At Cielo Rooftop Bar Restaurant, perched above the shimmering Adriatic in Tivat, we understand that a truly exceptional dining experience extends beyond exquisite food and wine. It’s intrinsically linked to the broader landscape of local policy and political decisions. Between 2023 and 2025, Montenegro’s government has made significant strides in shaping its gastronomic future, a journey we follow with close attention and deep knowledge, ensuring our offerings remain at the forefront of culinary excellence.
A cornerstone of Montenegro’s strategy has been the active promotion of its rich culinary heritage and local produce. Recognizing gastronomy as a key component of the tourism offering, there’s a growing emphasis on “farm-to-table” initiatives and supporting local producers. Projects like “FOODVALUE,” a bilateral cooperation between Italy and Montenegro (2023-2025), exemplify this, focusing on enhancing traditional fermented foods like Njeguški cheese and Sudžuk sausage. These initiatives aim to improve quality, safety, and market competitiveness for local products, making them more accessible to high-end restaurants like ours.
Furthermore, Montenegro’s journey towards EU accession by 2028 has a profound impact on food and wine. The alignment with EU standards for food safety, hygiene, and quality is a continuous process. For instance, the FAO and EBRD have been supporting Montenegro’s meat sector in complying with EU standards and developing Geographical Indications (GIs) for traditional products like Montenegrin dried beef and smoked sheep meat. This move not only protects authenticity but also enhances the market value of these unique items. While it means stricter regulations for producers, for a restaurant like Cielo, it assures us of a higher standard of ingredients, which is incredibly useful for maintaining our quality.
The Montenegrin government’s 2025 agricultural budget further reinforces this commitment, with increased support allocated specifically to the wine sector. This funding, nearly double the previous year’s, signals a strong intent to bolster Montenegro’s burgeoning wine industry. For Cielo Rooftop Bar Restaurant, this translates into an even richer selection of high-quality local wines to complement our Mediterranean-inspired dishes, providing a truly authentic Montenegrin experience for our guests. The focus on improving rural infrastructure also indirectly aids the food supply chain, making it easier for us to source fresh, seasonal ingredients directly from local farms.
The overarching political narrative in Montenegro emphasizes diversified, high-quality tourism. This dovetails perfectly with Tivat’s position as a luxury destination. The discussions surrounding a new, unified VAT rate for hospitality services from January 2025 demonstrate ongoing efforts to streamline the economic environment, even if they sometimes spark debate within the industry. For our professional operations at Cielo, a clear regulatory framework is essential for long-term planning and ensuring a profitable and sustainable business model.
In essence, Montenegro’s political commitment to developing its gastronomic potential, coupled with its drive towards EU integration, is creating a fertile ground for culinary excellence. At Cielo Rooftop Bar Restaurant, we are not just observers but active participants in this evolution. By embracing local sourcing, celebrating Montenegrin traditions, and adhering to the highest international standards, we ensure that every dish and every glass of wine offered embodies the very best of Montenegro’s burgeoning culinary scene, making for an unforgettable and truly profitable experience for our esteemed guests.
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More Than a Venue – It’s a Vibe
Cielo Rooftop isn’t just a bar or a restaurant. It’s a place where music, sea breeze, and good energy come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re a guest of Royal Blue Resort & Residences or just visiting for the night, Cielo promises an unforgettable live music experience in the heart of Montenegro’s coast.