The Best Burgers in Montenegro

Choosing the best burgers in Montenegro can be a challenge with the variety of options that await you. The country is well known for its love of fast food, especially the delightfully alternative to a burger known as pljeskavica u lepinji (pljeskavica in bread). Due to the deep roots that grilling has in local cuisine, burgers are a relatively recent addition to the menus of Montenegrin restaurants.

Therefore, as a burger enthusiast, you will have a lot to look for when visiting Montenegro. You can savour different flavours, from more traditional combinations to modern fusions, immersed in a well-liked dish such as burgers. Because burgers have such an essential place in the everyday life of locals, you will have plenty of options to choose from. Thus, we have assembled a list of the places to try the best burger in the country.

Montenegro’s Burger Culture

Crafting a good burger is very important for the people of Montenegro. Food is a significant part of tradition and culture in the Balkans. Therefore, burgers and pljeskavica hold a special place in the country’s gastronomic heritage, which is deeply cherished and can be felt throughout the nation. The effort and devotion that locals pour into each burger speak volumes about the importance of this dish.

Burgers can be found on almost all menus across the country. The most popular options are a traditional one-meat patty burger or a cheeseburger. Tourists also love to try the local double cheeseburger or bacon-wrapped burgers, which are complemented by BBQ sauce. Many places also allow you to add toppings based on your preference on top of already set ingredients. Traditionally, burgers are served with a side portion of French fries.

This also means that this is a must-try for any tourist or traveller visiting the country.

Read Also: Best Breweries in Montenegro

Montenegrin Traditional Pljeskavica

Although Balkan cuisine is known for its versatility, rich flavours and variety of fresh ingredients, one of the ultimate delights chosen by locals is a simple dish – pljeskavica. It is a part of local tradition and grill culture that finds its way to the heart of anyone who tries it. Therefore, whether you lean towards classic dishes or want to try innovative cuisine, the pljeskavica stands as an unmissable aspect of Montenegro’s deeply rooted culinary culture.

Read Also: Seafood dishes to watch out for in Montenegro

Regarded as the jewel of Montenegrin cuisine, pljeskavica – the “Balkan burger” – is a flavourful dish created from a succulent mix of meats, typically pork, and beef. True masters of burgers grill the meat perfectly and often serve it enveloped in homemade flatbread. A selection of local condiments elevates the flavours. You can customise pljeskavica with an array of toppings, ranging from local vegetables to exotic Balkan cheeses. However, people traditionally serve the classical style pljeskavica with either ajvar (a mild paprika spread) or kajmak (a creamy cheese spread), along with a generous helping of crisp, fresh onion.

This variety of flavours, mixed on the plate, makes you want to explore all the burgers and pljeskavica options in Montenegro.

Best Places to Eat Burgers in Montenegro

Podgorica’s Burger Pride: GoodFellas

Goodfellas is a well-known restaurant chain that offers a variety of American-style burgers. It is set in various locations across the vibrant capital city of Podgorica. Burger enthusiasts consider them the best place to eat a delicious, well-known burger.

The restaurant owners take pride in maintaining a high standard of food by sourcing it exclusively from local markets and ensuring the highest standards in preparation. Their BBQ Burger, together with Brooklyn Burger and El Toro Burger, are the highlights of their menu. These New-York authentic burgers can be modified to your taste. Besides these, the items on the menu of GoodFellas include delicious sandwiches, wraps and well-known Couch.

Any location you choose throughout the city will guarantee the most delicious burger experience in Montenegro.

Contact information: 8 Bulevar Stanka Dragojevića, Podgorica, Montenegro; Phone number: +38267773311

Burger Factory: A Burger Bonanza in Niksic

Located in the vibrant centre of Niksic is “Burger Factory,” one of the initial burger franchises established in the country. Their traditional-style burgers, versatile menu, and rich flavours make it one of the most visited fast-food restaurants in the city.

Although “Burger Factory” offers a variety of dishes, including sandwiches and wraps, together with delicious smoothies, its star is the chicken burger. On top of this, be sure to check out their onion burger, as well as domacinski, which is their speciality. These burgers are made from locally sourced meat, which gives them additional flavour, while the toppings in them can be amended to suit your taste.

Therefore, when in Niksic, make sure to stop by and try some incredible delights from Burger Factory.

Contact information: Novice Cerovića, Nikšić, Montenegro; Phone number: +38268035111

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.

Mala Kuzina

The Montenegrin coast is lined with a variety of fast food restaurants. But the historic town of Bar hides a culinary gem that you shouldn’t miss. Visit the “Mala Kuzina,” or as it translates, “Small Kitchen” at the entrance to the city and taste the best Balkan grill in town. This family-owned restaurant is locals’ favourite due to the authentic flavours of every dish.

Their menu features all traditional items you should try, including classical pljeskavica, cevapi, chicken breast burgers and more. Our personal favourite is their gourmet burgers, which offer various spicy and non-spicy options. You can add a variety of traditional toppings, including ajvar, onions, pickles, and more.

Because of the well-maintained quality and home-made flavours, Mala Kuzina rightfully deserves to be on the list of the best burger places in Montenegro.

Contact information: IV crnogorske brigade bb, Bar, Montenegro; Phone number: +38269645535

Green & Protein

The Montenegrin burger journey also has a must-try destination for vegans and vegetarians. “Green & Protein” has successfully transformed Montenegrin burger culture by offering the absolute best vegetarian and vegan-friendly American-style burgers.

They craft their burgers with carefully selected, high-quality plant-based ingredients that create an equally satisfying experience as their meat counterparts. Some of the best items on their menu you shouldn’t miss include the Gorgeous Gang or the Wild Chant Burger. Additionally, they offer other meat options that are worth trying, or you can opt for delicious wraps, salads, and healthy desserts.

Therefore, whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just exploring new culinary landscapes, don’t miss the chance to enjoy the diverse menu of “Green & Protein”.

Contact information: Baku Street, Podgorica Montenegro; Phone number: +38267044116

Konoba Bocun

The popular coastal town of Budva is home to a variety of restaurants that offer both modern and traditional burgers. One of the best burgers, made in an authentic local style, is the one served at “Konoba Bocun“. Because this is a taverna, you can expect traditional pljeskavica whose recipe has been passed through generations.

Although being inclined to local flavours, this Montenegrin tavern offers some of the most enjoyable burgers in Montenegro. We suggest you try their pljeskavica with ajvar or with a side portion of onion, as this is as authentic as it gets. You can also ask for traditional cheese spread – kajmak, and a homemade patty. Besides pljeskavica, their menu features also cevapi, which is an equally alluring dish to try.

With its dedication to preserving local flavours, “Konoba Bocun” is worth a visit on your burger journey in Montenegro.

Contact information: Mimoza 177, Budva, Montenegro; Phone number: +38269514879

SMASH Pub – Craft and Burger

Smash Pub is a trendy burger pub which is relatively new on the restaurant scene in Podgorica. Like many in the country, they are very proud of using high-quality ingredients, locally sourced meats, and handcrafted sauces that you must try.

The pub features a rich menu, among which their signature dishes are the Smash and Monster Smash burgers. They feature an incredible fusion of flavours, which is why locals always come back for more. You can also try their vegan option, or explore a curated list of local craft beers, appetisers and more. Their interior is modern, so people often choose it as a great place for evening entertainment, which makes Smash Pub a promising place to visit.

Contact information: Petra Sinanovica Nagiba 34, Podgorica, Montenegro; Phone number: +38267971 999

Il Pescatore, Porto Montenegro

Il Pescatore is a unique and stylish fish bar located in the luxury setting of Porto Montenegro. Although it belongs to high-end restaurants, it is well-known for its creative seafood burgers and Italian-inspired dishes.

If you want to try something new, original and locally sourced, then look no further than their menu. Signature dishes include their popular Tuna Steak Burger “Premium Tartufato”, Salmon Burger “Mamma Mia”, and the standout Octopus Burger “Mamula”. Tourists love this place because it creates a perfect fusion of tastes unlike anywhere else in Montenegro.

Beyond burgers, Il Pescatore serves a variety of other dishes, while taking pride in their wine and cocktail list. Therefore, if you’re looking for the most inventive seafood in Porto Montenegro, this is the place to be.

Contact information: Obala bb, Porto Montenegro, Tivat, Montenegro; Phone number: +38268222024

Incontro Bar & Food

Incontro Bar & Food is the ultimate spot on our best burger list. It is a great cosy bar in Kotor known for its generous portions and some delicious burgers. They take pride in their approach to burger culture, blending Mediterranean and American-style burgers. For the preparation of each item on the menu, they opt for fresh, local ingredients.

Although the list of dishes in Incontro is outstanding, we suggest you try some of the locals’ favourites, including the Double BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger or the rich Truffle Paradise Burger. These burgers feature a variety of toppings that melt together onto a perfectly crafted meat patty.

You can also enjoy freshly made omelettes, cheese platters, and baked potatoes with truffle and parmesan. All this makes Incontro deliver big flavours in a relaxed, family-friendly setting, which you’re sure to enjoy.

Contact information: 46, Skaljari, Kotor, Montenegro; Phone number: +38267089595