BBQ Tanjga — Restaurant in Kotor

The Place - BBQ Tanjka - is next to the very busy main throughfare through the town, at a place called Skaljari. It's not the most elegant of places, but it is famous for its popular grill meat and reasonable price. It is also infamous for displaying it's raw meat in the glass display cabinet next to the tables - like a Chinese seafood restaurant, without the swimming fishes and shellfish. I went there for dinner, which was a short distance from my accommodation.The ambience was akin to a market - it was insanely crowded, people were piling in looking for tables or takeaway, there were much shouting (for orders or queue numbers that came up) and loud pop music blaring in from the TV. I managed to spot an empty seat - but have to share the table with some other customers though. I had seen quite a few Asian travellers there - apparently this restaurant was well reviewed on xiaohongshu, google etc.. The air was heavy with the smell of grilled meat. Besides, the main indoor space, there were tables behind the restaurant facing a carpark and some dumpsters. Not a place to bring your date. The service was efficient and brisk, but the servers were polite and friendly. Although they frequently need to shout due to the noisy environment, there was no flared temper or argument. What I had: House plate of grill pork (€14) - 400gm of chunks of well grilled pork with mixed salad cabbage, cucumber, onion and tomatos. The pork was flavoursome and tender, with a nice smoky BBQ aroma. The portion was hugh. House white wine (€5) - Crnogorski Chardonney by Estate Plantazi. Forgettable table wine. I went back again the next night for dinner, I was too tired after the hike to The Ladder of Kotor to walk to the old town to explore the eateries there. This time I had: Dry-aged Sirloin steak 200-280g (€26) - the meat was a tad too well done, even though I asked for medium. The meat was flavoursome though. It came with mixed salad and fries. And the ubiquitous Balkan dip - the reddish but only slightly spicy Ajmar. American IPA(€4) by The Beer Factory -the bottled craft beer was good. The restaurant was still extremely crowded and noisy. The verdict: If you are a meat lover, wanted value for your money, and do not require refinement in term of ambience or se okrvice, this restaurant will satisfy your need. A...

We visited BBQ Tanjga in Kotor – a butcher shop that also doubles as a small but outstanding steakhouse. My relatives from South Africa (a country known for great meat) recommended it to me, and I’m glad they did.

We used to vacation in Montenegro almost every year, but in recent years I stayed away due to the growing tourism and all the downsides that come with it – traffic, crowds, etc. However, hearing about this place was honestly one of the main reasons I decided to return this year.

I absolutely love steaks and have had them all over the world – nearly on every continent and in top-tier restaurants. What we had at BBQ Tanjga was truly exceptional.

We ordered several grilled dishes – including a ribeye steak, which was simply top-notch and perfectly cooked (medium rare, just as I like it), and a pljeskavica that was hands down the best I’ve ever had. The portions are generous, even huge – you definitely won’t leave hungry!

You might have to wait a bit for a table, but it’s worth it. In the meantime, you can enjoy a drink and watch other guests devour their meals – which only builds up the anticipation for your own.

Despite its humble appearance, the quality of food and hospitality here rivals some of the best. Given it is a small place and has a bit fast food feeling, the ambiente is not one of the best, but it's authentic (- 4 stars). The warmth and friendliness of the staff made the experience even more enjoyable – you can clearly see it’s a family-run place that takes pride in genuine service. A big thank you to Boris, who made our evening extra special with his kind and attentive service.

I’m going back tonight – I spotted a dry-aged Tomahawk steak last time that's calling...

Do not visit if a) you are vegan and do not want to be instantly converted or b) you have masochistic tendencies and want to go somewhere else where you get ripped off.

If neither a) or b) applies to you, then stop reading this review, check if they are open, and GO. Don't look around any other restaurants, don't second-guess, just check the directions to the restaurant and start walking. Trust me.

For a more in-depth review:

Boris is a fantastic host and you will very rarely be looked after better anywhere than you will be here. Attentive guy who loves what he does and you can feel the passion in the food he makes. The atmosphere is very familiar, very friendly, no-frills vibe, and you feel like you're having lunch at an uncle you enjoy visiting who also happens to make a killer grilled meat. Sit outside in the balcony if the weather permits it. Restaurant is meat-based, you see the meat in front of you like you're in a butcher shop, and it is grilled right on the spot and as soon as you walk in the restaurant the aroma of grilled meat overwhelms you and your appetite instantly increases ten-fold. Plates takes 10 minutes to arrive at your table. The portions are massive, and the meat is always sided with French fries (fried to perfection) and a very tasty and fresh salad.

Prices are a scam - to Boris. I would've paid 3 times what we paid and still think the restaurant was too cheap to be true. You will almost feel bad for paying so little for such good food.

Fortunately I have been in many restaurants across the world as a foodie, and this one has definitely left a positive impact on...