Kotor isn’t just a beautiful seaside town with stunning views; it’s also a fantastic place to learn about Montenegrin cuisine and local traditions. The city’s small size and friendly atmosphere make hands-on cooking classes feel like visiting a friend’s kitchen. What makes these experiences stand out is the blend of culture, history, and authentic flavors. For example, the Kotor private cooking class with lunch and Old Town guided tour offers a perfect mix of sightseeing and culinary immersion in a local home, making it ideal for those who want a full day of local culture. If pasta is your thing, the Handmade Pasta Cooking Class with an Italian chef provides a chance to craft authentic Italian dishes with expert guidance. And for travelers looking for a comprehensive experience, Heritage on a Plate Kotor’s Walking & Cooking Adventure combines walking through historic streets with a cozy cooking session at a local family’s home.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of the best cooking classes in Kotor—each offering something unique, whether it’s a private home experience, a scenic boat ride combined with culinary lessons, or a small-group pasta workshop. Whether you’re after a laid-back afternoon or a full cultural dive, these tours are designed to satisfy your appetite for local flavor and history.
1. Kotor private cooking class with lunch and Old town guided tour
Make the most of your day in Kotor with this combined experience that includes a walking tour of the Old Town and a hands-on cooking class in a local home. The tour begins with a stroll through Kotor’s historic squares, clock tower, palaces, and churches, giving you a good dose of the city’s charm and history. Afterward, you’ll meet your host, a local resident, who will guide you through preparing traditional Montenegrin dishes in their kitchen. The highlight is a three-course family-style lunch served on a terrace overlooking the city, with drinks included.
What sets this tour apart is its personal touch and the depth of local insight. The reviews praise the guide’s friendliness, knowledge, and the intimate atmosphere in the host’s home. One visitor summed it up as “an absolute highlight,” noting how the experience felt like visiting friends. The price is around $237 per person, making it one of the more premium options, but you’re paying for quality, personalized attention, and a memorable meal.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a full cultural experience in a private setting, combining sightseeing with authentic cooking and a delicious meal.
2. Handmade Pasta Cooking Class with Italian Chef in Montenegro
For around $52, this pasta-making class offers a delightful taste of Italy right in Montenegro’s kitchen. Guided by Chef Giuseppe and Monika, you’ll learn how to make Ravioli with spinach and ricotta filling in the morning group or Tagliatelle with Bolognese in the afternoon. The focus is on creating pasta from scratch, with step-by-step instructions that are suitable for all skill levels. The session ends with a tasting of your handmade pasta, paired with a glass of local Montenegrin wine, adding a relaxing finish to your culinary journey.
Reviews consistently praise the hosts’ warmth and expertise. One guest called Giuseppe an “amazing cook,” and the atmosphere was described as “so much fun.” The class offers excellent value, combining hands-on learning with a delicious meal, making it perfect for pasta lovers and those curious about Italian culinary techniques. Since the class is held in a beautiful home setting, it provides an intimate environment away from the tourist crowds.
Bottom Line: Best suited for budget-conscious travelers who want a hands-on pasta experience with expert guidance and a friendly atmosphere.
3. Heritage on a Plate Kotor’s Walking & Cooking Adventure
This tour is a favorite among those wanting a deep dive into Kotor’s culture and cuisine. It starts with a private walk through the medieval streets of Kotor, led by a knowledgeable guide who shares stories about the city’s history, architecture, and local life. After soaking in the sights, you’ll transfer to a local family’s home for a personal cooking class. Here, you’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes using fresh ingredients, then enjoy a hearty meal together.
The tour’s uniqueness lies in its personalized nature and the focus on storytelling paired with cooking. It lasts about 3 to 4 hours and is offered only upon request, so advanced booking is recommended. The experience is praised for its authenticity, with reviews highlighting how the host shared local stories and recipes that felt like a visit to a friend’s house. The price is higher at around $355, reflecting the private, immersive nature of the experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive cultural and culinary experience in a small-group or private setting.
4. Kotor and Perast Private Tour with Cooking Class and Boat Ride
This full-day adventure blends scenic boat rides, visits to historic towns, and a culinary lesson. The tour begins in Perast, a tiny baroque town, with a boat ride to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, home to a church filled with art and history. Next, you’ll walk the stone-paved streets of Kotor, exploring landmarks like Saint Nicholas Church and the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. The highlight is a cooking class at a traditional restaurant, where you’ll learn to prepare a seafood dish characteristic of the region, in a setting overlooking Boka Bay.
The tour is ideal for those wanting diverse experiences all in one day—history, scenery, and food. The 7-hour itinerary is packed, and reviews appreciate the personalized touches and the beautiful settings. It’s a slightly more expensive option at $397, but the mix of boat rides, sightseeing, and a cooking session offers great value for a full-day experience.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers craving a combination of scenic boat rides, cultural exploration, and hands-on cooking.
5. Kotor: City, Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks and Cooking Class
This tour combines Kotor’s UNESCO listing, the beautiful town of Perast, and a visit to the iconic island of Our Lady of the Rocks, topped with a cooking class in a local setting. It lasts about 5.5 hours and is perfect for those wanting an overview of the region’s highlights along with an authentic culinary experience. The itinerary includes exploring the medieval walls and churches of Kotor, enjoying scenic views, and then heading to a local family for a hands-on lesson in Montenegrin cooking.
While the price isn’t specified, the focus is on experiencing culture, history, and local flavors in one comprehensive tour. The reviews are very favorable, emphasizing the fun atmosphere and delicious food. It’s suitable for travelers who want a well-rounded day combining sightseeing and cooking.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want to see Kotor and Perast while learning to cook regional dishes in a friendly environment.
6. Kotor: Cooking class in a local home & old town walking tour
This experience offers a balanced combination of sightseeing and cooking. You’ll start with a guided walk through Kotor’s historic streets, learning about its UNESCO heritage, then head to a local family’s home for a three-hour cooking class. The focus is on traditional recipes characteristic of the Bay of Kotor, providing an authentic taste of local life.
The tour lasts about 4 hours and is praised for its friendly atmosphere and the chance to try local wine or beer while chatting with your hosts. The price isn’t listed, but the emphasis on personal storytelling and home cooking makes it a valuable experience for those seeking a relaxed, intimate setting. It’s perfect for travelers wanting to experience local life firsthand.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers looking for a cultural, culinary experience with a personal touch and flexible itinerary.
7. Kotor: Old Town Walking Tour and Cooking Class
This tour offers a guided exploration of Kotor’s UNESCO-listed Old Town followed by a cooking class where you’ll prepare local specialties like peka and fig cake. You’ll visit iconic sites such as Saint Tryphon’s Cathedral and the Maritime Museum, gaining insight into the city’s history and traditions.
The 4-hour experience balances sightseeing with culinary learning, topped with a meal of your own making paired with local wines or non-alcoholic drinks. It’s well-rated at 4.7/5, showing that many travelers find it both enjoyable and informative. It’s particularly good for those who want a comprehensive introduction to Kotor’s culture and cuisine.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history and foodies who prefer a guided walk combined with cooking in a friendly setting.
8. Kotor: Private City Tour and Cooking Class
This private tour offers the chance to explore Kotor’s highlights and learn traditional Montenegrin recipes in a cozy home environment. Starting with a guided walk through the city, you’ll visit key sites and then transfer to a host’s home for a hands-on cooking session.
The experience lasts around 4 hours, with the focus on local flavors and cultural insights. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a personalized, relaxed introduction to Kotor’s culinary traditions. The reviews tend to highlight the value of doing everything in a private setting, and the opportunity to enjoy a tasty, homemade meal afterward.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a private, flexible experience that combines sightseeing with a true taste of Kotor’s cuisine.
How to Choose the Right Cooking Class in Kotor
When selecting your ideal cooking experience, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. If you’re after a luxurious, comprehensive day with sightseeing and a private meal, the Kotor private cooking class with lunch is a top pick. For more budget-friendly options, the handmade pasta class offers a hands-on culinary lesson with excellent reviews.
Travelers who love history and storytelling might prefer the Heritage on a Plate tour, which combines a walking tour with an intimate cooking session. Those seeking scenic views and multiple activities will enjoy the Kotor and Perast private tour, which includes boat rides and visits to iconic sites. If you want a relaxed, local experience, the home-based cooking classes provide genuine insight into Montenegrin life.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot and experience.
To sum it up, Kotor offers a wide variety of cooking classes, from private home experiences to full-day tours blending sightseeing and culinary delights. For couples or small groups, the private experiences shine, while budget travelers will appreciate the pasta-making classes. If your goal is to combine culture, scenery, and food, the Heritage on a Plate or Kotor and Perast tour will serve you well. Whether you prefer a relaxed afternoon or an immersive full-day adventure, these experiences promise a delicious and memorable way to enjoy Kotor. Be sure to book early so you don’t miss out on these authentic flavors and stories.