Where to Eat in Belgrade
Belgrade's food scene runs on grilled meat, bread, and dairy — and it does all three better than anywhere else in Europe. Skip the tourist restaurants on Skadarlija and eat where Belgraders actually eat.
Lunch is the main event. Dinner starts late — don't expect restaurants to hit their stride before 9 PM. The heart of the food culture is the kafana: slow dining, live acoustic music, endless rounds of rakija.
You're here for the grill. Ćevapi or pljeskavica, always with kajmak and warm somun bread. Start with a bowl of teleća čorba (veal soup). Budget €8–15 for a full meal with drinks.
Red Queen Belgrade
Situated on the bustling Sava Promenada in the upscale Belgrade Waterfront district, Red Queen is a stylish gastrobar that effortlessly shifts from relaxed daytime dining to an elegant evening hotspot. The menu is a sophisticated blend of Mediterranean and international dishes, complemented by an impressive wine list featuring both local and global labels. With its chic interior and a spacious outdoor terrace right on the promenade, it is a prime location for a romantic dinner or a chic weekend lunch with river views.
Buddha-Bar Belgrade
Bringing its globally recognized nightlife prestige to the Sava Promenada, Buddha-Bar Belgrade offers a luxurious dining and lounge experience. The stunning interior is centered around a massive signature Buddha statue, bathed in sultry ambient lighting. The menu focuses on high-end Pan-Asian fusion and exquisite sushi, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails. With its signature resident DJs playing hypnotic beats, the venue seamlessly transforms from a chic dinner spot into an energetic, glamorous nightlife destination.
Kolo
Kolo beautifully reimagines the traditional Serbian kafana for the modern age, situated within the expansive Galerija shopping mall on the Belgrade Waterfront. The restaurant serves up hearty, authentic Balkan classics—from sizzling grilled meats and rich kajmak to freshly baked breads—in a warm, stylishly rustic setting. It is the perfect spot to experience comforting local cuisine and hospitality after a long day of shopping or strolling along the Sava Promenada.
Beogradska Mehana
Located in the heart of Skadarlija, Belgrade's famous bohemian quarter, Beogradska Mehana offers a vibrant journey into traditional Serbian hospitality. The restaurant features a classic, rustic interior filled with historical charm, perfectly complementing its menu of authentic national dishes and hearty grilled specialties. With live acoustic music (starogradska muzika) keeping the atmosphere festive late into the night, it is an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience the true spirit of a classic Belgrade kafana.
Toro Latin GastroBar
Created by acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval, Toro Latin GastroBar brings a vibrant fusion of Pan-Latin flavors to Belgrade's buzzing Beton Hala. The menu is built around a sharing concept, offering an eclectic mix of small plates that blend South American, Japanese, and Chinese influences. With its sleek interior, excellent craft cocktails, and energetic DJ sets, the restaurant seamlessly transitions into a lively nightlife destination as the evening progresses. The outdoor terrace provides fantastic views of the Sava River, making it a premium spot for a trendy dinner.
Salaš Vinarije Zvonko Bogdan
Salaš Vinarije Zvonko Bogdan brings the authentic, rustic charm of a traditional Vojvodina estate straight to the modern, buzzing Beton Hala waterfront. It offers a unique contrast to the surrounding international spots, specializing in hearty northern Serbian cuisine and excellent wines from the famous Zvonko Bogdan winery. With live tamburica music often setting the mood, the atmosphere is warm, festive, and deeply traditional. It is an ideal choice for a memorable dinner that pairs rich local flavors with beautiful river views.
Aut Bistro
A highly aesthetic addition to Dorćol's famous Strahinjića Bana street, Aut Bistro brings a refreshing Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flair to Belgrade's brunch and dining scene. The space spans two floors, featuring striking industrial minimalism, an open kitchen, and a laid-back yet buzzing vibe. While the menu leans heavily vegetarian—making it a haven for plant-based diners with its vibrant hummus plates and rich shakshukas—it still packs enough punch, spice, and carefully crafted meat options to satisfy everyone. Their homemade kombucha on tap is legendary, making it the perfect daytime hangout that transitions smoothly into a relaxed evening bistro.
Brekky
Located in the sleek BW Verde building of Belgrade Waterfront, Brekky is an absolute haven for breakfast and brunch lovers. Setting itself apart from many local spots by being completely smoke-free, it offers a fresh, breathable atmosphere that perfectly complements its healthy, beautifully presented food. The aesthetic is bright, modern, and inviting, designed for laid-back mornings that easily stretch into the afternoon. Whether you're craving a rich Shakshuka, flawlessly poached Eggs Benedict, or a sweet slice of their signature Honey Cake, Brekky delivers high-quality ingredients with a modern twist, quickly cementing itself as the neighborhood's go-to 'it' spot for daytime dining.
Sloj Bistro & Bakery
Originally hailing from St. Petersburg, Sloj has quickly become a cornerstone of Belgrade's artisanal bakery and brunch scene. The Gospodar Jevremova bistro location perfectly balances a relaxed, aesthetic daytime vibe with sophisticated all-day dining. The interior features lovingly restored vintage furniture and raw, exposed textures, creating an inviting backdrop. Famous for their meticulously layered geometric "kube" (cube) croissants and modern takes on breakfast classics like the airy French omelet with prawns, the space seamlessly transitions into the evening with conceptually modern dishes and an excellent selection of low-intervention Serbian wines.
Kod Deda Stavre
Kod Deda Stavre is a symbol of traditional Serbian hospitality, blending authentic roasting house recipes with modern presentation. Famous for its slow-cooked veal and premium meats, its Zeleni Venac location offers a spectacular rooftop setting with panoramic city views.
Meze by Elliniko
Stepping into Meze by Elliniko feels like being instantly transported to a sun-drenched taverna in Greece, right in the heart of New Belgrade. Without relying on cheap clichés, this spot wins locals over with its genuine hospitality and a menu built entirely around the joy of sharing. The kitchen focuses on high-quality, authentic ingredients, from rich olive oil to imported Naxos graviera cheese. Whether you are settling into their expansive summer garden or the warmly lit interior, the experience is all about lingering over small plates, sipping crisp Greek wine, and letting time slow down.
Ambar
Pioneering modern Balkan cuisine, Ambar sits proudly on the bustling Beton Hala riverfront. It is globally famous for its unlimited small-plates concept, allowing diners to taste their way across an extensive menu of elevated regional classics. With its chic, award-winning interior, excellent riverside views, and high-energy atmosphere, it is the perfect spot for experiencing traditional flavors executed with contemporary flair.
Iva New Balkan Cuisine
A Michelin Bib Gourmand standout that beautifully bridges traditional Serbian flavors with modern culinary techniques. Located in Upper Dorćol, this cozy bistro offers inventive takes on Balkan classics—think crispy buckwheat rolls and elevated cuts of local meats. It is an essential stop for anyone looking to experience the next evolution of local cuisine in an unpretentious, welcoming setting.
Le Coin Cafe & Bistrot
French-inspired all-day spot that does the best croissants in Belgrade and a genuinely perfect ice espresso — grab one to-go and walk the Sava Promenade.
Mama Shelter
A vibrant, maximalist rooftop oasis perched atop the Rajićeva Shopping Center at the very end of Knez Mihailova street. With its eclectic decor, ping-pong tables, and expansive open-air terrace, it offers some of the absolute best panoramic views of the Kalemegdan fortress and the Sava river. It’s a high-energy spot that effortlessly transitions from a sunny afternoon coffee and pizza hangout to a loud, DJ-led cocktail lounge at night.
Mesara Morava (Meat Concept Store)
An iconic Belgrade butcher shop turned high-end meat concept store inside the modern Palilula market. It eschews the traditional sit-down restaurant model; instead, you approach the glass butcher display, select your exact cut of dry-aged steak or fresh burger patty, and watch the chefs grill it to perfection right in front of you. Seating is communal and bar-style, creating a fast-paced, interactive, and fiercely carnivorous dining experience.
Telma
Tucked away on a quiet street in Vračar, Telma is a masterclass in eclectic, bohemian design. Half fusion restaurant, half cocktail bar, it boasts one of the most charming hidden courtyards in the city. The menu is a global mix of vibrant, shareable plates and hearty mains, perfectly designed to accompany their excellent signature cocktails. It transitions seamlessly from a relaxed daytime hangout to a lively, low-lit evening spot with great music.
Trattoria Pepe
A charming, authentic Italian trattoria tucked away on a quiet street in the heart of Dorćol. It exudes style and comfort with a cozy interior and excellent outdoor seating. Known for its impeccable service, handmade pastas, and fresh, high-quality ingredients, it is the perfect spot for an intimate romantic dinner or a leisurely, sun-drenched weekend meal.
Ćevabdžinica Savčić
The undisputed champion of Sarajevo-style ćevapi in Belgrade. The space is tiny and seating is competitive, but they don't mess around: it's a strict menu of high-quality, halal beef and veal. Your clothes will smell like a grill by the time you leave, and it is entirely worth it.
Every recommendation is personal. No paid placements. · Belgrade.fun