Best Budva Restaurants: Where to Eat in Old Town & Beyond
Budva is a great place to enjoy classic coastal Montenegrin cuisine, but it’s important to avoid the tourist traps! After five weeks living here, you can trust our guidance on where to eat in Budva. Read on for our list of the best Budva, Montenegro restaurants – in Old Town and beyond.
If you’ve read our post on the best restaurants in Kotor, you’ll know that we weren’t real impressed by its food scene. Thankfully, Budva was a big step up. While there are still plenty of tourist traps, Budva has a much larger selection of excellent restaurants, plus awesome Budva nightlife (check out our guide!). From classic coastal seafood spots to the cuisine of Montenegro’s heartland, along with some international options to mix things up, the best restaurants in Budva have it all. After five weeks of living here, we rounded up the top Budva, Montenegro restaurants for you to try on your next vacation. I’ll give you a few basic pointers to get you headed in the right direction, and then provide our recommendations on where to eat in Budva.
Need help figuring out what to do while in town? Check out our post 3 Days in Budva: What to See During Your Trip to Montenegro. Or, if you’re short on time, check out our post Budva Old Town: Everything to See in One Day.
Update note: This guide was reviewed in May 2026 to confirm current openings, pricing, and overall relevance.
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Where to Eat in Budva, Montenegro - The Best Restaurants in Old Town and Beyond:
- How to Pick a Where to Eat in Budva, Montenegro
- The Best Restaurants in Budva
- FAQs for Where to Eat in Budva, Montenegro
How to Pick Where to Eat in Budva, Montenegro
There are five basic rules to picking where to eat in Budva to ensure you enjoy your meal:
- DON’T eat at a restaurant where the menu is entirely in English or contains photos of all of the food.
- DON’T choose a place only because a waiter outside called you over and tried to persuade you to eat there.
- DON’T take Google Maps reviews as undisputed facts. We know, it’s an easy place to start and we gravitate toward those 4 star and up locations as well. But the truth is, in tourist destinations, these reviews are overwhelmingly contributed by, well, tourists, who may have different expectations for service than are standard in that country. If you see a place that looks good but the reviews aren’t top notch, check to see whether those reviews are food-related or simply someone being a little impatient.
- DO walk at least two to three blocks away from big tourist attractions to avoid higher costs and lower quality. In Budva, this usually just means being cautious of the big places along the Riviera.
- DO gravitate to restaurants with a small, specific menu.
- DO make dinner reservations at popular spots like Restaurant Porto, Citadela Restaurant, and Jadran at least two days in advance.
Follow these simple guidelines, and you’ll be set up for success!
The Best Budva, Montenegro Restaurants
We highly recommend this list of the best restaurants in Budva for your next visit. But before we start, a couple quick tips on dining etiquette in Montenegro.
First, a heads up that as your meal progresses, you’ll be brought a fresh check for each order you place. For example, they’ll bring you a check when you order your drinks, and then again when you order your meal. This doesn’t mean they’re trying to rush you out! It’s just how they do things here to make sure everything is accounted for. Also, it’s not as common here for a server to stop by and check in on you. If you want to order something, you’ll need to flag them down. Say “izvini!” (ihz-vee-nee) to grab their attention.
Breakfast
Montenegrins are big on breakfast. You’ll see it served at a lot of restaurants, and in Budva – especially around Old Town – many of them serve it until 1 or 2pm due to the nightlife scene. However, don’t get it twisted – breakfast does not equal brunch. You won’t be finding any avocado toast or chicken and waffles on the menu here, even at the best restaurants in Budva. Rather, a typical Montenegrin breakfast is a basic omelet or a platter of eggs, sausage, sir (local cheese), and ajvar (a bell pepper-based sauce). Menus across the city are not particularly diverse, and breakfast cocktails like mimosas and bloody marys are not common here. Keep it simple and save your euros – and calories – for later in the day.
Established in the 1920s, Gradska Kafana Mogren is the oldest bar in Budva. While its Google reviews may make you doubtful, don’t believe them. Gradska Kafana Mogren serves an excellent breakfast at a very reasonable price. And, as an added bonus, they serve it until 2pm – a boon in a city known for its nightlife. Gradska Kafana Mogren is located just outside the city walls of Budva Old Town and on the way to Mogren Beach, making it both convenient and great for people watching.
As Ariel said, “I want to be where the people are.” Or, in the case of Hemingway, I want to be where the locals are! Hemingway is one of the best restaurants in Budva to mingle with them. It’s a popular gathering spot for locals to grab a cup of coffee and chat morning, day, and night. In fact, if you stop by later at night, they often have a DJ spinning tracks. Hemingway offers a full menu all day, including a hearty breakfast, and is conveniently located near Budva Old Town. If you’re in the mood for a drink, make sure to try their mojito, it’s one of the best in town!
Lunch & Dinner
Topping our list of the best restaurants in Budva, Montenegro is Restaurant Porto, a gem beloved by locals and tourists alike. Located near Budva’s marina on the west side of the Riviera, Porto specializes in seafood and traditional coastal Montenegrin cuisine. Many restaurants in this area do, however, Porto is a standout for its noticeably more reasonable prices and authentic charm, as well as delicious food and a cozy ambiance. During our visit we were lucky to catch a group of musicians performing traditional songs and dance at the front of the restaurant, and it was a real treat!
Located on the terrace of the Budva Citadel in Old Town, Citadela Restaurant is where to eat in Budva for the best view in town. It’s a rare treat to enjoy a meal within a 15th century defensive fortress, and with tables set right up against its wall, you get the same incredible panoramic views that historical lookouts did. Citadela runs a bit on the pricier side, but the views are well worth it. Plus, with your dinner you’ll get access to tour the inside of the Citadel itself, which normally has an entry fee of about 5 EUR.
If you’re ready to venture a bit outside of Budva Old Town, you can discover this true hidden gem in a surprising location – inside the bus station! You would be forgiven for being skeptical of a bus station restaurant, but you’ll quickly forget where you are once you step inside this Budva restaurant. Filled with greenery and giant windows facing Budva’s small park menagerie (yes, there is a miniature zoo in Budva!), Mercur feels like a beautiful tropical greenhouse. The food is delicious, the portions are generous, and you can find a wide variety of both coastal and interior Montenegrin cuisine.
Another true locals spot, Fish Grill is a unique experience and one of the best restaurants in Budva for seafood. This tiny storefront restaurant is located in central Budva and operates on a cash-only basis. Upon entering, you’re greeted by the owners and a large refrigerated display of fresh fish. Simply pick which fish you want and they will grill it to perfection. The Dalmatian marinade is pure, addictive, garlicky goodness. There aren’t many tables, so you may end up eating on the stoop, but that’s half the fun!
Update Note: As of May 2026, thankfully, this Budva restaurant has reopened for business! Don’t miss out on this locals favorite while in town.
If you prefer your seafood in a more elegant setting instead of out of a styrofoam container on the stoop (it’s ok, we get it), head to Jadran. With seating both inside and directly on the beach, Jadran is one of the loveliest Budva, Montenegro restaurants due to its romantic ambiance and sunset views. If you haven’t had local classic dishes like buzara (a seafood soup of sorts, typically with mussels) or stuffed squids, this is the perfect place to try them. Take your significant other (or yourself!) on a date here and cheers to another beautiful day in Budva as the sun dips behind the sea.
Venturing a bit further out, Kužina is the best restaurant in Budva to sample traditional foods from other regions of Montenegro. Compared to the lighter seafood dishes of the coast, interior Montenegro is known for hearty dishes like lamb cooked ispod sača or “under the bell” (a method of slow-cooking the meat under a clay or metal dome), Njeguški steak (like a chicken cordon bleu, but with pork and local prosciutto and cheese), and, of course, cevapi (minced lamb and beef sausages). Lamb or veal “under the bell” are the real stars here, but it’s first come, first served. If you’re interested, aim for lunch or an early dinner so you can get some before they run out!
Another great spot for traditional Montenegrin cuisine, Konoba Bocun stands out for its charm. This small Budva restaurant is located in the north part of town and has been family-run for generations. The service is incredibly friendly, so much so that you’ll feel like you’re being welcomed into the family yourself. The food is delicious and reasonably priced, and the red wine is homemade by the owner’s grandparents! It really is too cute. For a quick meal, I highly recommend the goulash on rice.
Update Note: As of May 2026, Google Maps still says this Budva restaurant is temporarily closed. We really hope they reopen come the full summer swing, as we thought it was one of the best restaurants in Budva for a homey, local meal. We’ll update this post as more information develops.
Ready for a break from Montenegrin cuisine? Let’s start with Forsage Gastro Lounge. Now, we’ll be upfront and tell you that this place was full of tourists, their TripAdvisor awards displayed proudly on the wall. Normally, this would have made us keep walking, but we were starving and decided to stick around. Man, were we glad we did! The food was excellent, with a variety of international dishes that offered some much needed variety in spices and preparation. I had a delicious salmon filet prepared in a creamy dill sauce, and Colby had a perfect Caesar salad. If we had discovered Forsage earlier in our trip, it definitely would have been a repeat visit for us.
Next is La Mia Pasta, a takeaway pasta restaurant located in the heart of Budva Old Town. This Italian joint is BUSY, with a line out the door every time we passed it. But their freshly handmade pasta is worth the wait. In particular, stick around for the star of the show – the fettuccine alfredo on the cheese wheel. For this dish, La Mia tosses steaming hot, freshly made pasta into a gigantic wheel of cheese and stirs it around until it’s deliciously creamy. Take your pasta to nearby Richard’s Head Beach to enjoy your meal with a view.
For the grand finale, one of my personal favorite Budva restaurants, Mañana. Mañana is a “Mexican” restaurant in Budva Old Town that has an energetic vibe and an extensive menu of delicious cocktails. Is it on my favorites list solely because it’s the only place in town I could get a proper margarita? Maybe. But the food, while not 100% authentic Mexican, is still delicious and scratches the itch when you’re craving a taco. We especially loved the shrimp tacos, though we did get confused looks when we asked for chips and salsa, so they’ve clearly still got a ways to go before we can consider them a true Mexican establishment.
Update Note: As of May 2026, as expected, this Budva restaurant has reopened for business. Head over for your Mexican – ish – fix when the craving strikes you!
FAQs for the Best Restaurants in Budva, Montenegro
Which Budva Restaurants Require Advance Reservations?
Thankfully, you can visit most Budva restaurants without a reservation. However, some of the best restaurants in Budva, Montenegro do get booked up, especially during peak season. We recommend making reservations at the following in-demand restaurants upon arriving in town:
- Restaurant Porto
- Citadela Restaurant
- Jadran
Most Budva restaurants do not accept online reservations, so you’ll need to visit them in person to book a table for later on in your visit.
What Should I Order at a Montenegrin Restaurant in Budva?
Montenegro is a big “meat and potatoes” type of place, but Budva is also known for its seafood. Some of the most classic Montenegrin dishes you should order when dining at a Budva restaurant are:
- Whole grilled fish served with a dalmatian garnish (a mix of garlic, oil, parsley, and lemon)
- Buzara – a seafood soup of sorts, typically with mussels
- Stuffed squids
- Cevapi – a grilled sausage made from minced meat, served on their own or in a sandwich
- Pljeskavica – a mixed meat burger often stuffed with tasty treats like bacon and onion
- Sir – the local cheese
- Ajvar – a bell pepper-based sauce they serve with many dishes
Expect pretty much everything to be served with a side of french fries.
Where are the Best Places to Eat in Budva Located?
Many of the best restaurants in Budva are in its Old Town and along the beachfront (the Riviera). However, there are several great restaurants further inland as well. Feel free to explore a bit outside of Old Town when deciding where to eat in Budva!
Budva Old Town and the Riviera are also our top recommendations on where to stay while you’re in town. Budva can get very hot, and you’ll want to stay close to the city’s top sights to avoid long walks in the heat. We’ve included some of our top hotel recommendations below – learn more about these and other recommended hotels in our Budva itinerary and travel guide.
- Sailor House ($) – ⭐⭐⭐, 9.4 average rating
- Hotel Astoria ($$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 8.4 average rating (private beach!)
- Avala Resort and Villas ($$$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.0 average rating
- Hotel Majestic ($$$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.4 average rating
When Do People Typically Eat in Budva?
Breakfast is served at many of the best Budva restaurants until as late as 2:00. Dinner is around 8:00 or later, with lunch any time in between. There’s no big distinction between what qualifies as a lunch meal versus a dinner meal here in Montenegro, so feel free to let your stomach take the lead.
Should I Tip at Bars and Restaurants in Budva, Montenegro?
Tipping is not standard in Montenegro, though rounding up here and there is always appreciated. If your waiter is specifically asking you for a tip, you’re in a tourist trap.
Do Budva Restaurants Accept Credit Cards?
Most of the best places to eat in Budva, Montenegro will accept credit cards. However, Montenegro is still otherwise a largely cash-driven economy. We recommend keeping at least 100 euro (~$120) on hand at all times. Don’t forget our pro tip on withdrawing from ATMs in foreign countries!
Pro tip: When offered an exchange rate by an ATM, you can – and should – always decline the rate displayed. This rate often includes a heavy markup on top of the market exchange rate (up to 10% in Montenegro!). Declining the rate will not stop your transaction, but rather allow your personal bank to set the rate instead.
Do I Need to Speak Montenegrin to Order at Restaurants in Budva?
Definitely not. We had no issues interacting with people in the service industry in English during our 3 months in Montenegro, though knowing a few key words will definitely win you some brownie points with the locals. Practice these ones before your trip:
- Hello – Zdravo – ZDRAH-voh
- Goodbye – Ciao – chow
- Please – Molim – MOH-leem
- Thank you – Hvala – HVAH-lah
- Can I pay? – Mogu li platiti? – MOH-goo lee plah-TEE-tee
- The bill/check – Račun – RAH-choon
- Delicious – Ukusno – oo-KOOS-noh
Where Can I Learn More About Budva and Why I Should Visit It?
Right here! We lived in Budva for five weeks and have a full travel guide and itinerary for Budva here, along with recommendations for Budva’s best nightlife and a guide to spending one day in Budva Old Town, if you’re short on time. We also have a slew of other posts on other top Montenegro destinations like Kotor, Herceg Novi, and Durmitor in our Montenegro travel guides – check them out and plan an epic road trip across the country!
Final Thoughts on Where to Eat in Budva, Montenegro
Now that you know where to eat in Budva, Montenegro, all that’s left to do is get out there and eat! We hope you enjoy these best restaurants in Budva as much as we did. Looking for something sweet to finish off your meal? Try Astoria for delectable cakes or Goddo for ice cream and wafers dunked in a flowing chocolate waterfall. Looking for where to go out for drinks afterward? Check out our post Budva Nightlife Breakdown: All the Top Spots to Party. Comment below what your favorite spots were!
Looking for more recommendations on what to see and do in Budva? Check out our post 3 Days in Budva: What to See During Your Trip to Montenegro.
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