Kotor Food: Top 5 Must-Try Drinks & Dishes (2024)

Kotor, a town tucked away into Montenegro’s breathtaking bay, that one is absolutely more than a picturesque place, you know? Kotor, that actually boasts a cuisine that really will make you remember that town after your trip ends. What actually is awesome about Kotor’s dishes and drinks is the area itself. I mean, imagine fresh seafood plucked right from the Adriatic, flavored perfectly, and Montenegrin wines which actually have been made for hundreds of years. Now, I actually want to give you an introduction on what dishes and drinks to expect in this historic area, a thing which should let you eat with joy.

1. Black Risotto (Crni Rižot): A Seafood Delight

Have you eaten some really special seafood lately? So, Crni Rižot is so cool, its actually a real adventure for foodies. Black Risotto or “Crni Rižot” as the locals mention, actually has an unmissable flavor and eye-catching presentation because of its rich squid ink. The cooking of this risotto actually sees local short-grain rice cooked until you actually reach a creamy yet al dente finish. To this the chefs basically toss in a generous portion of mixed seafood. Squid is tossed in, those shrimp too, not forgetting the mussels or clams of course, with the special ingredient which gives the risotto its unique look and rich taste. You should enjoy the mix of that briny seafood goodness, mixed well with that amazing risotto base.

Where to Try It:

• Konoba Trpeza: Almost famous because they serve Montenegrin dishes.
• Restaurant Galion: Really a special spot close to the water with a delicious selection of seafood and that beautiful bay view, it seems like you’re in a movie, right?

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2. Grilled Calamari: Simplicity at Its Best

Simple things done quite right? Yeah, let me tell you that a walk around Kotor might just show the grilled Calamari as a local special you must enjoy. So, there is no complication as its literally Calamari cooked till tender in local olive oil until it is just cooked well! Is that local olive oil necessary, yes indeed. To elevate all that goodness you squirt a lemon which brings you back to the water you actually got the fresh Calamari from! That meal can be really light. Imagine just chilling with friends and some tasty simple Grilled Calamari!

Where to Try It:

• Seafood restaurants along the Riva: Just try and check out some of these local eateries right on the shoreline because its awesome to sit, relax and get to taste what Kotor actually provides!
• Konoba Portun: Another real Kotoran experience that mixes traditional tastes along with awesome Montenegrin charm, how beautiful is that?

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3. Buzara: A Taste of the Adriatic

When someone says “Buzara”, almost the first thing that strikes my mind are shells! Its awesome right. Buzara, which is a very hearty seafood stew. Buzara shows of the awesome flavors the Adriatic coast has to boast of. Have you ever tried to mix simple ingredients to get some awesome stew. A base which almost consist of garlic and wine gives you this base. Of course all these flavors aren’t done until we toss in a generous serving of mussels and shrimps with more flavor to boast with that of tomatoes and some herbs! I’d advice you go to Kotor and taste and savor it as that stew shows you some real depth of tastes. Try dipping the local bread to get all that awesome Buzara juice in your tummy.

Where to Try It:

• Stari Grad Restaurant: What actually gives “Stari Grad” away, is a taste experience together with the ambience of the Kotor Old Town.
• Konoba Bonaca: Located near the sea, you will actually have some buzara, with some scenic atmosphere. What I actually love the most about that joint, is the local charm with awesome seafood.

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4. Vranac Wine: Montenegro’s Signature Red

Ever thought of wine while chilling on the sea or during a meal, and if that wine comes from Montenegro, even cooler. This might be your thought or not. Anyway Vranac is a classic Montenegrin wine known and cherished, with each sip narrating a story, and Vranac being the countries beloved drink. So, with ripe dark fruits together with hints which reminds you of chocolate, what else does that actually make you want. The production also matters because, that contributes on what tastes come about. It’s something that could give that touch to a nice chat around some dishes and the sea.

Where to Try It:

• Wine bars in Kotor Old Town: Stroll around the pathways in the Kotor Old Town and that way, I would say, you will most likely have many cool pubs and wine places to select from, to fully enjoy a relaxed glass of Vranac.
• Restaurants with local wine selections: Loads of establishments in Kotor provide a Vranac selection that would certainly go perfectly with food ordered.

Read our full review: Montenegro Wine Tour Full Review and Details

5. Rakija: The Fiery Local Spirit

Now do you ever wonder how Montenegrins relax. I really do. I mean almost everything about them actually makes you wonder and want to know them. With Rakija, this brandy makes one of the drinks in Montenegro you should definitely be aware of and if you have the guts, go ahead, and its one the must go stuff here. Now, rakija is created with fruit usually plums or grapes or different fruits! This actually goes through some process. Because from region to region, the method which it actually goes through makes it very awesome as each kind have got some style to it, or lets just mention “personality”. When at some local occasions the residents cheers using Rakija as it presents a friendly gathering. With caution of course due to its alcohol quantity it makes an authentic experience, how wonderful!

Where to Try It:

• Local bars and “konobas”: Actually those sites will always let you experience rakija, with the friendly residents, what I personally would appreciate from locals!
• Ask locals for homemade rakija: Keep an open mind as locals make this drink. Maybe, they may let you enjoy some! But lets have it moderate.

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