21 MNE Urban Bistro is the perfect spot for either a quick lunch while cavorting around town, or a relaxed dinner with friends. Located in Montenegro’s capital city, Podgorica, this restaurant was impressive in both atmosphere and cuisine. I loved it so much on my first visit – lunch with a close friend – that we opted to go back for dinner. Both courses were delectable, and while different from one another, the experience and service remained stellar and consistent, while the quality of the food was superb.

The restaurant design is suitable for enjoying a casual meal, but also modern and sophisticated enough to feel like fine dining. 21 MNE Urban Bistro combines the best of both worlds with charming décor, including pops of red in the lighting, bursts of bright green, muted greys and copper colored seating, and a brilliant mix of patterns and solids on the floors. Before you even walk in, you already know this place is going to be awesome, because the exterior speaks volumes about what you’ll encounter inside. While the décor is modern and upscale, the culinary presentation remains rustic and simple, with fries served in tin containers, and slate and wood blocks used as trays and plates. Trust me, the food tastes as great as it looks, and presentation is something these chefs do well.

For our lunch, we opted for a selection of bruschetta, served on a wood platter with three different types made with an amazing combination of ingredients. The tuna tartare was served with creamy avocado guacamole and slices of sweet mango. I loved the gouda cheeseburger with crispy bacon, topped with mayo-mustard dressing, lettuce and a slice of tomato. Still raving about it. The T-bone steak my friend ordered was a full kilogram of tender, juicy meat. We each partook in warm crepes straight from the oven, light and buttery.

Our dinner experience was just as wonderful as lunch, as I enjoyed pork ribs so wonderfully tender. The side of beans, salsa, and cooked diced potatoes were wonderful with the texture of the meat, and added complexity to the dish. My friend chose a beefsteak, served with a mixture of grilled vegetables, and continued to be impressed by the chef’s ability to cook a perfect cut of meat. Even dessert was spot-on, as the Belgian chocolate lava cake with orange cream and ice cream was the perfect mix of bitter chocolate and sweet cream, while the New York style cheesecake was dense and creamy. I highly recommend 21 MNE Urban Bistro!!