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ToggleA family-friendly and upscale holiday resort for many years, Tivat promises breathtaking sea views and understated luxury, attracting a growing expat population from all over the world. The recent popularity of Tivat with international visitors also brought a reshaping of the local restaurant scene with it – fewer taverns, and more fine dining.
Plenty of great restaurants are hugging the coastal promenade from Kalimanj to Donja Lastva. Tivat is somewhat quieter during the winter season, but you will surely find a fine collection of restaurants open all year. Therefore, you can be confident that you’ll eat well when visiting this charming coastal town.
Our guide to the charming holiday resort of Tivat uncovers the best gastronomy, hospitality, natural landmarks, beaches, and sports facilities.
In 2011, the One Restaurant & Bar was the first establishment to open in Porto Montenegro. A decade before then, it would have been an impossible spot for such a contemporary brasserie concept: the former Arsenal shipyard and naval base with all its rusty infrastructure was located there, detracting from the surrounding natural beauty.
Fortunately, these times are long gone and the One has established itself as a guiding light in the super yacht marina, being located at the most prestigious location at Jetty One. With its concise menu of modern Adriatic dishes, it does not need to be shy to welcome even the most critical 21st-century guests.
Located on the banks of the lively marina within the 5-star Regent Porto Montenegro hotel, Murano offers a relaxed and sophisticated environment for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Its soothing blue color palette and scenic outdoor dining area are the perfect setting for enjoying fresh Mediterranean cuisine.
The stunning sea views and friendly service only add to its appeal. You’ll find plenty of choices in dishes that the Murano kitchen team prepares fresh every day.
In a quiet back street of Porto Montenegro, the casual and newly-opened Il Pescatore serves seafood burgers, fish and chips, and a good selection of a la carte Mediterranean dishes. With indoor and patio tables, it’s currently one of the trendiest spots in town for a quick bite and cocktail, which are also excellent here.
Porto Montenegro is a boater’s favorite getaway and one of the glitziest super yacht marinas in the Mediterranean home to dozens of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
For those craving a delicious vegan meal or are looking for an intimate breakfast spot, Bonjour always delivers. It is probably the only place in town where you’ll find Buddha Bowls and Thai Curry alongside specialty coffees and vegan cakes on the menu. The creative kitchen team uses locally sourced fruits and vegetables whenever possible.
Unwind by the waves with unlimited sea views at Sofi’s large and pretty outdoor terrace. Sofi’s is an Italian restaurant and its menu includes a fresh pasta selection alongside risottos and salads. But what they are known for is their wood-fired oven pizza, Napoletana style. It is also one of the best places to head to for a good sundowner.
This elegant and contemporary Marea Porto Montenegro takes its fish and shellfish specialties very seriously. The menu is surprisingly extensive, also featuring a wide range of meat dishes and ocean-inspired meals; from Tataki Tuna to salmon in orange sauce, and black pasta with vongole and prawns. Their inviting terrace along the promenade is also a great spot to enjoy breakfast or a cocktail.
New to 2021, it didn’t take long for the Divino Seafront Restaurant to cause turmoil among the culinary and design circles in Tivat. Almost not remarkable when considering its pristine setting right at the promenade, its crisp and cozy interior design, and the innovative menu serving specialties like nowhere else in town.
At the far end of Porto Montenegro (follow the Old Yugoslav Submarine signs), there’s a parking lot and the Naval Heritage Museum. Between there and the tennis court sits La Trattoria Della Signorina on the ground floor of a beautiful new building. Its attractive outdoor patio is adorned with olive-tree-filled planters and boasts great sea views from a unique angle. Specials here are their prawn carpaccio and roasted veal shanks with asparagus.
Tucked away in a calmer neighborhood of Porto Montenegro, Masala Art portrays a somewhat rough, industrial ambiance but what it lacks in coziness, it makes up for in genuinely tasty food and friendly, enthusiastic service. Choose authentic Indian dishes to share from their a la carte menu; biryanis and curries are their specialties.
Diners looking for an unpretentious locals’ favorite with lower-than-average prices will love Big Ben, which has been a culinary landmark in Tivat for more than 30 years. It occupies prime real estate in Donja Lastva, along the coastal promenade. Creative burgers, tortillas, and desserts alongside sea views and live music in the summer months and on the weekends are its main attributes.
The relaxed Big Ben seafront eatery in the Donja Lastva neighborhood with an outside dining area overlooking the Bay of Kotor area as well as pub-style interior rooms.
The Ruijin sits right at the harborfront of Porto Montenegro and is a must-visit for fans of Chinese cuisine, even if it comes with the traditional dragon decorations. Instead, the decor is tasteful and contemporary with wood cladding and red chairs. The chef cooks flavorful and authentic Chinese dishes, and its great location makes for a good dinnertime choice.
Taste some of the best ice cream you’ll ever taste in the minimalitically-designed Moritz ice cream parlor. The pedestrianized Porto Montenegro boardwalk is a pleasant place for a saunter, and getting a scope of tiramisu or pistachio from them is a must. Other flavors include English tea and ginger, strawberry and basil, and olive oil – all made from natural ingredients.
In a street, just off Porto Montenegro’s main square, you’ll find a high-quality Asian fusion steak house. The menu has something to please everyone’s palates, from filet mignon and surf and turf burgers to white dragon rolls, tom yum soup, and traditional duck confit. And if you wash these down with a glass of local wine and round them off with churros, you’ll be in heaven. The Gallardo portrays a warm, welcoming atmosphere where locals and visitors compete for tables.