Must-see restaurants in Serbia

  • Mayka

    Belgrade

    Among Belgrade's slim offerings for vegetarians, here's a gem right in the city centre. Mayka serves up worldly vegetarian specialities in a Serbian way…

  • Fish i Zeleniš

    Novi Sad

    This character-filled, snug little nook serves up the finest vegetarian and pescatarian meals in northern Serbia. Organic, locally sourced ingredients?…

  • Pekara Trpković

    Belgrade

    The fact that this family business has existed for over a century in Belgrade’s competitive bakery market is quite an achievement. The Serbian tradition…

  • Šaran

    Belgrade

    Šaran (meaning 'carp') is rightfully renowned as Zemun's best quayside fish restaurant for its exceptional fish dishes, professional service and welcoming…

  • Little Bay

    Belgrade

    Little wonder locals and visitors have long been singing the praises of this gem: it's one of the most interesting dining experiences in Belgrade. Tuck…

  • Crna Ovca

    Belgrade

    This cheerful and always busy gelato shop sells some of Belgrade's best and boasts some wacky flavours (gorgonzola, peanut butter and chocolate-covered…

  • Iris New Balkan Cuisine

    Belgrade

    Belgrade's best foodie bang for the buck is this newcomer clandestinely occupying a 1st-floor apartment south of the old train station. Courses from the…

  • Ribnjak

    Belgrade

    An unremarkable houseboat moored far enough from the city centre that few people know about it (or ever see it!), this undeniably simple restoran …

  • Toster Bar

    Novi Sad

    There are likely better Serbian-style pljeskavica (hamburgers) in Novi Sad, but there certainly aren't better American-style burgers, and the beauty of…

  • Salaš 137

    Serbia

    While this property is perfect for rustic repose, it's the traditional Vojvodinian-style feasting and the activities that draw the crowds. Work in the…

  • Pasent

    Serbia

    Down by the Danube, with a huge lantern-decorated garden and a soundtrack of chillout bossa nova tunes, gorgeous Pasent is an unmissable dining experience…

  • Stambolijski

    Niš

    This upscale, standout New Balkan restaurant elegantly occupies the oldest preserved home in Niš (dating to 1878) and is easily the city's top dining…

  • Tri Golubice

    Serbia

    If you're in Vrnjačka Banja for a spa splurge, head to 'Three Doves' for mouth-wateringly prepared fish and seafood, from delectable lignje na žaru …

  • Crna Ovca

    Novi Sad

    Crna Ovca means 'Black Sheep' in Serbian but tasty gelato emerging from this tiny little Belgrade transplant has nothing of which to be ashamed. Top…

  • Ambar

    Belgrade

    Upmarket, innovative small-plate takes on Balkan cuisine are the go to at this chic spot – the best of a handful of trendy options overlooking the river…

  • Manufaktura

    Belgrade

    Just off pedestrianised Knez Mihailova (look for the red umbrellas in the patio), Manufaktura offers Balkan dining in a modern ambience resembling an…

  • Lorenzo & Kakalamba

    Belgrade

    Covered from floor to ceiling in a riot of out-there artworks and marvellous miscellany, and staffed (and frequented) by peculiar characters, to step…

  • To Je To!

    Belgrade

    The name means 'that's it', and in this case, they're talking about meat. Piles of the stuff, grilled in all its juicy glory, make up the menu here in the…

  • Bela Reka

    Belgrade

    One of Belgrade's best new restaurants, Bela Reka is modern and sophisticated, but fiercely dedicated to the traditional craft of Serbian cuisine, and is…

  • Vodopad

    Serbia

    With a gorgeous forest setting at the base of Veliki Buk waterfall (50m), this is a place to linger over a hearty lunch after visiting Manasija Monastery…

  • Project 72

    Novi Sad

    This smart bistro with lovely sidewalk seating is brought to Novi Sad by the same owners as the excellent Fish i Zeleniš, but here the concentration is on…

  • Brankov Čardak

    Fruška Gora National Park

    Tucked away at the end of a forest road and perpetually shrouded in barbecue smoke, this is a Fruška Gora institution. Its setting, in the idyllic…

  • Kapetan Mišin Breg

    Serbia

    Fantastic views of the Đerdap gorge and an introduction to traditional Vlach cuisine from eastern Serbia are reason enough to visit this hillside complex…

  • Ladna Voda

    Serbia

    Grab an outdoor table at this renowned kafana (tavern) that backs onto the courtyard of the regional Ponišavlje Museum to enjoy the view of its 19th…

  • Pekara Anton Plus

    Niš

    Prepare to hurry up and wait for the Serbian breakfast of champions: burek (hearty filo pastries stuffed with veal, cheese and other tasty fillings). This…

  • Boss Caffe

    Subotica

    The most popular restaurant in town has a huge menu spanning Chinese, Italian, Mexican and Serbian cuisines; somehow it pulls it off with aplomb. It's…

  • Kafana Galija

    Niš

    The chefs here grill to thrill, with exceptional takes on classics, including spicy meat platters and a good pljeskavica (bunless burger). Rouse yourself…

  • Restoran Vrelo

    Tara National Park

    Next door to Vila Drina, this large restaurant that dishes up classic Serbian fare gets top marks for location: its wooden terrace, tucked into the…

  • Ravel

    Subotica

    Don't miss this adorable art nouveau classic for a fab selection of cakes, from Hungarian doboš torta and sugar-soaked šampita to heavenly chestnut puree…

  • Mala Fabrika Ukusa

    Belgrade

    A neat little eatery with a laid-back atmosphere in Belgrade’s Vračar quarter, not far from the Sveti Sava Temple, the ‘Little Taste Factory’ was started…

  • Toro Latin Gastro Bar

    Belgrade

    Popular and often packed, Toro's schtick is posh Latin sharing plates from Mexico (tacos and tostadas) to Peru (ceviche and anticuchos – skewered meat),…

  • Smokvica

    Belgrade

    With its winsome courtyard terrace, arty crowd and with-it gourmet menu, to stumble across Smokvica ('little fig') is to forget you're in hustling,…

  • ?

    Belgrade

    Belgrade's oldest kafana (tavern) has been attracting the bohemian set since 1823 with dishes such as stuffed chicken and mushroomy house-speciality pork…

  • Madera

    Belgrade

    One of Belgrade’s iconic culinary destinations, Madera has been shaking up traditional meals with a modern twist since 1937. The restaurant offers Serbian…

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    Manjež

    Belgrade

    This is one of Belgrade’s grand dames, with an old-school glamour that matches its clientele. The menu is heavy on the Serbian classics, with a sprinkling…

  • Restoran Opušteno

    Belgrade

    Far from the trendy city bars, this restaurant is a perfect escape to nature. It's on the shore of Ada Safari, a small lake in the middle of Ada Ciganlija…

  • Moritz Eis

    Belgrade

    This ice-cream chain does all-natural artisan sorbet and ice cream in both traditional and unexpected flavour combos, which change daily. Daring stuff…

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    Dorian Gray

    Belgrade

    Much like a certain O Wilde, this Dorćol hotspot has an elegance and offbeat feel all its own. Head here for excellent breakfasts (including the…

  • Kalemegdanska Terasa

    Belgrade

    By the fortress, this is a literal bastion of refined dining, featuring sumptuous dishes like rolled steak and goose liver with truffle sauce. One for the…

  • Sofa

    Belgrade

    As welcoming and cosy as the name suggests, Sofa is an ambient spot with a classy international menu featuring drool-worthy meat dishes (the crunchy ‘Sofa…

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