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Food Guide

A Foodie's Guide to Kotor: The Best Local Cuisine and Where to Find It

Discover the best local dishes in Kotor, from fresh seafood and black risotto to traditional cured ham and savory pastries, plus where to eat them.

5 min read
View of Kotor Bay with traditional waterfront restaurants and the medieval Old Town in the background
The Bay of Kotor as seen from one of our speedboat tours, with the mountains of Orjen rising above the Adriatic

Welcome foodies to the beautiful coastal town of Kotor! Nestled in the picturesque Bay of Kotor, this town offers a culinary scene influenced by Mediterranean climate, the Adriatic Sea, and the Balkan hinterland. Kotor is a paradise for seafood lovers, offering fresh fish, squid, octopus, mussels, and other sea delicacies.

Seafood Specialties

The most popular seafood dishes include grilled or fried fish, stuffed calamari, black risotto, and seafood pasta. Konoba Catovica Mlini is one of the best seafood restaurants in the area.

Black Risotto

Black risotto, made with cuttlefish ink, is a popular dish served in Kotor's restaurants. The ink gives the risotto a striking black color and a unique flavor that is slightly briny and savory. The dish is typically prepared with arborio rice, white wine, onions, garlic, and parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh parsley and olive oil.

Traditional Cured Ham and Cheese

The traditional cured ham and cheese from the village of Njegusi is a must-try. The ham is smoked and dried for months; the cheese is made from sheep's milk and smoked over beech wood. Konoba Stari Mlini, Konoba Ribarsko Selo, and Ribarsko Selo (Fishing Village) offer these delicacies.

Captain's Tip

Local fishermen visit the village daily around 11–12 am bringing newly caught fish and seafood, with wine and domestic rakija available for tasting.

Fish Stew

The homemade fish stew is a type of fish soup with larger pieces of fish, rice, and various additions that give the dish a dark color and a sharp scent that is so tempting that you must try it.

Traditional Savory Pastry

The traditional savory pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables is a staple of Balkan cuisine. Made with phyllo dough filled with cheese, spinach, or meat, it pairs well with yogurt. Bakery Bojana is the most popular pastry shop in Kotor.

Local Drinks

Pomegranate brandy is a popular local drink—a sweet and potent liqueur made with locally grown pomegranates. It can be tasted at the Old Winery in Dobrota or Restaurant Ladovina in Kotor.

Explore by Boat

Bay of Kotor Boat Tours

See everything this guide covers in person on one of our top-rated speedboat tours

Speedboat cruising through the Bay of Kotor with mountain views in Montenegro
Bestseller#1 for Cruise Passengers
5(599 reviews)

Blue Cave Tour & Bay of Kotor Adventure - 3h

Blue Cave tour from Kotor — explore the Bay of Kotor and swim in the famous Blue Cave Montenegro on this 3-hour boat tour. Visit Our Lady of the Rocks, the submarine base & more iconic destinations.

3 hoursMax 15Multiple departures
Free cancellation up to 24hBook Now
Speedboat departing Kotor port with the Old Town walls in the background
Perfect for Cruise ShipsPopular
4.78(617 reviews)

Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks - 2h

Embark on a journey with breathtaking viewpoints of towering cliffs over a majestic gulf, embraced by photogenic medieval towns, labyrinthine roads, and scenic terrains, all while allowing the sea breeze to caress you during an enjoyable ride.

2 hoursMax 15Multiple departures
Free cancellation up to 24hBook Now
Speedboat cruising past mountains in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
Swimming IncludedFull Day Adventure
5(53 reviews)

Blue Cave and Beach Transfer - 6h

Enjoy 6 hours of fun with our Full-Day Trip to the Bay of Kotor, where you can indulge in panoramic sightseeing of the bay’s arena, visit the marvelous church, Our Lady of the Rocks, feel the distressing emanation of the island Mamula, and go for a swim in the luminous Blue Cave.

6 hoursMax 1509:00, 12:00
Free cancellation up to 24hBook Now

Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime?

Join 100,000+ travelers who chose Montenegro Submarine. Book now with free cancellation.