as these places are typically booked in advance.
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Restaurants with a view
Konoba Bonaca
One of the most scenic places to enjoy seafood in Kotor is Konoba Bonaca. This relaxed, family-run restaurant is located on the promenade in Dobrota, just a short stroll from the Old Town. Its terrace offers clear views of the bay, with mountains rising in the background, making it an ideal dining spot. Due to this inviting atmosphere, it is very popular among locals and visitors.ย
Their menu is equally mesmerising. It focuses on fresh, local seafood, among which the chefโs choice is their platter with grilled squid and seafood risotto. For those who want something more unique, we recommend their black cuttlefish risotto if available. Each dish can be complemented by a variety of wines, which are locally sourced. All this, followed by exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere, only confirms why Konoba Bonaca is considered the ultimate spot for dining in Boka.
Mussel and oyster farm with a restaurant
An unusual yet exceptional dining experience awaits you at the Mussels and Oysters Farm near Ljuta. This not-so-typical yet outstanding spot offers something truly special. This isnโt your traditional restaurant, but a working shellfish farm where tables are set just steps from the sea. Not many tourists know about this spot, which is why locals prefer it. The atmosphere is peaceful due to the uninterrupted views of the bay, making it ideal to skip town crowds.
The star of the menu is naturally their shellfish. Fresh oysters are served raw with a splash of lemon, or you can opt for mussels in aromatic white wine broth. If you love the place, make sure to take your time sipping local wine and ask for a recommendation from the lovely staff. By visiting this farm, you will get to experience something new and unique, which will stay carved in your memories.
Rooftop Terrace Hippocampus
If you think about dining with a view in Kotor, you think of terracotta rooftops and the Bay in the distance. This is precisely the experience that Rooftop Terrace Hippocampus offers. It is set atop the boutique Hotel Hippocampus, in a quiet atmosphere perfect for a romantic dinner or a relaxed evening drink.
The menu blends Mediterranean and Montenegrin cuisine, so you can expect modern and traditional items. Their most famous dishes include a variety of pasta dishes and their famous steak. For something more appropriate for a coastal atmosphere, do not miss their seabass or a rich seafood risotto.
The service is attentive and will gladly offer you advice when choosing from the menu, adding to the entire experience, which will mesmerise you.
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Konoba Boka Bay
Konoba Boka Bay is yet another exceptional, traditional tavern on the verge of the sea. Set in Dobrota, it is known for a relaxed atmosphere for locals to spend evenings and a spectacular menu. It is well well-known spot for splendid dining due to its incredible menu, which features traditional Kotor’s items.
Simple wooden tables lining the shore and views that stretch across the bay are mere accessories to delicious dishes they offer. Among a variety of items, the chef is well known for its grilled squid with a Dalmatian side dish. We also recommend octopus or something heavier, such as seafood pasta with local herbs. Their menu is simple yet features the best that Montenegro has to offer.
The portions are generous, the prices fair, and the service kind without being overly formal, making Konoba Boka Bay ideal for dining with a view in Kotor.
Konoba Akustik Porto
The last item on the list often aligns with our desire to present you ultimate dining spots with a view. That is exactly the case with Konoba Akustik Porto. It is located in the marina at the edge of Kotorโs Old Town. This waterfront spot offers a modern twist to the traditional tavern-style restaurants. Due to this atmosphere, it is always packed with guests. They come to soak in the sunset and taste some delicious items from their menu.
Seafood is precisely at the core of their menu, featuring grilled calamari, seafood pasta, and mussels. They also have an extensive list of wines and cocktails to go along with your choice for the evening. Everything is served in generous portions, and their friendly staff is at your disposal throughout your entire stay.
All this makes Konoba Akustik Porto an ideal spot for late-night dining with great food, good music while experiencing the spirit of Kotor in full.
