Bottled water has long been an automatic addition to a restaurant order, especially for travellers unfamiliar with local options. But convenience alone is becoming a less persuasive reason to choose it at every meal.
A recent Tasting Table assessment of bottled water argues that the product is no longer worth its routine place in modern life, despite its ease and familiarity. The debate is not about denying diners a choice, but about questioning whether the default choice still makes sense.
For guests dining around Montenegro, water is worth treating as part of the overall restaurant experience rather than a reflex purchase. Before ordering, diners can ask what water options are available, how they are served and what they cost alongside the meal.
Restaurants, meanwhile, can make the decision easier by presenting water choices clearly and without pressure. A thoughtful approach to this small part of service can help diners focus on the food, wine and hospitality that define a memorable table.