Quick answers — eating in Belgrade
- Best restaurant overall
- Iva New Balkan Cuisine
- Best value
- Bela Reka (3,000 - 5,000 RSD / 27 - 45 USD)
- Strongest cuisines
- Modern European, Seafood, Japanese
- Dishes to try
- Cevapi, Sarma, Karađorđeva Šnicla, Pljeskavica
- Booking window
- For MICHELIN-selected or starred restaurants, book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Utilize online reservation platforms like Opentable where available, or call directly.
Booking ahead, especially for weekend evenings, is highly recommended for fine-dining establishments. Dress codes are generally smart-casual, leaning towards elegant. Tipping around 10-15% is customary for good service. Dinner hours typically start from 7:00 PM, with most tables booked between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Belgrade
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Iva New Balkan Cuisine
One MICHELIN StarModern Balkan · Vračar · 4,500 - 6,000 RSD / 40 - 55 USD
Vanja Puškar
Chef Vanja Puškar's innovative approach reinvents Balkan gastronomy. The menu interprets traditional recipes with avant-garde flair, using seasonal local ingredients. The intimate setting complements the culinary journey, offering a fresh perspective on regional flavors. It's a true flagship for contemporary Serbian dining.
Order: Karađorđeva steak in a new way, Lamb with kajmak
The Square
MICHELIN SelectedModern European · Stari Grad · 5,000 - 7,500 RSD / 45 - 70 USD
Located within the Square Nine Hotel, this restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on refined European cuisine. The elegant, minimalist design provides a serene backdrop for dishes that prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients and precise execution. It's a classic choice for a formal occasion.
Order: Pan-seared scallops, Dry-aged beef
Salon 1905
MICHELIN SelectedModern European · Savamala · 6,000 - 8,500 RSD / 55 - 75 USD
Housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building, Salon 1905 delivers a grand dining experience with a focus on modern European dishes. The opulent interior, high ceilings, and impeccable service create an atmosphere of old-world glamour. It's ideal for special celebrations, offering both visual and culinary delight.
Order: Beef Wellington, Foie gras terrine
Magellan
MICHELIN SelectedInternational · Novi Beograd · 5,500 - 7,000 RSD / 50 - 65 USD
Magellan takes diners on a culinary journey with an eclectic international menu, featuring dishes inspired by global flavors. The stylish interior and attentive service contribute to a refined dining experience. It's a good choice for those seeking diverse, expertly prepared cuisine in a modern setting away from the city center bustle.
Order: Black Angus steak, Tuna tartare
Homa
MICHELIN SelectedCreative European · Dorćol · 6,000 - 8,000 RSD / 55 - 70 USD
Homa distinguishes itself with creative and experimental European cuisine, often incorporating unexpected ingredients and textures. The chic, minimalist design, including an impressive wine cellar, sets a sophisticated stage. This restaurant pushes culinary boundaries, offering a truly modern and memorable dining adventure for adventurous palates.
Order: Deconstructed sarma, Octopus with black garlic
Seafood
Best seafood restaurants in Belgrade
Seafood restaurants live or die on the day's catch — the shortest menus are usually the best sign, because the kitchen is cooking what actually came in.
Langouste
MICHELIN SelectedSeafood & Mediterranean · Stari Grad · 7,000 - 9,500 RSD / 65 - 85 USD
Perched above the Sava River, Langouste offers breathtaking views and a sophisticated seafood-centric menu. The elegant, contemporary setting complements the fresh Mediterranean flavors, with a strong emphasis on high-quality fish and shellfish. It's a prime destination for a romantic dinner with a scenic backdrop.
Order: Grilled Adriatic prawns, Fresh catch of the day
Japanese
Best Japanese restaurants in Belgrade
Japanese rooms range from counter omakase, where you eat whatever the chef cut that morning, to kaiseki menus built around the season. Counters are small — book early and arrive on time.
Enso
MICHELIN SelectedJapanese fusion · Savamala · 5,000 - 7,500 RSD / 45 - 70 USD
Enso offers a refined Japanese fusion experience in a sleek, urban setting. The menu masterfully blends traditional Japanese techniques with contemporary interpretations, using high-quality ingredients. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking exquisite sushi, sashimi, and innovative Asian-inspired dishes in a chic, atmospheric environment.
Order: Chef's selection sushi, Miso-glazed black cod
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Belgrade
Walter Sarajevski Ćevap
A local institution for authentic Sarajevo-style ćevapi. Expect perfectly grilled minced meat served in fresh lepinja bread with onions and kajmak. A filling and delicious meal for around 800-1200 RSD.
Pekara Trpković
A beloved bakery operating for decades, famous for its burek. Choose from meat, cheese, or spinach fillings in flaky pastry. Perfect for a quick, traditional breakfast or snack, costing 300-500 RSD.
Ćevabdžinica 'Devetka'
Another excellent choice for traditional Serbian grilled meats, particularly their 'ćevapi sa kajmakom'. Casual atmosphere and hearty portions make it a local favorite. Expect to pay 900-1500 RSD for a satisfying meal.
Zapata Ciudad de México
Offers vibrant and authentic Mexican street food flavors in a lively setting. From tacos to burritos, it's a great option for a casual and flavorful meal. Dishes typically range from 700-1300 RSD.
Bistro Grad Hometown Food
Focuses on modern interpretations of Serbian home cooking in a charming, relaxed bistro setting. Excellent daily specials and comfort food, often with a creative twist. Meals usually cost 1200-2000 RSD.
Local dishes
What to eat in Belgrade
Cevapi
Grilled minced meat (usually a mix of beef and lamb) sausages, served with chopped onion and often kajmak (a creamy dairy product) in lepinja (flatbread). It's a staple of Balkan cuisine, incredibly flavorful and hearty. Try them at Tri Šešira in Skadarlija for a classic experience.
Sarma
Slow-cooked rolls of pickled cabbage leaves filled with a mixture of minced meat and rice. This traditional dish is a winter comfort food, rich in flavor and often served with a dollop of sour cream or kajmak. It's a taste of grandmother's cooking, best savored slowly in a cozy restaurant like Manufaktura.
Karađorđeva Šnicla
A popular Serbian dish named after Karađorđe, a leader of the First Serbian Uprising. It's a rolled veal or pork cutlet, stuffed with kajmak, then breaded and deep-fried. Often served with tartar sauce, it's a rich, decadent, and satisfying meal. Find it at traditional eateries like Dva Jelena.
Pljeskavica
A seasoned meat patty, typically made from a mix of pork, beef, and lamb, grilled and served in lepinja with various toppings like onions, kajmak, or ajvar. It's often referred to as the Serbian burger, a flavorful and robust street food or restaurant meal. Walter Sarajevski Ćevap serves excellent versions.
Riblja Čorba
A rich and spicy fish soup, usually made with freshwater fish from the Danube or Sava rivers. It's a hearty and aromatic dish, often prepared with various vegetables and seasoned with paprika. Enjoy this specialty at a riverside restaurant in Zemun, such as Šaran, known for its fresh fish.
Burek
A flaky pastry, traditionally filled with meat, cheese, spinach, or potatoes. It's a popular breakfast item, often bought from a local pekara (bakery). Best eaten hot and fresh, it’s a delicious, savory, and filling start to the day. Pekara Trpković is renowned for its excellent burek.
Ajvar
A relish made primarily from roasted red bell peppers, with eggplant, garlic, and chili pepper. It can be sweet or spicy, chunky or smooth. Ajvar is a versatile condiment, perfect as a spread on bread, a side dish, or an accompaniment to grilled meats. Taste it widely as part of many traditional meals.
Mućkalica
A savory stew originating from Southern Serbia, featuring grilled pieces of pork or chicken mixed with various vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, and onions, all simmered in a rich paprika-based sauce. It's a flavorful and hearty dish, often served in a traditional clay pot. Try it at Mala Fabrika Ukusa for an authentic experience.
How to book a table in Belgrade
- · For MICHELIN-selected or starred restaurants, book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Utilize online reservation platforms like Opentable where available, or call directly.
- · Some high-end restaurants may require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for larger parties or peak times. Always confirm the cancellation policy to avoid charges.
- · Consider dining at lunch, if offered. Many fine-dining establishments provide a more accessible tasting menu or à la carte options at a reduced price compared to dinner, offering excellent value.
- · Be mindful of no-show policies; failing to cancel within the specified window can result in charges. Communicate any delays or changes to your reservation promptly to the restaurant.
FAQ
Belgrade restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Belgrade?
Iva New Balkan Cuisine in Vračar is the benchmark table — Modern Balkan, led by Vanja Puškar, one michelin star, around 4,500 - 6,000 RSD / 40 - 55 USD per person. Order the Karađorđeva steak in a new way, Lamb with kajmak
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Belgrade?
Iva New Balkan Cuisine in Vračar is the modern European table to book in Belgrade (4,500 - 6,000 RSD / 40 - 55 USD per person). Other strong options: The Square, Salon 1905, Magellan.
Where is the best seafood restaurant in Belgrade?
Langouste in Stari Grad is the seafood table to book in Belgrade (7,000 - 9,500 RSD / 65 - 85 USD per person).
Where is the best Japanese restaurant in Belgrade?
Enso in Savamala is the Japanese table to book in Belgrade (5,000 - 7,500 RSD / 45 - 70 USD per person).
Where can I eat well in Belgrade without spending a fortune?
Bela Reka is the best-value table on this list at roughly 3,000 - 5,000 RSD / 27 - 45 USD per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Walter Sarajevski Ćevap, Pekara Trpković, Ćevabdžinica 'Devetka'.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Belgrade?
For MICHELIN-selected or starred restaurants, book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Utilize online reservation platforms like Opentable where available, or call directly. Some high-end restaurants may require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for larger parties or peak times. Always confirm the cancellation policy to avoid charges.
What food is Belgrade famous for?
Cevapi, Sarma, Karađorđeva Šnicla, Pljeskavica, Riblja Čorba — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Grilled minced meat (usually a mix of beef and lamb) sausages, served with chopped onion and often kajmak (a creamy dairy product) in lepinja (flatbread). It's a staple of Balkan cuisine, incredibly flavorful and hearty. Try them at Tri Šešira in Skadarlija for a classic experience.
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