Marenda Steak House — Restaurant in Kotor

Be cautious! The restaurant is DISHONEST! ——— On 13th October 2023 pm 7:47, after paying 78 euros without receiving the details of our orders, we found the amount unreasonably high. So, we asked our waiter, M (I forget his full name, but he's a tall, white and bald guy), for the receipt. To our surprise, the receipt was handwritten and had been altered to cover up the original amount of 71 euros.

I attempted to dispute the amount with M and other staff using the handwritten receipt I had. M initially claimed that it was a tax for a table for four, but later changed his story to suggest it was a tax related to certain alcoholic beverages and steak. Of course, I didn't buy into these explanations (we didn’t order alcohol, and which country on earth taxes steak!?). M then went to the kitchen to discuss the matter with other staff, and it was astonishing when M came out and told me that there was no receipt, asking, 'What receipt are you talking about?'

I was furious and helpless. I asked for the receipt again, but I was saddened to see the other staff members reacted as if I were a crazy and unreasonable clown. They said it was impossible to regenerate a receipt, emphasised that M had worked for the restaurant for many years, and accused me of disrupting their business. This included a senior staff member who had seen the handwritten receipt! M threatened me several times to leave, but I did not give in. To be honest, I even hoped he would call the police so that I could resolve the matter without relying on all the dishonest employees at the restaurant. In the end, M reluctantly admitted that he was nervous and disposed of the handwritten receipt, offering me 7 euros, as if I were a beggar, just to make me leave. “Leave me alone” he said.

I don’t leave this alone, in stead, I shall make it public. As a lawyer, I don’t really care about that fxxking 7 Euro per se. All I wanted to is to be treated equally and a sorry form M and the restaurant. I hope all the existing or potential customers and the owner of the restaurant see this review.

Especially the owner, that would be reasonable that M be punished and an formal apology be made. All my statements can be proven by the CCTV (e.g. M altered the receipt and disposed of it) and the selling record that could not match our bank payment. If not, my only recourse would be to file a dispute with the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro, and the police department as well, as it was clearly a fraudulent act, in orders to hold this dishonest restaurant accountable. I have plenty of time and am furious...

The 45 day dry-aged Rib eye, with the bone, was a tender cut, with a beautiful aged taste, but it fell short in terms of the sear. It was quite disappointing to see a steak house not knowing how to properly sear a steak, instead they lightly grazed it with a low heat source. Being served on a sizzling plate was an interesting touch, also being risky, as it did slightly overcook the steak (ordered rare, this was closer to medium-rare). Nonetheless, the flavour was still there, with a lean-grass-fed taste.

The meat platter came with Pljeskavica, a Balkan minced burger, similar to Cevapi, which had beef, bacon and cheese inside it, it was extremely juicy, creamy, oily and delicious. The platter also had bacon wrapped chicken which was Smokey, tasty, but slightly overcooked. Also, a spicy-red-paprika dominant sausage, similar in taste to chorizo, but with a less salty-more bold/tangy taste- This sausage was a tasty addition. The platter also featured rump steak cuts which were better seared than the rib-eye, but over-cooked to medium. The platter had wedges, tomatoes and hot sauce which were strange accompaniments to meat, but nonetheless, delicious.

The Kajmak was fresh tasting-bold and creamy, a perfect ease to the oil-rich meats. The cucumber and tomato salad was simple, with grated cheese on top. I’m still confused as to why they grate cheese on top of simple tomato and cucumber salads throughout the balkans, especially in Albania and Montenegro, it’s not bad, it’s just not good.

Overall, a nice feed with a lot of potential. Get the basics right and the flavours are...

So My original review posted was in 2023. My husband and I returned a few nights ago, looking forward to a great meal in one of our favorite restaurants. Unfortunately, that did not happen. We were seated near the door and provided the menu. We sat for over 20 minutes and not 1 waiter came. We tried to get someone's attention, but couldn't. It wasn't crowded, nearly empty. For the entire time we sat and watched as 3 were chatting at the bar/kitchen area the entire time and 2 went outside. We finally got up and left to find 1 outside smoking on the left side of the building and the other around the bend toward old town. Last year wait staff was excellent, this year horrible. Last year recommended this restaurant to everyone and went many times during our 3 month stay. This time wouldn't recommend to anyone. My 2023 review: The ambiance and atmosphere welcoming and lovely, like sitting in a cellar. The food is exceptional! We ordered the Porterhouse steak, mashed potatoes, air fried wedge potatoes and mushroom sauce. The steak was cooked perfectly and melted in your mouth. It was amazing. The best steak we've ever eaten, anywhere. The potatoes were fresh and hot. The homemade lemonade is excellent. The chocolate raspberry mousse excellent and unique. Our waiter Han was beyond excellent. He was friendly, personable, polite, provided recommendations and very attentive. His service was second to none. The best restaurant experience, the best waiter we've had in our 17 days in Montenegro. Thank you! We shall return before we leave...