Best Restaurants in Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi is one of Montenegro’s most cherished coastal towns for foodies. However, with an abundance of eateries offering quick bites and refined delicacies at every turn, finding the best restaurants in Herceg Novi can be frustrating. With enough time on your hands, you can simply roam around and eventually discover something tempting, no matter if you are starving for a creative pasta dish, local Adriatic cuisine, or perhaps something from faraway lands.
With your attention turned to such a multifariousness of food choices, it’s worthwhile having a list of tenacious staples in your Rolodex to resort to whenever your Ghrelin levels spike. In Herceg Novi, there surely is something for every taste and budget; just make sure to avoid the obvious tourist menus, regardless of how hungry you may be. Here are our top picks of the best restaurants in the ‘town of eternal sunshine and verdant greenery’.
Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi, a charming town at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, overlooking the Lustica Peninsula is known for its relaxed Mediterranean vibes & pretty old town.
Rosemarine
The word is out. Dedicated local epicureans and visiting gourmands have been gathering at the Lazure Hotel’s Restaurant ‘Rosemarine‘ since it opened in July 2018. You could come here for dinner (to sample their legendary beef ribs pappardelle, a plate of flat, wide pasta hidden under a blanket of slowly braised and boldly flavored ragu sauce) but choosing something from the designated sushi menu is also a great call.
The two edgy menus are comprised of dishes made from farm-fresh seasonal and local ingredients; add some top-notch cooking, and real Mediterranean riviera flair into the mix, and it is easy to see why Rosemanrine has such a loyal following. This is a serious eatery with higher-than-average but justified prices – a perfect venue for a romantic night out with your partner, friends, or family. Our tip: complement your aperitivo with a Cuban cigar from their large selection.
Lazure Hotel & Marina
Spending a few nights in the 5-star Lazure Hotel & Marina in the neighborhood of Meljine means soaking up Montenegro’s unrivaled coastal vibes.
Kantina 65
This charming, unpretentious bistro named ‘Kantina 65‘ is an atmospheric breakfast spot offering a relaxing and healthy start to your day, located just a few steps away from Herceg Novi’s busy old town and lovely seaside promenade. You can either eat al-fresco on their small front patio or indoors, a sleek and modern dining area with plenty of tables and chairs under contemporary track lights.
The toast with avocado is particularly good here, coming with whole grain bread and cherry tomatoes, and there’s also the classic Montenegrin breakfast platter of eggs, Njegusi prosciutto, cheese, sausages, and kajmak to choose from. For lunch or dinner, Kantina 65 serves up some of the best meal salads and burgers, including a vegetarian variant that is more than just praiseworthy.
The Historic Center
You need to climb dozens of stairs to reach Herceg Novi’s Old Town, but the effort is worth it for the well-preserved maze of pretty squares and cobblestone streets.
Konoba Skver
Fish and seafood are specially sourced from the Adriatic but it’s the entrees that truly stand out here – plates of tuna tartare, oysters and octopus salad made with lemon juice and olives. Located within the walls of a harborfront property and boasting a lovely al-fresco terrace, Konoba Skver turns ocean-fresh seafood into addictive dishes that make diners return again and again.
Depending on the season, expect the likes of black risotto, stuffed squids, spaghetti a la mare, and grilled fish priced by weight. Sure, Konoba Skver has become more touristy over time, however, the service has remained excellent. Across the road, there is a smart bohemian-style boutique and souvenir shop that is also worth a browse, selling Birdini sandals, dreamcatcher, and a range of women’s dresses.
Stari Mlin Podi (Old Mill)
In the rural neighborhood of Podi, Stari Mlin (literally ‘The Old Mill’) is a traditional Montenegrin tavern in that it focuses only on a few, meat-heavy, local specialties, but serves them incredibly well to its regular local patrons. This rustic gem, which by the way, occupies the premises of an old, renovated grain mill, also showcases one of Montenegro’s signature dishes” ‘slow-cooked lamb and veal under the sač‘ (a sač is a bell-shaped metal or ceramic lid).
Offering solely a set menu for groups of 6 or more means that there is no written menu and that you need to book in advance because there are no fixed opening hours either. The three-course tasting menu – interspersed with domestically produced snacks from the kitchen – is best matched with a drop of their small collection of homemade wines.
La Pasta di Bocca
Since opening at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the small family-run ‘Pasta di Bocca’ has grown hugely in popularity. Gone are the days when you could simply walk in and get a table in the peak of the summer season, now you almost certainly need to bring a little patience or book in advance.
This is, above else, a testament to Dule’s cooking skills and Ana’s sense for creating a warm, hospitable environment that feels almost like home, but also because Pasta di Bocca sits on a busy old-town artery lined with pubs and cafes, just a stone’s throw away from Nikola Djurkovic Square and Herceg Novi’s iconic clock tower.
Gradska Kafana
Located within a five-minute walking distance of the clock tower, Gradska Kafana is a spacious and sophisticated grand cafe that has been serving diners and bohemes since 1924. A focal point of Montenegro’s literary scene in the early 20th century, heavyweights such as Nobel Prize Winner Ivo Andric were enjoying their morning coffees and seafood spaghetti here.
The most popular tables can be found on their sweeping outdoor terrace, overlooking the Forte Mare Fortress and the Adriatic in the distance. The menu is typically Mediterranean with a good range of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. While it’s fun to sit on the lively al-fresco terrace, the narrow balcony at the front is more intimate, perfect for breakfast or afternoon cuppa.
Bife Beograd
Located on Njegoseva Street, overlooking Gradska Kafana (see above) from its colorful front patio and the entire Bay of Kotor from the charming roof terrace, Bife Beograd is another stalwart bistro with roots in the previous century. And while you shouldn’t expect fine dining quality here, each dish reveals a rich and intense depth of flavor.
The menu is quite comprehensive, with linguine in truffle sauce – with mushrooms, rocket, and sharp, nutty Parmigiano cheese – and grilled chicken in prosciutto sauce. However, the one thing to try for sure is their take on Salad Nicoise with raw tuna, capers, and anchovies, which is unlike anything else. Bife Beograd is perfect for lunch after a little sightseeing and equally good for a relaxed dinner accompanied by a drop from their extensive wine list.
Casa Epico
Michelin Star Chef Eros Picco, a stalwart of Herceg Novi’s culinary scene, made use of his Italian heritage to craft a smart and creative menu that intersperses humble yet delicious Montenegrin ingredients, like eggplants, sea urchins, and rosemary, with Italian extravaganza. With such flamboyant surroundings – candlelit dinner tables with white tablecloths, overlooking the Bay of Kotor – diners will experience a genuine sense of escapism here from June through September, as the restaurant closes for the season.
In Casa Epico, Mediterranean cuisine has been dismantled from all superfluous ruffles to highlight only the fresh underlying flavors. In other words, this isn’t a place to simply refuel but to slowly enjoy Eros’ carefully crafted and well-balanced dishes. The menu offers the likes of Black Tagliolini with Cuttlefish in Sea Urchin Sauce, a killer dry-aged tuna dish, and red mullet with eggplants in saffron mayonnaise and tomato broth.
The Bay of Kotor
Discover the stunning Bay of Kotor, a major Adriatic inlet that connects some of Montenegro’s most charming coastal towns, including Perast and Herceg Novi.
Boka
Cafee Pizzeria Boka exudes the leisurely atmosphere that Herceg Novi is known for. In warmer months, the restaurant, which above all else is visited for its tasty pizzas, opens out onto Njegoseva Street, the main artery leading into the historic center. The staff are friendly and the service is typically unhurried and chill – perhaps too relaxed for some.
Nevertheless, the menu is rather versatile and also lists classic international comfort foods, including several burgers (try Boka Burger!) and tortillas to cheese-and-ham-stuffed, fried pancakes (‘pohovane palacinke’) as well as a range of vegetarian options. It’s also worth descending into the adjacent palm-dotted park for a little relaxation and nice bay views.
Wine O’Clock
An obvious choice for anyone staying at neighboring Hotel Lazure or the Kredo Boutique Hotel in Meljine, Wine O’Clock boasts an atmospheric and inviting scene. The real magic, however, takes place in the kitchen, where Chef Ursula Delgado reinvents Mediterranean classics, combined with some exciting flavors from Asia.
The most coveted tables are the ones on the outdoor patio overlooking the quaint marina below. Though it’s possible to simply walk in for lunch or dinner in the off-season, reserving a table in advance is a must in the peak of summer. An all-year specialty here is the soul-warming tuna tataki with sauteed vegetables and mango sauce, but the domestic seabass is truly legendary.
La Terrazza
Thanks to Herceg Novi’s proximity to Italy (just 200 kilometers across the Adriatic), pasta, pizza, and burrata feature heavily on many restaurant menus, including La Terrazza’s – a contemporary eatery close to the old town that is an arbiter of taste when it comes to all-time classics such as making one of the best Neapolitan pizzas in Montenegro using a wood-fired oven.
While their outdoor dining area is very inviting (weather permitting), inside, the decor is modern and welcoming as well, with stylish wooden tables & chairs and a wrought iron bar counter. Whatever the season, it’s always a good idea to warm up with a bruschetta or crispy lasagna, served with basil and a hint of parmesan, then share a pizza or go straight to their incredibly light and fluffy tiramisu.
Restaurant Babic
Babic is one of Herceg Novi’s best-known butchers, with a reputation for quality cuts and delicious flavors, and their on-site restaurant located outside of town – along the Adriatic coastal road – exudes the same rustic but cordial atmosphere the butcher shop has been known for all these years.
What’s more, diners also have the opportunity to purchase steaks, sausages, and other produce directly at the restaurant’s on-site butcher counter. It may come as no surprise that they primarily serve what they know best: grilled cevapcici, a variety of steaks, sharing platters of meat, but also grilled fish and seafood. Great selection of local and international wines, too.
Sabia
As its name suggests, Sabia (Italian: sand), located within the One & Only Resort in Portonovi, is dedicated to offering you a fine dining experience, overlooking the exclusive, sandy resort beach. Spacious, elegant, and contemporary, this Italian culinary haunt is all sand-colored chairs, tables, floor-to-ceiling windows, and dune-inspired ceilings – La Vita e Bella!
The menus – there is one for lunch and a separate dinner menu – hinge on farm-fresh local ingredients while staying true to their Italo-Adriatic heritage. Add sustainably sourced seafood, a talented kitchen team led by Alessandro Mordini, and real Montenegrin Riviera flair into the mix, and the expected results can only be astonishing.
Kafe Barbarella
The ‘Slow Food’ tagline in their menu says it all: Kafe Barbarella is a place to leisurely feast on Japanese classics such as gyoza, gunkan, ramen, and above else, a wide range of sushi rolls and sets. Being the only sushi bar in town, expect a mix of foot-weary tourists hungry for a welcoming change from the standard local treats, Hercev Novi locals, and expat foodies from across the country.
A contemporary space located right on the Pet Danica Walkway, Kafe Barbarella excels not only at exotic fare (for Montenegro at least) but also at carefully crafted cocktails (Espresso Martini, Old Fashioned, Margarita, and many more). Quietly groundbreaking when it opened just a couple of years ago, it’s even more popular today. There’s also Asahi beer and an above-average selection of wine-by-the-glass options on the menu.
Augusta Terrace
Housed in the harborfront heritage building of the 5-star Lazure Hotel in Meljine, Augusta Terrace breathes elegance and Adriatic sophistication at every corner. The vibe is unquestionably upscale and tranquil, appealing to a seasoned crowd of well-heeled tourists and yacht owners – the marina is at a shouting distance – looking for quality cuisine combined with first-class service.
There are also many hotel guests and local Montenegrin gourmets among the diners, many of them friends of the owners. One menu is based on typical Mediterranean dishes (our tip: choose the jumbo shrimp risotto in ‘Bisque’ sauce with white wine, and Parmigiano cheese) while the other is an assorted sushi menu with several vegan options available as well, including healthy and delicious edamame bowls.
Amber Restaurant
Amber is a Caucasian food-lovers heaven that showcases the very best of Georgian specialties, including khinkali and khachapuri, in the heart of Igalo. It’s a rustic space with exposed sandstone walls and wood ceiling beams where the food arrives on charcuterie boards and in cast iron skillets.
Although there’s a menu with some international wines, almost everyone seems to order the juicy Georgian plonk (Kindzmarauli) here, sold by the glass or bottle – and the perfect fit for the homey food. For mains, there’s grilled salmon with cauliflower in red wine sauce, chashushuli (pork tomato stew), and – for the truly brave – chkmeruli (crispy baked chicken in creamy garlic sauce and spiced up with plenty of cilantro).
Igalo
Stradling the border with neighboring Croatia, Igalo is above all known for its mineral-rich mud deposits and its Institute for Rehabilitation and Rheumatology.
Square Portonovi
Just off the main piazza in the heart of the marina village, Square Portonovi often has full occupancy, even throughout the slower season. Look to this dining spot for stupendously tasty sous vide lamb shanks in red wine sauce on creamy polenta or Iraqi masgouf hama (grilled carp) served with coconut rice.
Leafy, course, and zesty salads are offered up as an alternative to Square’s otherwise meat-and-fish-heavy cuisine – and burned orange fregola with prawns steals the show here, not only for pescatarians, along with a well-chosen list of signature cocktails and local wines. It all comes to your white tablecloth table courtesy of a professional and polite staff suited in elegant attire.
Maison du Monde Lounge Bar
Also set on the waterfront in Portonovi, adjacent to the Square restaurant, with tables looking out onto the yacht-filled marina, the Maison du Monde Lounge Bar is a great spot to head to for a small celebration or a romantic evening out without breaking the bank. Best sellers here are the creamy truffle pasta with beef, the classic Caesar salad, and chicken fillet in gorgonzola sauce.
Locals and visitors alike come here to eat, drink well, and enjoy a rich assortment of Cuban cigars. Same as the singular lunch and dinner menu, the list of available desserts – all made in-house – is short but a great way to finish a gratifying dining experience in an unpretentious atmosphere yet close to the Ritz.
Portonovi
A beautiful, pristine luxury marina close to Herceg Novi, Portonovi offers a waterfront lined with international eateries, boutiques, and Mediterranean vibes to match.
NOA Portonovi
NOA is another eponymous restaurant in Kumbor that plays host to visiting sailboat and yacht owners during summertime. Some of Herceg Novi’s most gifted gastronomists are concentrated at this stylish Asian Fusion restaurant in the heart of Portonovi. Chef Chris Mare has transformed this spot from a mediocre restaurant at best to one of the finest addresses in town.
Kick your epicurean journey off with tuna tataki or Black Angus carpaccio topped with truffles and capers before moving on to Thai crispy pork belly, miso salmon tacos, some Nara or Samurai rolls, Montenegrin tenderloin, or Korean fried cauliflower if you are a vegan. Sides are varied and fresh (but are not included in the main course): grilled asparagus, Jalapeno poppers, and Greek fries (Patates Tiganites).