15 Delicious Dishes to Try in Kotor

Nestled between towering mountains that dive into the Adriatic Sea, Kotor boasts breathtaking views and even more incredible cuisine. Here, you'll discover a variety of meats, cheeses, breads, and stews enriched with herbs and spices sourced from the Mediterranean and Balkan regions.

The fresh, straightforward farm-to-table dishes available in Kotor are sure to impress any food enthusiast. These 15 must-try items showcase the finest ingredients and flavors that the city has to offer.

1. Börek

Don’t miss out on börek, a beloved local delicacy often enjoyed for breakfast. This flaky pastry, filled with spinach, cheese, meat, and potatoes, offers the perfect blend of crispy, gooey, and indulgent textures. Pair it with a bottle of plain yogurt for an authentic Balkan experience.

2. Black Risotto

Infused with squid ink, this rice dish boasts a striking name and a taste reminiscent of the sea. A coastal classic found across the Mediterranean, Montenegro's rendition is enriched with generous amounts of garlic, parsley, and local wine.

3. Bajadera

For a delightful afternoon treat or a sweet finish to your meal, look for bajadera. This is one of the most beloved desserts in the Balkans. Within its layers lies a nougat made from crushed nuts and shortbread, creating a truly indulgent experience.

This is nestled between rich layers of chocolate, creating a delectable and creamy treat.

4. Pasulj

Pasulj, which has its roots in the mountainous regions of Montenegro, is now a beloved comfort food found in the city. This Balkan take on baked beans is typically simmered slowly with meat and local spices. Some eateries even prepare it over an open flame for an authentic, rustic experience.

5. Silverbeet

When you order seafood in port—and let's be honest, you probably will—silverbeet is likely to be served alongside. Also known as Swiss chard, this vibrant green is sautéed with plenty of garlic and accompanied by boiled potatoes. The flavors harmonize beautifully with the lemon and parsley in the fish, enhancing the overall dish.

6. Baklava

No journey to the Balkans is truly complete without indulging in baklava. Prepare to enjoy layers of filo pastry filled with ground walnuts and drenched in sweet syrup. The Montenegrin variation includes a hint of lemon, perfectly balancing the sweetness of this beloved dessert. It’s an ideal choice for what to savor in Kotor.

7. Calamari

If you’ve savored the taste of fried calamari rings in Italy or Greece, you’re in for a delight in Kotor. Local fishermen rise early to catch fresh squid for nearby restaurants, where it’s expertly sliced and fried until golden.

Just don’t expect a side of cocktail sauce for dipping. Instead, you’ll enjoy silverbeet and potatoes drizzled in a savory garlic sauce. Montenegrin calamari is a dish you must try!

8. Catch of the Day

It’s no surprise that some of the finest cuisine Kotor offers includes seafood freshly sourced from Kotor Bay. For the freshest Montenegrin flavors, inquire with the restaurant staff about the catch of the day. Popular options include mackerel and tuna, alongside carp and sardines that frequently appear on menus.

9. Cevapi

Fast food is handy when you need a quick bite while on the go, but you won’t find any drive-throughs in Kotor. Instead, you’ll come across grill shops known as ćevabdžinicas at nearly every corner, offering Montenegrin-style fast food like cevapi. These small, sausage-shaped patties made from pork or beef are served in a bread bun and are incredibly satisfying.

10. Njeguski Steak

This renowned dish was crafted by the private chef of a former president and is bursting with flavor. The foundation of Njeguski Steak is pork schnitzel, topped with cream cheese and a Montenegrin delicacy—Njegusi prosciutto.

Typically, the meat is accompanied by fries and a selection of vegetables.

11. Karadjordjeva Schnitzel

What do you get when you roll up a slice of Njeguski steak and fry it? In Kotor, it’s known as Karadjordjeva schnitzel, a delightful cousin to the region's most famous steak.

Pair it with an original steak and host your own tasting event to compare the two, discovering whether you prefer your steak breaded or unbreaded.

12. Octopus Salad

Octopus salad is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, but the Montenegrin take is anything but ordinary. Each home and restaurant boasts its own unique twist on this classic mix of octopus and vegetables. The one common thread among them all is a generous dose of garlic and parsley.

13. Gavice

Gavice is a traditional Montenegrin snack that you might want to enjoy with your eyes closed. These small fish are headless, coated in flour, and then fried to perfection.

Yes, you consume the whole fish, scales and bones included, but they are truly tasty. Think of it as another memorable experience on your cruise around Europe.

14. Seafood Buzara

There’s nothing more soothing than a warm bowl of soup or stew. In Kotor, the signature stew features a variety of shellfish, including prawns and shrimp, making it a perfect addition to your European cruise experience. Anticipate tender chunks of onions and tomatoes slowly simmered in wine, infused with a medley of local herbs.

15. Sač

While fresh vegetables abound, meat truly takes the spotlight in Montenegrin cuisine. Sač isn’t a specific dish but rather a traditional cooking method used for goat, beef, pork, and mutton. The sač is a metal dome that covers the meat during cooking.

It’s then buried under ashes and hot coals, roasting the meat until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. A sač would make a fantastic gift for the food lover in your life! If you come across a dish labeled as ispod saca, don’t hesitate to order it.

Exceptional dining is an integral part of the cruise experience, both aboard the ship and ashore. Alongside the enticing options available on your cruise to Kotor, you’ll find an incredible array of dishes to sample while in port.