Five Traditional Restaurants You Must Try in Kotor

Introduction

Traditional restaurants that combine Mediterranean flavours with a Balkan twist are a hallmark of the culinary journey in Kotor’s UNESCO World Heritage city. Besides being famous for its marvellous location in Boka Bay, Kotor is well known as the city that blends in diversity as it is set between the astonishing Montenegrin mountains and the clear blue Adriatic sea.

Historically, Kotor was situated at the crossroads, with clashing Ottoman and Venetian influences, making the culinary experience in this town truly unique. Therefore, its gastronomic offerings are an ultimate feast for the senses, with traditional menus featured at a wide range of restaurants. Dive in and enjoy authentic Montenegrin cuisine.

Here, you will have a lot to choose from, so we have decided to curate a list for you. Please keep reading and discover our top five traditional restaurants in Kotor. These venues celebrate their profound diversity and culinary heritage, each offering unique, must-try dishes for an authentic experience. So, don’t hesitate and enjoy flavours that are crafted using local ingredients and age-old recipes.

Traditional dishes in Kotor: A Symphony of Sea and Land

The traditional Montenegrin cuisine combines fresh ingredients with the diversity of seafood, complemented by the region’s earthy produce. Therefore, when in Kotor, trying grilled or cooked seafood is a must. It is a much-celebrated star of coastal Montenegrin gastronomy. Locals often recommend sea bass, mackerel, bream, octopus, mussels, and squid, which are freshly caught. Therefore, these are some species that you will often encounter on menus prepared in the spirit of Kotor’s rich culinary heritage.

The “Buzara” is the most famous dish due to its traditional method of preparation dating back centuries. Local chefs combine the main ingredients and slow-cook seafood that amplifies the combination of white wine, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. 

Montenegrins are also known for their deep love for meat dishes. Therefore, for a complete feast, be sure to try some of the traditional meat dishes. The must-try items include well-done beef steak, lamb marinated in milk, and unavoidable traditional Balkan barbeque. The flavours are elevated by an array of locally grown Mediterranean vegetables like tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, and aubergines.

Top 5 Traditional Restaurants in Kotor

This next section will unveil our top five traditional restaurants in Kotor. Each of them offers an authentic slice of Montenegrin cuisine for everyone’s taste.

The “Stari Mlini”

The “Stari Mlini” is a must-try spot for a truly authentic Montenegrin gastronomic place housed in a centuries-old mill. It is one of the most popular spots for locals to escape the high temperatures in a cooling atmosphere near the water. The restaurant is also known for its spectacular offer. Their menu effortlessly combines traditional flavours with the freshest local produce.

Its signature dish is the Baked dish of the day. It has become famous for its freshness and exceptional taste as it is cooked to perfection using age-old techniques passed down through generations. It is prepared in a specially crafted clay pot to preserve the flavours of cooking.

Although the “Stari Mlini” chefs preserved Montenegrin culinary heritage, they also included contemporary dishes to ensure guests could enjoy themselves. These include freshly made squid, mussels, and even desserts such as Lava cake. Visitors can also opt for a vine tasting experience and enjoy a delicious selection of freshly made juices and coffees, which complement every meal.

Precisely because “Stari Mlini” offers both an enjoyable atmosphere and spectacular food, it is rightfully on the list of must-try restaurants in Kotor, Montenegro.

Contact information: Ljuta BB, Kotor, Montenegro; Phone number: + 382 32 333 555

Konoba “Scala Santa”

The heart of Kotor’s Old Town is preserved for some of the best traditional restaurants in the city – the konoba “Scala Santa“. This restaurant presents a typical dining venue style that features some of the best yet authentic culinary experiences. It is a family-owned restaurant that has been open for a long time and still takes pride in delivering quality and hard work dedicated to the enjoyment of its guests. As a konoba-style restaurant, “Scala Santa” keeps the majority of its offer in line with traditional flavours and typical Montenegrin-style dining.

Their menu is versatile and varies based on the season you choose to visit. But it often features their signature dishes. This includes their much-loved Black Risotto, made with cuttlefish ink and locally sourced seafood. It encapsulates Montenegro’s maritime heritage in a single dish. Santa Scala also takes pride in an array of seafood options. This includes their famous fish soup and fish stew, which represent actual Montenegrin comfort food.

These delicious items on the menu from konoba “Scala Santa”, blended with their traditional style interior and spot-on terrace, place this restaurant rightfully on our list. Therefore, when in Kotor and craving traditional food, be sure to visit Konoba Scala Santa.

Contact Information: Trg od Salate, Kotor, Montenegro; Phone number: +382 67 393 458

The ” Little Bay”

Another authentic restaurant in the heart of Old Town you should visit is the “Little Bay” restaurant. This well-liked establishment is renowned as a hub of traditional cuisine, situated on one of Kotor’s iconic squares. Although it is not a traditional-style restaurant in appearance, and features some modern-style dishes, Little Bay offers some authentic items on the menu.

This restaurant owes its popularity not only to its marvellous location but also to a variety of delicacies on its menu. Therefore, it is pretty challenging to decide what to savour from their speciality dishes. Our recommendation falls on their Seafood platter. This authentic dish presents a platter of the freshest seafood and aromatic herbs. In this way, the chief is mirroring Kotor’s deep-rooted connection with the Adriatic Sea.

Besides seafood, try their local grill dishes, including cevapi and top it off with some of the delicious cakes they offer. The variety of food pairs well with a curated list of wines they offer. Among these are some well-liked traditional Montenegrin wines, such as Plantaze Vranac.

With all this and much more, the ” Little Bay” promises a truly traditional and delicious dining experience filled with Kotor’s charms.

Contact information: Stari Grad 343, Kotor, Montenegro; Phone number: +382 67 512 494

The Marenda Grill House

The list of traditional style restaurants cannot be complete without a great grill house. Therefore, our suggestion is not to miss the Marenda. This is a conventional-style restaurant, primarily famous for curating the well-loved grill culture of Montenegro.

The best part about dining in Marenda is the assurance that you will try the best quality meat on the market. Thus, don’t miss their dry-aged steaks produced by the owners. The rest of the meat dishes are made from ingredients from a domestic farm. Besides an array of meat options, including lamb and pork steaks aromaticised in local herbs, you can choose more modern dishes as well. These include tartar stake, burgers, pasta and more. Try out their appetiser platters, which feature the best of Montenegrin products.

This, combined with a calm and cosy atmosphere just a short walk from Old Town, makes Marenda an excellent choice for dining out and exploring local tastes. Their staff will gladly offer you a wonderful wine to go with your order. Meanwhile, you will be mesmerised by the fusion of flavours that awaits you.

Contact information: Put Prvoboraca 232, Kotor, Montenegro; Phone number: +382 69 340 300

Restaurant “Vidikovac”

If you look for a quiet, cosy restaurant terrace that offers a breathtaking panoramic view and, on top of that, features traditional food, then look no further than Restaurant ” Vidikovac”. Their well-curated menu is designed to combine the best of both worlds: sea and land. The food is traditional in style and is mainly prepared over charcoal. Therefore, you can expect everything from fish to barbeque.

As it is located high above the city, you will soak in the view while you enjoy its signature dish – the catch of the day platter. Their great staff will explain all about the fish you will eat and offer some adequate wine to go with it. Locals adore their Dalmatian stew, which is an excellent addition to the main meal.

Their menu also features some delights, such as homemade crepes with signature jam. This is a traditional breakfast or after-lunch treat in Montenegro. This tops up the already spectacular combination of location and exquisite food, “Vidikovac” offers. Therefore, it is no surprise that it soon became an essential checkpoint for tourists seeking an exceptional gastronomic experience in Kotor.

Contact information: Vidikovac bb, Kotor, Montenegro; Phone number: + 382 69 390 062

For an unforgettable gastronomic adventure in Montenegro, don’t miss this ultimate guide to the best foodie tours that takes you from the coastal delicacies of Ulcinj and Kotor to the traditional cheesemaking practices in Kolašin.

Conclusion

Kotor is not only a unique historical place but also a brimming gastronomic hub. It has great dining spots that food explorers simply can’t afford to miss. From the charming old-world “Stari Mlini” to “Restaurant Vidikovac,” a restaurant with a view that takes your breath away, your taste buds are in for an extraordinary treat.

Delight in the local seafood specialities at “Konoba Scala Santa” and ” Little Bay,” both nestled in the heart of Kotor’s cobblestone streets. And let’s not overlook the homely charm of “Marenda,” serving hearty traditional Montenegrin comfort food.

We hope our culinary journey through Kotor’s traditional restaurants has inspired you to visit them on your gastronomic voyage through Montenegro. We promise it will be an adventure of flavours that leaves you yearning for more.