During my recent visit to Budva, Montenegro, I had the pleasure of dining at several restaurants, each offering dishes that showcased the region’s rich culinary traditions. If you’re wondering where to eat in Budva, this coastal town along the Adriatic Sea is a haven for fresh and affordable seafood. Montenegro’s seaside location ensures an abundance of high-quality seafood, making it both accessible and budget-friendly. Here’s a recap of my Budva food experiences:
Promenada
Located along Budva’s scenic promenade, Promenada offers a modern dining experience with beautiful sea views. I ordered the King Prawns, served with garlic bruschetta and a tomato-onion salsa. The prawns were large, fresh, and perfectly grilled, with a light char that enhanced their natural sweetness. The garlic bruschetta provided a crisp contrast, while the tomato-onion salsa added a refreshing, tangy balance. The dish highlighted the Adriatic’s rich seafood offerings and was surprisingly affordable given the portion size and quality.
Restoran Porto
Situated near Budva’s Old Town, Restoran Porto is a well-loved seafood restaurant offering views of the marina. I started with Salata od morskih plodova (seafood salad), a vibrant mix of tender octopus, plump shrimp, and delicate calamari, tossed with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette. Every bite was a testament to the region’s abundant seafood supply. For the main course, I had the fish fillet, pan-seared to a golden brown while remaining juicy inside. Served with a mashed potato with some herbs I wasn’t able to scrutinize, it was a simple but excellent representation of the fresh catch available daily in Montenegro.
Sveti Toma
Sveti Toma is a cozy, rustic restaurant away from Budva’s busy center. Unlike the seafood-heavy menus of other restaurants, I opted for a classic steak with fries. The steak was cooked to my preferred doneness, tender and juicy with a slightly charred crust. The fries were crispy and well-seasoned, making for a satisfying side. While Montenegro’s seafood is the star of most menus, it’s good to know that quality meats are also available for those craving something different.
El Gusto Beer Garden
El Gusto Beer Garden offers a relaxed, open-air dining experience with a great selection of beers. I started with a burrata salad, featuring creamy burrata, ripe tomatoes, beets, crostini, and topped with micro-greens. It was light and fresh to start the 3-course meal. For the main course, I chose the seafood risotto, which was rich, creamy, and packed with shrimp, mussels, and squid. Served on top of the risotto is a fish fillet that contrasted the tomato-based risotto. The flavors of the seafood infused the rice beautifully, making each bite deeply satisfying. To finish the meal, I had the cake of the day, a decadent chocolate cake that was moist and indulgent—perfect for a sweet ending.
Budva’s location, Montenegro in general, along the Adriatic Sea means that seafood is not only fresh but also affordable. Many dishes feature locally caught fish, shellfish, and squid, offering excellent quality at reasonable prices. Whether you’re dining at a seaside restaurant or a casual beer garden, you can expect to enjoy top-tier seafood without breaking the bank. Budva’s food scene is a must-explore for any traveler, with its mix of traditional Montenegrin flavors and Mediterranean influences. If you love seafood, there’s a ton of options to try!
