This exciting milestone is marked by the appointment of Montenegro’s founding JRE member, chef Nikola Čelić of Trattoria Rosmarino in Perast. The official celebration will take place on April 19 and 20 during the JRE International Congress in Cologne, Germany, bringing together chefs and culinary leaders from across the globe.

Montenegro: A Land of Contrasts and Flavour

From rugged mountain landscapes to the tranquil Adriatic coast, Montenegro offers a rich and diverse culinary identity shaped by geography, history, and centuries of cultural exchange. Nestled between the dramatic peaks of the Dinaric Alps and crystal-clear coastal waters, the country’s cuisine tells a story of contrast and harmony.

In the northern regions, traditional mountain fare features hearty, rustic dishes built around robust meats, potatoes, and locally aged cheeses. Along the coast, lighter Mediterranean influences prevail, with fresh seafood, olive oil, and subtle Italian nuances reflecting historic trade routes and Venetian heritage. Together, these elements form a cuisine that is both deeply rooted and constantly evolving.

Trattoria Rosmarino: Seafood Dining Above the Bay

Trattoria Rosmarino in Perast combines refined seafood cuisine with one of the most breathtaking views in Montenegro. Family-run and deeply tied to its surroundings, the restaurant offers warmth and precision in equal measure. Guests climb 60 stone steps to reach a quiet terrace overlooking the Bay of Kotor, where dishes highlight the region’s freshest fish and seasonal produce. With a heartfelt hospitality, Rosmarino has become Perast’s culinary landmark for those seeking both authenticity and elegance.

About JRE-Chef Nikola Čelić

Born in 1995, chef Nikola Čelić brings a modern yet deeply respectful approach to Montenegrin cuisine. After training in Sweden, he developed a style that merges the precision of Nordic culinary techniques with the warmth and generosity of Mediterranean traditions. His cooking is guided by seasonality, sustainability, and a strong connection to the natural rhythms of the Bay of Kotor.

By reinterpreting local seafood traditions with subtlety and refinement, Čelić creates dishes that feel contemporary while remaining rooted in heritage, defined by authenticity, balance, and quiet creativity.

JRE–Jeunes Restaurateurs looks forward to the continued growth of JRE-Montenegro and to fostering culinary excellence, innovation, and cultural exchange within its global network.