Balkan cuisine: 5 unforgettable culinary experiences in Serbia's capital

June 11, 2025

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is not only a city rich in history and culture, but also a true paradise for lovers of good food. Balkan cuisine, known for its intense flavors and fresh ingredients, is reflected at its best in this city. In this article, we will take you on a journey through five exceptional restaurants that offer unforgettable culinary experiences. From traditional Serbian dishes to modern interpretations of Balkan classics, each of these places has something unique to offer. Whether you're a fan of grilled meats, gourmet appetizers, or looking for a new culinary experience, Belgrade is sure not to disappoint. Get ready for a feast for all your senses that will make your city break in Belgrade an unforgettable experience. Discover with us why the Serbian capital is increasingly being chosen as a culinary tourism destination and why you should spend a weekend here enjoying local delicacies.

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Tradition and modernity on a plate

Our culinary journey through Belgrade begins with two restaurants that perfectly combine tradition and modernity. The first stop is Zavičaj, a place that welcomes guests with an authentic Serbian atmosphere right from the threshold. Located at 77 Gavril Princip Street, this restaurant is a true gem among Belgrade's gastronomy. Zavičaj is famous for its traditional Serbian dishes, which are prepared here with the utmost care and respect for the region's culinary heritage. The interior of the restaurant, with beautiful drawings on old tiles, creates an extremely atmospheric setting for a culinary experience. Guests praise not only the excellent food, but also the friendly and helpful service. It is worth noting that although prices are not among the lowest, the quality of the food served fully justifies the expense. Zavičaj's menu is a veritable treasure trove of Serbian flavors - from succulent grilled meats to traditional appetizers and soups. Each dish here is prepared according to original recipes, allowing guests to truly immerse themselves in Balkan culinary culture. The restaurant enjoys a high rating of 4.5 stars, a testament to its enduring popularity with locals and tourists alike. The second must-stop on our culinary map of Belgrade is Iva New Balkan Cuisine. This restaurant, located at 11 Kneginje Ljubice Street, represents a new approach to traditional Balkan cuisine. Iva New Balkan Cuisine is a place where classic recipes meet modern culinary techniques, creating fascinating combinations of flavors. The restaurant's interior is modern and stylish, which corresponds perfectly with the innovative approach to the menu. Guests especially praise the variety of dishes, which go beyond the standard pleskavica and cevapcici sets. The restaurant offers a wide selection of dishes inspired by Balkan cuisine, but served in a fresh, often surprising form. Of note are the desserts, which, according to guest reviews, are absolutely phenomenal and are the perfect culmination of the meal. Iva New Balkan Cuisine boasts an impressive 4.7-star rating, a testament to its high standing on Belgrade's culinary scene. When comparing the two restaurants, it's worth noting that while both offer Balkan cuisine, their approaches differ significantly. Zavičaj focuses on authenticity and tradition, while Iva New Balkan Cuisine experiments with modern interpretations of classic dishes. Both restaurants offer moderate prices, making them accessible to a wide range of guests. Both Zavičaj and Iva New Balkan Cuisine are excellent choices for those who want to explore the rich flavors of Serbian cuisine, but each offers a slightly different culinary experience. Whether you prefer traditional flavors or are open to culinary experimentation, both of these restaurants are sure to provide an unforgettable experience during your stay in Belgrade.

Fusion of flavors and cultures

Continuing our culinary journey through Belgrade, we stop at two more restaurants that offer a unique blend of flavors and cultures. The first stop is Manufaktura Restaurant Belgrade, located at 13 Kralja Petra St. This restaurant is a true gem among Belgrade's gastronomy, combining traditional Serbian flavors with modern culinary trends. Manufaktura is famous for its atmospheric interior, which creates the perfect backdrop for the dishes served here. Guests especially praise the quality of the food, which is not only tasty, but also beautifully served. The restaurant's menu offers a wide selection of traditional Serbian dishes, but in a modern twist. Of note are dishes such as goulash and traditional sausages, which guests say are exceptionally tasty. Manufaktura Restaurant Belgrade enjoys a 4.1-star rating, which attests to its solid position on the city's culinary map. Prices at Manufaktura are moderate, making it accessible to a wide range of guests. It is worth noting, however, that some guests remark on the somewhat loud music, which may bother those seeking a more intimate atmosphere. Another fascinating place on our route is Lorenzo & Kakalamba, a restaurant located at 110 Cvijićeva St. This place stands out not only for its unique menu, but especially for its unusual interior design. Lorenzo & Kakalamba is a true fusion of flavors and cultures, combining elements of Italian and Serbian cuisine in a unique way. The interior of the restaurant is described as abstract and amazingly decorated, which in itself is an attraction for guests. As for the menu, Lorenzo & Kakalamba offers a wide selection of dishes that combine the best of Italian and Serbian cuisine. Guests especially praise the quality and taste of the dishes served here. The restaurant enjoys a very high rating of 4.6 stars, which proves its popularity and recognition among customers. It is worth noting, however, that Lorenzo & Kakalamba is among the more expensive options in Belgrade, which may be important for those planning a travel budget. Comparing Manufaktura Restaurant Belgrade and Lorenzo & Kakalamba, there are a few notable differences. Manufaktura focuses mainly on traditional Serbian cuisine with a modern twist, while Lorenzo & Kakalamba offers a fusion of Italian and Serbian cuisine. Both restaurants are distinguished by their unique interior design, but Lorenzo & Kakalamba goes a step further, offering a truly extravagant and surprising interior. In terms of pricing, Manufaktura is more affordable, while Lorenzo & Kakalamba ranks in the higher price segment. Both restaurants offer quality dishes and memorable dining experiences, but Lorenzo & Kakalamba may be a better choice for those looking for a more upscale and unusual experience. Manufaktura, on the other hand, will be ideal for those who want to experience the traditional flavors of Serbia in a modern twist without spending a fortune. Regardless of your choice, both of these restaurants are sure to provide an unforgettable culinary experience during your stay in Belgrade.

Tradition in the heart of Skadarlija

Our culinary tour of Belgrade would not be complete without a visit to the heart of bohemia - the Skadarlija district. It is here, at 29 Skadarska Street, that we find our last, but certainly not least, restaurant - Tri šešira. This legendary restaurant, whose name translated means 'Three Hats', is a true institution in Belgrade gastronomy, operating continuously since 1864. Tri šešira is a place that perfectly captures the spirit of a traditional Serbian kafana - an establishment that combines the features of a restaurant, pub and music club. The interior of the restaurant exudes the authentic atmosphere of old Belgrade, transporting guests back in time to an era when Skadarlija was a favorite meeting place for artists, writers and bohemians. One of Tri šešira's greatest assets is the live music that is an integral part of evenings spent at this restaurant. Musical ensembles entertain guests by playing traditional Serbian melodies. It is this live music that creates a unique atmosphere, although some guests point out that it can be quite loud, making table conversation difficult. As for the menu, Tri šešira offers a wide selection of traditional Serbian dishes. Guests especially praise the quality and taste of the dishes served here, although some point out that the food can be quite salty, which is characteristic of traditional Serbian cuisine. It is worth noting the grilled dishes, which are a specialty of the restaurant. Tri šešira enjoys a high rating of 4.5 stars, a testament to its enduring popularity with tourists and Belgrade residents alike. Prices at the restaurant are moderate, making it accessible to a wide range of guests. It is worth remembering, however, that due to the popularity of the place, especially in the evenings, it can be difficult to get a free table without an advance reservation. To sum up our culinary journey in Belgrade, it is worth comparing all five restaurants we visited. Each offers a unique dining experience, but they differ in style, atmosphere and approach to traditional Serbian cuisine. Zavičaj and Tri šešira represent the most traditional approach, offering authentic Serbian dishes in atmospheric interiors. Iva New Balkan Cuisine and Manufaktura Restaurant Belgrade combine tradition with modernity, offering creative interpretations of classic dishes. Lorenzo & Kakalamba, on the other hand, stands out for its most extravagant approach, combining Italian and Serbian cuisine in an unusual setting. In terms of prices, most of the restaurants described offer a moderate price level, with the exception of Lorenzo & Kakalamba, which ranks in the higher price segment. In terms of atmosphere, Tri šešira stands out for its lively music and authentic atmosphere of old Belgrade, while the other restaurants offer more contemporary or eclectic interiors. Whether you're looking for traditional flavors, modern interpretations of the classics, or culinary fusion, Belgrade certainly has something to offer. Each of these five restaurants is a perfect example of the richness and diversity of Belgrade's culinary scene, making a weekend in Belgrade a true feast for the palate. As you explore these culinary highlights of Belgrade, you not only enjoy great food, but also immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this fascinating city.

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