Pepe Nero Kotor

In Italian, Pepe Nero means “black pepper”. It’s also the name of a newcomer in Kotor’s culinary scene. Pepe Nero is based on the humble and intimate eateries in the Veneto Region, Italy – where the menus are simple and the wine is plentiful. The food stays true to the authentic trattoria vibe, with quality and dedication to the dishes at the heart of its gastronomy concept.

You might go for the melanzane parmigiana with mozzarella and basil, or its take on thinly-sliced beef carpaccio or tuna tartare served with lemon and parsley, or the selection of cheeses with olives and dried apricots. There are also the three main primos: gnocchi (Italian potato dumplings), which are topped with either smoked salmon or homemade Njegusi Prosciutto, classic pasta, which might come with vegetables or chicken and cherry tomatoes, and of course risotto.

Kotor

Kotor, the city of cats, is a place that never ceases to amaze, with its narrow cobblestone streets, medieval piazzas, and UNESCO-protected city walls.

Montenegro’s Dry-Cured Ham

You have to try Njegusi Prosciutto when visiting Kotor. It is best paired with ruby red Vranac wine, olives, sheep cheese, and homemade bread.

A staple of Italian cuisine, risotto is served by Pepe Nero’s cordial and professional waiters in three forms/colors: white, black, and green. Black Risotto is a Venetian classic, made with plenty of cuttlefish ink that gives this iconic dish its pitch-dark color. This is by far the most-ordered variant but their White Risotto should not be overlooked either.

Unlike the original from Piedmont, their recipe sprinkles in chunks of prawns and zucchini which uplift the nuttiness of the parmesan cheese – it’s quite the improvement! The green asparagus risotto is equally delicious (if not more so) and a worthy vegetarian alternative. All of them pair well with the popular olive tapenade, a salty, briny, and mouthwatering bread spread, served as an amuse-bouche.

Secondo highlights include traditional caprese chicken with baby spinach and roasted potatoes (which, in line with the Caprese salad, is fresh and balanced); steak with blueberry-red-wine glaze; and their signature steak in creamy peppercorn sauce served with asparagus and velvety mashed potato.

Indecisive? You really can’t go wrong with the juicy and flavorsome tuna steak, which is cooked to perfection, umami-rich, and more complex in taste compared to nearby restaurants. You should also consider the seafood sharing platter which lets you sample a bit of everything – from black squid ink risotto, grilled fish fillets, and shrimps to Dalmatian-style potatoes with Swiss chard.

Enjoy the sweet and delicate flavors of locally caught seafood. Pepe Nero’s kitchen team works hand in hand with local fishermen to make this one of the go-to places for Adriatic sea cuisine in the Bay of Kotor. The wine list has a strong regional focus (Montenegro, Serbia, Croatia) but also features drops from French and Italian producers.

Vranac Wine

Vranac wine is loved for its dark ruby color and intense, fruity, and vivacious aroma. The grape is native to Montenegro’s Crmnica wine-growing region around Lake Skadar.

Bay of Kotor

Superyacht marinas, charming coastal towns and villages, and the laid-back vibe to match, the picturesque and UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor has it all!

For sparkling wines, Pepe Nero is keeping it classic with Heidsieck, Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon, and the local Val, a brut produced in the vineyards centered around Podgorica. This 60-seat venue sets the mood for its patrons, embodying that laid-back Mediterranean spirit from the polished stone floors to the wooden ceiling.

The restaurant’s interior is fitted out with exposed sandstone walls, Midcentury Modern chandeliers, a vibrant floral wallpaper splashed across the arched doorway, and a cigar-smoking gorilla – pepping up the neutral base color palette inside with a bit of vibrant craziness.

The restaurant’s picturesque outdoor terrace also has al fresco seating with space for another 30 or so patrons. Peper Nero sits in a serene corner on Milk Square, just a couple steps away from Saint Luke’s Church and the Northern Gate.

Good Restaurants in the Old Town

Looking for the best restaurants in Kotor’s Old Town? From bougie to budget, these are the best eateries where you can taste delicious local cuisine.

Best Restaurants in Kotor

Discover the best restaurants in Kotor, from scenic waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood to intimate taverns giving you an authentic local dining experience.