Budva Food

Budva’s food culture reflects Montenegro’s dual identity as both a Mediterranean coastal town and a gateway to the mountains. Along the waterfront, you’ll find platters of grilled fish, seafood risottos, and octopus cooked simply with olive oil and herbs. Inland traditions, however, emphasize cured meats, cheeses, and slow-cooked stews, many of which also make their way into Budva’s restaurants and markets.

Meals often begin with njeguški pršut (smoked ham from the village of Njeguši) and local cheeses, and may end with strong brandies or a glass of Montenegrin wine. Seafood remains a defining feature, but the presence of mountain flavors in a seaside town is what gives Budva’s food its distinctive character.

For a deeper dive into Montenegro’s culinary traditions, see our Montenegro Food page.

Montenegrin cuisine reflects the country’s varied landscapes — from the Adriatic coastline to inland valleys and mountain villages — and centuries of cultural exchange between East and West. In Budva, these influences come together at the table.

• Seafood: The Adriatic provides black risotto, grilled sea bass, calamari, and mussels cooked with garlic and wine
• Meat & Cheese: From the mountain regions, cured meats such as njeguški pršut and cow or goat cheeses remain staples
• Breads & Pastries: Burek filled with cheese or meat is a common street food, while cornbread and rustic loaves often accompany meals
• Wine & Rakija: Indigenous grapes like Vranac define local wines, and rakija — a fruit brandy — is traditionally offered at the end of a meal

In Budva, this mix means you can enjoy seafood caught that morning in the Adriatic and taste mountain flavors from nearby villages, all within the same day — a concise snapshot of Montenegro’s food heritage.

Budva’s food scene isn’t limited to sit-down restaurants — you’ll also find casual bites, quick snacks, and late-night eats scattered around the Old Town, near the Riviera promenade, and at local bakeries. Street food in Budva blends Montenegrin traditions with Balkan favorites, making it a tasty way to eat on the go.

No trip to Montenegro is complete without trying burek, a flaky pastry filled with cheese, meat, spinach, or potatoes. Bakeries across Budva sell it fresh in the morning, often with a side of yogurt (jogurt) — the classic pairing.

Along the waterfront, you’ll often find vendors grilling fish and squid skewers, served simply with lemon and bread. These are a great way to sample local seafood without committing to a full restaurant meal.

A Balkan street food staple, cevapi are small grilled sausages made from spiced minced meat. Usually served in flatbread with onions, ajvar (pepper spread), and sour cream, they’re a satisfying, budget-friendly option for a quick bite.

Budva’s Riviera is lined with kiosks selling pizza al taglio (by the slice), burgers, and sandwiches — popular with beachgoers and party crowds. Don’t expect gourmet, but it’s handy when you’re hungry after a swim or a night out.

Many pubs and beach bars offer small plates of fried calamari, whitebait, or anchovies — the Adriatic’s version of tapas. These are perfect for pairing with a cold local beer while watching the sunset.

Exploring Budva’s markets is one of the best ways to connect with local food culture. While the town may be better known for its restaurants and cafes, its markets are where locals shop daily for the freshest ingredients — and where visitors can pick up authentic flavors to take home.

Zelena Pijaca

Address: 7RMP+RP5, Mediteranska, Budva 85310, Montenegro

Located just a short walk from the Old Town, the Green Market is Budva’s main food hub. Despite its name, you’ll find much more than fruits and vegetables here. Stalls are piled high with local cheeses, cured meats, homemade rakija, olives, spices, honey, and seasonal produce.

Seafood also makes an appearance, with fresh fish and shellfish brought in daily from the Adriatic. Many vendors happily offer samples, so you can taste before you buy. It’s the perfect spot to put together a picnic spread of Njeguški pršut (prosciutto), cheese, olives, and bread, or to grab snacks before a day at the beach.

Riblja Pijaca

Address: 7RMP+RQC, Budva, Montenegro

For seafood lovers, the Fish Market is a must. Located close to the Green Market, it specializes in the freshest catch from the Adriatic — think sea bream, bass, squid, octopus, and mussels. Early morning is the best time to visit, when the selection is at its peak and local chefs come to buy their supplies for the day.

Even if you’re not cooking, it’s worth a visit just to soak up the atmosphere and see how central the sea remains to Montenegrin cuisine.

Joining a food tour in Budva is one of the best ways to dive into Montenegrin cuisine while learning about the city’s history and culture. Whether it’s exploring the Old Town’s narrow streets or heading out to nearby villages, food tours let you taste the best of both coastal seafood traditions and inland meat-and-cheese specialties.