30+ visits over 5 years
Essential Information
Location:
Šetalište Seljanovo 21, Tivat (Coastal Promenade)
Phone:
067-371-446
Hours:
Daily 10:00 – 23:00
Reservations:
Recommended for Groups 6+
Best For:
Pizza, Draft beer, Groups
Price Range:
€€ (Budget-friendly)
8.5/10
Outstanding pizza at unbeatable prices. Skip the rest of the menu.
The Bottom Line Up Front
Big Ben Tivat has been serving pizza on the waterfront since 1991, and after 30+ visits over five years, I can tell you this: come here for the pizza, stay for the draft beer and sunset views. Everything else on the menu is hit-or-miss.
What started as a tiny seven-table cafe has grown into one of Tivat’s most established eateries. The problem? They’re trying to be a pizzeria, seafood restaurant, pub, and grill house all at once. Jack of all trades, master of one: pizza.
What Big Ben Gets Right
The Pizza (9/10)
This is where Big Ben shines. The pizza here is genuinely excellent – thin crust, proper char, quality toppings. I’ve tried about 15 of their 20+ pizza options, and I haven’t had a bad one yet.
The Big Ben Special (mozzarella and prosciutto) is the crowd favorite for good reason. The Frutti Di Mare is loaded with seafood without being soggy. Even their simple Margherita rivals what you’d get in Italian restaurants charging double.
The Draft Beer (9/10)
Cold, cheap, and perfectly poured. On a hot summer evening on the upper terrace, this is exactly what you want.
The Location & Atmosphere (8/10)
The upper floor terrace is the real winner here. You get views over the Bay of Kotor and Waikiki Beach below. Perfect for groups of friends – they have tables that accommodate 6-8 people comfortably. In the evening, it’s one of the better spots in Seljanovo for unwinding.
What to Skip
Everything Else on the Menu (5/10)
Here’s where I have to be honest: the extensive menu of fish dishes, burgers (BBQ pulled chicken/pork), pasta, and salads is mediocre at best. Not terrible, but nothing special. The octopus salad is forgettable. The fish and chips are acceptable pub fare, nothing more.
With pizza this good and this cheap, there’s zero reason to gamble on the rest.
Exception: The desserts are surprisingly excellent. The Francuska Krempita with sour cherries and vanilla is sinfully sweet and absolutely worth the calories.
Pros
- Outstanding pizza quality
- Excellent draft beer
- Prices 30-40% below nearby restaurants
- Great upper terrace with bay views
- Good for groups
- Long-established (since 1991)
- Desserts surprisingly good
Cons
- Non-pizza menu items are mediocre
- Identity crisis (pub? pizzeria? restaurant?)
- Can get crowded in peak season
- Service can be slow when busy
- 20-minute walk from town center
Menu Highlights & Prices
| Item | Price (€) | Verdict |
| Big Ben Special Pizza | 8-10 | Excellent ✓ |
| Frutti Di Mare Pizza | 9-11 | Excellent ✓ |
| Margherita Pizza | 6-7 | Excellent ✓ |
| Fish & Chips | 9-12 | Acceptable |
| Octopus Salad | 8-10 | Skip |
| BBQ Burgers | 7-9 | Mediocre |
| Draft Beer (0.5L) | 2-3 | Excellent ✓ |
| Big Ben Pancakes | 5-6 | Excellent ✓ |
Prices are approximate and may vary. Last updated January 2025.
When to Visit
Best time: Evening (18:00-21:00) for sunset views from the upper terrace. The lighting is perfect, and it’s cooler after the heat of the day.
Avoid: Peak lunch hours (13:00-14:30) in July-August when it gets slammed with tourists. Service suffers.
Off-season: Open year-round. Actually better in shoulder season (April-May, September-October) when it’s less crowded but still pleasant weather.
Getting There
Location: Seljanovo district, on the coastal promenade connecting Porto Montenegro with Donja Lastva.
Walking: 20 minutes from Tivat town center along the waterfront. Pleasant walk.
From Porto Montenegro: 10-minute walk east along the promenade.
Parking: Limited street parking nearby. Better to walk or taxi.
Taxi: €3-5 from town center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation?
Not usually, unless you have a group of 6+ or visiting in peak summer (July-August). They don’t take reservations by phone easily – better to walk in or book through social media.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, completely. Kids menu available, and the pizza is a safe bet for picky eaters. Upper terrace is more adult-oriented in evenings.
Do they accept credit cards?
Yes, all major cards accepted. Cash also welcomed (and sometimes gets you slightly faster service).
English menu available?
Yes, full English menu. Staff speaks enough English to take orders comfortably.
Can I just come for drinks?
Absolutely. The upper terrace is perfect for evening drinks. No pressure to order food, though you’ll probably want that pizza once you smell it.
The Final Verdict
Big Ben Tivat is a one-trick pony – but it’s a damn good trick. Come here for pizza that rivals anything in Montenegro at prices that make you wonder how they stay in business. Grab a cold draft beer, sit on the upper terrace, and watch the sun set over the Bay of Kotor.
Just don’t make the mistake I did on my third visit and order the fish. Stick to what they do best, and you’ll leave happy.
Rating: 8.5/10 (would be 9.5/10 if they focused solely on pizza)
About Andreas
Andreas is a Montenegrin citizen and has been exploring every corner of the Adriatic coast. He runs adriacom, helping people relocate to Montenegro and beyond, and writes honest travel guides based on real experiences.
