Must-Try Classics

• Njeguški Ham and Cheese (Njeguški pršut i sir): Air-dried and smoked ham from villages around Cetinje, served thinly sliced with a local hard cheese. A gourmet appetizer, priced at 6–10 euros per serving.
• Ćevapi and Pljeskavica: Balkan-style grilled meat sausages and patties, served with onions and flatbread. Street food for 4–7 euros, filling and satisfying.
• Montenegrin Black Risotto (crni rižot): Squid ink risotto, a signature dish at seaside restaurants in Kotor and Perast, costing around 12–15 euros.
• Grilled Fish and Squid: Fresh daily catch from the Adriatic, priced by weight. Dishes include charcoal-grilled perch and sea bream, drizzled with olive oil.
• Kačamak: A cornmeal porridge with cheese and sour cream, a mountain staple often served at breakfast in Žabljak guesthouses.

Drinks and Desserts

• Vranac Red Wine: Montenegro’s flagship grape variety, bold and tannic. Local pairing wine costs 6–10 euros per bottle.
• Rakija: Plum or grape brandy. When offered by hosts, it’s customary to drink it in one go.
• Budva Coffee: Primarily espresso-based. A seaside cup costs 1.5–2 euros.
• Honey, Walnuts, and Dried Figs: Traditional mountain desserts, available at markets as great souvenirs.

Where to Eat and Price Ranges

• Kotor Old Town: Restaurant prices near the square are about 30% higher for the view. For authentic eats, head to a konoba near the market.
• Budva: Upscale dining in the old town, more affordable options outside. Always confirm seafood prices by weight before ordering.
• Podgorica: The capital has the lowest prices. A meal at a restaurant costs around 10–15 euros per person and is very satisfying.
• Žabljak: Mountain guesthouses offering half-board (including dinner) cost about 30–40 euros per person. Expect generous servings of kačamak and stewed lamb.

Practical Tips

• Seafood is often priced by 100 grams. Confirm the total before ordering. It’s normal for fish prices to double during peak season.
• Bread and appetizers (cold cuts, cheese) are often automatically served and charged in local restaurants. You can ask to have them removed if not wanted.
• For lunch, supermarkets (like Voli and HD Co) offer sandwiches and local yogurt, saving you about half compared to restaurants.

Sample Daily Meals

• Breakfast: A pastry (burek) from a bakery with local yogurt. Fills you up for 2–3 euros.
• Lunch: Grilled fish shared at a seaside konoba. Around 12–18 euros per person.
• Dinner: Squid ink risotto or grilled squid with Vranac red wine. Around 20–25 euros per person.