100 % Gluten Free
Updated 07.07.24: I’ve received news from a fellow gluten free traveler about a new gluten free pizzeria in Budva:
The restaurant apparently has a head chef that has Celiac disease himself, and the reviews are good so far.
Places with Gluten Free Options on the Menu
These are places that have “GLUTEN FREE” marked specifically on their menus, either in a separate section or through allergen marking (always keep in mind that cross contamination could be a risk for Celiacs at any establishment that is not 100% Celiac friendly).
KOTOR: VILLA PERAST
Where: Perast (near Kotor)
Okay, so technically this is not in Kotor but in a little village nearby. However, if you are in Kotor it is highly likely you will visit Perast as the biggest attraction lies there. The views are amazing at this restaurant and I was shocked when I saw the allergen markings on the menu. I sadly did not eat here due to time restrictions, but this is one of only two places I came across in Montenegro with allergen marked menus. Click to see their menu.
Note: If you are Celiac, make sure you underline this when ordering. Do remember, though, as this is not a 100% gluten free restaurant, there is always a risk of cross contamination.
HERCEG NOVI: PETERS PIE & COFFEE
Where: 18 Šetalište Pet Danica Herceg – Novi, Herceg – Novi
This cafe is conveniently located near the water, just a short walk from old town. While the menu is not entirely gluten free, you can find home made gluten free bread, sandwiches, porridge, cake and ice cream. It is a nice place to bask in the sun, read a book or do some work on your laptop. I asked several staff about their gluten free options (just to be sure), and the staff were always helpful and confirmed my orders were gluten free. Do note that the menu can be a little confusing – giving the impression that the all items are gluten free when that is not the case. You need to locate those that are marked “gluten free” or “GF” when you flip through. Read more here.
Note: If you are Celiac, make sure you underline this when ordering. Do remember, though, as this is not a 100% gluten free restaurant, there is always a risk of cross contamination.
HERCEG NOVI: DO-DO CAFE
Where: 36 Pet Danica Walkway, Herceg Novi
This is actually a restaurant (with no allergens marked on the menu), but the recommendation is not for the food. What is allergen marked is their ice cream. Look for the gluten free pins when you order your sweet treat.
Note: Do keep in mind that cross-contamination is a possibility also when ordering ice cream. Make sure the staff uses a rinsed/clean scoop and that you order in a cup.
Places with Gluten Free Options when you Ask
At these places I was assisted in finding dishes that were naturally gluten free or the establishment made a dish gluten free for me. Note that cross contamination could be a risk for Celiacs.
BUDVA: JADRAN
Where: Slovenska Obala, Budva
I ate fresh seafood and it was quite good. While this is rated among the best restaurants in Budva, they did have a little bit of an issue understanding what gluten is. By that I mean that I did not get any side dishes with my order (not even boiled potatoes). This could either be due to them being extra careful or simply the staff’s understanding of gluten being that it also covers potatoes. I did not bring an allergy restaurant card with me, which I think could have helped.
Note: If you are Celiac, make sure you underline this when ordering. Do remember, though, as this is not a 100% gluten free restaurant, there is always a risk of cross contamination.
BUDVA: RESTAURANT PORTO
BUDVA: BACHE
Where: Cara Dusana, 5 Trg Palmi, Stari Grad Budva, Montenegro, Budva
This is a great place for Turkish food. It is lovely for both lunch and dinner time, and in the evening it becomes quite romantic with the cozy lights and red carpet. The staff is very attentive of allergens and will help to alter dishes to fit your dietary needs.
Note: If you are Celiac, make sure you underline this when ordering. Do remember, though, as this is not a 100% gluten free restaurant, there is always a risk of cross contamination.
KOTOR: CESARICA
Where: 375, Stari Grad, Kotor 85330
A cute restaurant tucked in a side street, which means it is away from the hustle and bustle. If you decide to go inside the restaurant it will be a little dark (but romantic), while the outside seating is more ideal for a sunny lunch meal. The menu is not allergen marked, but the staff is able to recommend some safe dishes for you.
Note: If you are Celiac, make sure you underline this when ordering. Do remember, though, as this is not a 100% gluten free restaurant, there is always a risk of cross contamination.
KOTOR: HOTEL MARIJA RESTAURANT
Where: Ulica 1 (istok-zapad), Kotor
By chance I came across this place as it had a “menu of the day” offer for EUR 10. This is a very good deal in Monenegro (especially in teh old town), so I went for it. The staff seemed a little insecure about gluten, but verified with the kitchen in order for me to choose among the menu options. You get a starter (soup or veggies), main dish and a dessert (the dessert was glutenous cake when I was there and it was not possible to change it).
Note: If you are Celiac, make sure you underline this when ordering. Do remember, though, as this is not a 100% gluten free restaurant, there is always a risk of cross contamination.
HERCEG NOVI: BARBARELLA
Where: Pet Danica Walkway, Herceg Novi
This cute little restaurant is located just a short walk from Peters Pie & Coffee. While it doesn’t have an allergen marked menu, it is a family run place where the owner is very well aware of what gluten is. The restaurant is run by a young couple where the husband is the chef and the restaurant name is that of their daughter. They grow all the ingredients they use in their garden, so there are no processed ingredients. The owner will be able to explain the safe options for you if you are Celiac. I have to be honest, I still dream of that pictured whipped raspberry cottage cheese.
Note: If you are Celiac, make sure you underline this when ordering. Do remember, though, as this is not a 100% gluten free restaurant, there is always a risk of cross contamination.
HERCEG NOVI: SPLENDIDO
Where: 77 Pet Danica Walkway, Herceg Novi
This restaurant is outside of old town, but is only a 2-3 EUR taxi ride away. I happened to live nearby it, and saw guest coming with taxi from other places in Herceg Novi and Igalo just to eat there. It is a bit on the pricier side, but the food is very good. Due to lack of options nearby I ate there several times, and I discovered in the end that the staff really knows what gluten is and will ensure you are properly catered to. As one staff member said: “we have many persons with gluten issues coming here”.
Note: If you are Celiac, make sure you underline this when ordering. Do remember, though, as this is not a 100% gluten free restaurant, there is always a risk of cross contamination.
HERCEG NOVI: KONOBA KRUSO
Where: Šetalište 5. Danica, Herceg – Novi
One of the best meals while in Montenegro was consumed here. The restaurant has cozy interior and if it is a nice day you can sit on their pier and watch the sunset. The menu is not allergen marked, but the staff is friendly and very helpful in finding gluten free options. Read more here.
Note: If you are Celiac, make sure you underline this when ordering. Do remember, though, as this is not a 100% gluten free restaurant, there is always a risk of cross contamination.
Places with Gluten Free Products
At these places you can find gluten free grocery items – for snacking or for cooking yourself a deliciously gluten free meal.
- AROMA MARKET – A grocery chain located in most towns in Montenegro. They have a gluten free section.
- MEGA PROMET – A grocery chain located in Budva and probably in other cities. It has a separate allergen section while also having gluten free items stocked together with regular ones. Meaning, if you are looking for spaghetti, you will find this in the spaghetti section and not in the allergen section. Cookies, however, will be in the allergen section.
- IDEA – A grocery chain located in Budva and other bigger cities in Montenegro. They have a few gluten free items.
Final notes
As Montenegro is not yet part of the EU, the directive on allergen marking is not in effect in the country. However, many restaurants will have something gluten free to offer, such as grilled fish and meats. Be aware, though, that many places have pizza on the menu and this could be a cross contamination risk.
For anyone going to Montenegro, I would recommend printing out allergen cards in various languages (such as Bosnian, Croatian, Albanian and Russian) to show staff. I have to add that I forgot to bring this, yet I had no incident of being “glutened” on my trip. Enjoy the beautiful Montenegro!
