Best Restaurants in Budva
As one of the most-visited resorts in Montenegro, it is comprehensible that you can find some really great places to eat out in Budva – with fresh and tasty seafood usually taking centerstage on restaurant menus. However, Budva’s culinary scene is in no way just destined for the annual inflow of tourists, as most of the venues stay open throughout the year to cater to the increasing number of expats and off-season travelers.
Of course in Budva, where there is a delicious meal and refreshing summer drink, there is often a magnificent sunset to match. While some of the most prominent restaurants line the town’s seaside promenade and streets of the old town, be sure not to miss some of the hidden gems tucked away in the quieter neighborhoods.
Budva
Discover Budva, a bustling coastal town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, offering Mediterranean vibes, picturesque beaches, and fantastic dining options.
Budva’s Historic Center
Two Thousand Five Hundred years of turbulent history have shaped Budva’s Old Town, a scenic settlement protected by ancient city walls.
Jadran
One of the best-known harborfront restaurants in this area – Jadran – is named after the Adriatic Sea surrounding it and has been serving up a typical menu of Mediterranean favorites for over 40 years. Its picturesque setting – overlooking Sveti Nikola Island – really makes this iconic venue a must-go place when visiting Budva.
For a romantic seaside dinner or large group dining accompanied by acoustic live music, you’ll struggle to find a better place than Jadran. It is run by Krsto Niklanovic, an excentric, long-haired Harley Davidson enthusiast, who also owns the adjacent Beer & Bike Pub, a popular road stop for international bikers crossing the country. It’s a large venue that has nailed the art of top-quality dining – Krsto’s attention to service is some of the best in town.
Sveti Nikola Island
Accessible by water taxi, boat, or kayak from Budva, Sveti Nikola Island is a popular day trip destination, offering pristine nature, magnificent views, and beautiful beaches.
Restaurant Regina E
Located just a stone’s throw away from Budva’s yacht marina, it should come as no surprise that Restaurant Regina E (named after Elena, an Italian Queen of Montenegrin descent) is the place to come for fresh, locally-caught seafood. Many of the meals come cooked from their wood-fired oven or barbeque – shrimp-stuffed calamari (carske lignje) is a particular guest’s favorite, plus there are some menu items to keep vegans and carnivores happy.
Rivijera
Round the corner from bustling old town arteries, Restaurant Rivijera sits on the more serene Palm Square and feels like a million miles away from Budva’s notorious business. Checkered tablecloth, grapevines on pergolas, and potted Mediterranean plants compose a chic and natural scenery. This is a welcoming refuge for anyone tired of the scorching summer heat, and wanting to recharge and relax in good company.
Dining at Rivijera is a sophisticated affair, with a distinguished choice of seafood and one of Montenegro’s best pasticadas – a braised beef dish popular in Dalmatia and served with gnocchi or homemade pasta. Their house wines (red and white) are also noteworthy and pair fantastically with the decadent Belgian chocolate souffle.
Pastabar
Located adjacent to the Pizanela Gate in the historic center and also popular with locals, Pastabar has its culinary focus on fresh homemade pasta and risotto dishes, but they also have a variety of bruschetta and a designated kids menu. An atmospheric courtyard setting amidst palm trees and lanterns only adds to its appeal.
The dishes are quite ingenious and bursting with healthy and vibrant flavors, setting off all your taste buds – this even goes for all the vegetarian and vegan options. The likes of chicken curry pasta, creamy beef-and-mushroom risotto, or squid ink gnocchi are just a tiny taste of what to expect. Pastabar is perfect for a light lunch to beat the heat-induced afternoon slump.
Fontana
Set in a quiet corner, just off the main coastal promenade, so that you can enjoy the pleasant Mediterranean ambiance without receiving sensory overload, this restaurant belonging to the 4-star Fontana Hotel is a contemporary eatery with a pretty, triangular-shaped garden patio and a glassed, heated terrace for colder winter days.
It serves one of the best zucchini risotto with shrimp in town, a fabulous entree to the popular seafood sharing platters that offer a little bit of everything the Adriatic has to offer: sea bream, sea bass, octopus among others. Fontana is certainly worth a visit if you love gracious service, quality food, and atmospheric live music.
Konoba Portun
Enjoy an authentic Montenegrin dining experience at family-run Konoba Portun in the heart of the old town. Expect an expertly crafted menu largely focussed on local meat and seafood specialties, prepared using seasonal, market-fresh ingredients. ‘Portun’ which means ‘entranceway’ in the local dialect, invites guests to walk in and indulge in the flavors that can only be captured at Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, and a quality that can only be enjoyed here.
Both indoors and outdoors, a quirky yet charismatic rustic-fishing vibe prevails, with nets hanging from the ceiling and nautical decor throughout. This unostentatious little tavern only has a dozen or so tables, so you’ll want to book in advance to guarantee yours, especially in the July-through-September peak travel period.
Paradise Food
Making healthy and wholesome food sexy, founder Olena Vrankovic has developed a plant-forward menu driven by her passion for vegan cuisine and natural ingredients. Budva’s only fully vegetarian and vegan eatery, Paradise Food offers a surprisingly comprehensive menu that includes everything from curries and mixed platters to hamburgers and salads and compromises nothing on flavor.
The sugar-free vegan cakes and desserts are vibrant and inventive, pleasing to the eye, and baked with lots of healthy ingredients, including pistachios, figs, and nutrient-rich nuts. A laid-back, almost spiritual setting, enhanced by spheric background music adds a little extra magic and ambiance.
Vista Vidikovac
Though located a bit further afield, perched on the cliffs above Morgren Beach and overlooking Budva’s Old Town, Vista Vidikovac wins the top spot on our list for the most spectacular panorama. Open year-round, it attracts mostly well-situated local residents, tourists, and expats who come for the magnificent views as much as the top-notch cuisine.
Restaurant Vista Vidikovac offers a pretty typical Montenegrin coastal menu that includes plenty of options for carnivores, and lovers of seafood but also vegetarians/vegans. It has a kilometer-zero spirit and is truly dedicated to sourcing ingredients locally. Thanks to the striking vistas, it is a very popular breakfast spot and also the perfect place for a romantic evening meal – the views are incredible, particularly at night!
Mogren Beach
Crystal-clear waters, good snorkeling, picturesque natural surroundings, and proximity to the old town are some of the reasons why Mogren Beach is so popular
Piano Nobile
Hidden in one of the old town’s most serene parts, Piano Nobile opens the door to a cozy, almost homely atmosphere within a traditional Venetian townhouse. The beautiful, rustic interior is enhanced by exposed stone walls and coastal decor. Nevertheless, the comfortable indoor seating area feels smart and contemporary – its earthy colors make you feel instantly relaxed.
Piano Nobile is modern, but it’s also strongly rooted in history. The most popular tables are on the second floor, a lush, candlelit al-fresco terrace setting that oozes Mediterranean coolness – perfect for warm summer nights. Their niched-down menu is fail-safe for those looking for good burgers and juicy steaks.
Dukley Seafront Restaurant
One of the gastronomic jewels of the 5-star Dukley Hotel & Resort on the Zavala Peninsula south of Budva, the Dukley Seafront Restaurant delivers haute cuisine that comes under the seasoned expertise of Chef Dusan Lazor. Indulge in lobster, Tournedos Rossini, or flavorful tuna steak with Greek yogurt. Look at the impressive wine wall indoors and the sea from the beach-facing terrace.
One of the newest eateries to have opened in town, everything about the Dukley Seafront Restaurant screams modern and fresh. Chef Dusan and his team masterfully blend the cooking techniques of French, Italian, and local Adriatic cuisine, and the menu comes with a designated premium steak selection, including A5-graded Wagyu Ribeye beef imported from Japan.
Gluteria Getafix
The only place in Budva dedicated to gluten-free cooking, this small and unpretentious hidden gem type of restaurant serves up everything you would expect, from incredibly tasty homemade pizza, creamy mushroom risotto, and local gluten-free craft beer. Since it is the only venue of its kind in Montenegro, many people visit Budva just for that. The service is cordial with a pleasantly laid-back vibe.
Restaurant Porat
Located on the beachfront in neighboring Rafailovici, overlooking Sveti Nikola Island and Becici Beach, its romantic sea-view setting is certainly one of its major appeals. Another is the wonderfully eclectic menu, with plenty of juicy meat cuts, delicious desserts, a designated kids menu, and above all, refined seafood creations that defy expectations.
If it’s a little too fresh outside for al-fresco, opt to sit in the nautically-themed dining room, also a great experience that is elevated by soft live piano music. The candlelit wooden tables right on the waterfront are very popular amongst residents and tourists alike in July and August, so it is best to book two or three days ahead.
Becici Beach
One of the most popular and largest strands on the Budva Riviera, Becici Beach is known for its crystalline waters and pretty promenade lined with beachfront eateries.
Istok
This off-the-beaten-track venue in the little-known village of Lapcici, which lies 700 meters above sea level, is worth the small detour from Budva – the views from the chalet-style dining room and scenic outdoor terrace on the old town and Sveti Nikola Island are nothing short of spectacular.
Their chef de cuisine skillfully blends the culinary traditions and techniques of Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Montenegro, often introducing an element of surprise, with the menu imagined to please and tease even the most demanding palates. Istok is particularly popular for its (lamb, chicken, pork) Lula and Shish Kebabs, traditional Uzbek Pilaf, and tender lamb cooked in a sac. Our tip: try the creamy pumpkin soup with octopus and one of their craft cocktails.
Trattoria Tulip
Many would say that crossing the doorstep into Trattoria Tulip in Rafailovic is like walking into someone’s cozy home, where bookshelves, plump cushioned seating, and vibrant colors make you feel instantly welcome. Chef Andre Lazuk crafted a menu that jumps around between Italy, France, and Montenegro, with a good choice of meat and seafood dishes alongside the likes of homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and risotto.
The food is light and healthy, and vegetarians and vegans won’t starve here either. It’s all lovingly presented on contemporary plates and bowls, plus the spacious terrace constitutes the ideal location for soaking up those panoramic bay views. However, the true magic happens when the sun sets, resulting in a relaxing intermesh of Mediterranean vibes, flavors, textures, and smells we all love so much.
Jade
Every so often only spicy Chinese cuisine will do, and precisely this is what the elegant and sophisticated Jade Restaurant flawlessly delivers. A skilled kitchen team led by a chef from Guangdong takes great pride in preparing authentic Cantonese dishes, including crystal Har Gow shrimp dumplings, Dong Po Rou (braised pork belly), and Cantonese roast duck.
Available from Wednesday through Monday and for dinner only within the premises of the 5-star Hotel Maestral in the charming fishing village of Przno, the incredible views of Sveti Nikola Island, the list of rare international wines, and the ambient lighting on the picturesque outdoor terrace are certainly a winning combination.
Hotel Maestral
The luxurious Maestral Resort and Casino occupies a stretch of prime real estate along Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, just a short drive away from Budva.
Przno
The pink pebbles of Przno Beach sweep around a calm and beautiful bay. Dotted with centuries-old stone buildings and waterfront taverns, this is truly a refuge.
Tropico
Sitting right at the waterfront, just a kilometer away from the old town, Tropico is one of the oldest restaurants in Budva that all visitors should try at least once. It is housed in an unpretentious ground-level building that does not go unnoticed against the backdrop of glitzy high-rise apartment buildings and hotels, setting the mood for a home-like atmosphere that will accompany you throughout your dining experience.
Tropico is particularly famous for its tasty octopus stew and outstanding tuna steak, as well as a good range of local and international wines. In wintertime, there is a roaring log fire and, in the hot season, you can also sit on the waterside patio right on the beach. All the staff are genuinely friendly and helpful, which is another one of its strengths.
Forsage Gastro Lounge
Budva native Jovan Radulovic has created the perfect ‘secret’ spot for foodies in Budva. Small, beautifully appointed, and full of charm, Forsage Gastro Lounge is where to get high-class food away from the crowds. Family-run and operating since 1991, this charming venue does not offer sea views but makes more than up for it with a welcoming atmosphere, beautiful food presentation, and affordable prices.
The menu is gourmet Mediterranean, with artfully crafted dishes that circumnavigate Europe, from Northern Italy (squids on polenta mousse) to the south of France (bouillabaisse) to the Normandy (pepper-crusted Steak au Pouvre) and back to the Adriatic (sous-vide octopus in orange sauce).
Mangal
When you and your partner feel like expanding your palates and trying some foreign, exotic fare, Mangal is especially worthy of consideration. Mixing up Caucasian and Central Asian flavors, this small and friendly eatery offers a palatable menu of this region’s all-time favorites, including Tajik Samsa, Lagman soup, and a wide assortment of grilled kebabs. Visit yourself and see why Mangal is an exciting new addition to Budva’s flourishing culinary scene.
Muse
The trend for Mediterranean fusion cuisine is going strong at Villa Geba’s hotel restaurant, aptly named Muse where contemporary dishes are accompanied by magnificent views of Sveti Stefan. Eat indoors where the decor is elegant and sophisticated (courtesy of French architect Claudia Ravnbo) or on the beautiful al-fresco terrace where the gentle breeze carries the salty scent of the Adriatic.
The cooking is unquestionably a step above the ordinary, offering menu changes four times a year. Popular menu items include Beetroot Wellington, lamb shoulder on kacamak, and beef filet on truffle mash. Muse, where a dress code (no shorts and swimwear) is strictly enforced, is also a popular restaurant with expats and well-to-do locals who come here for special occasions and date nights, so it is recommended to book a table a couple of days in advance. The prices aren’t the lowest, but you’ll absolutely taste what you’re paying for.
Sveti Stefan
One of Montenegro’s most prominent landmarks, Sveti Stefan is a charming coastal town and luxury resort built around a 15th-century island settlement.