For the best meze, soups, ćevapi, pljeskavica, skewers; head on over to one of the restaurants in Belgrade offering authentic and traditional Serbian food. 

Meat. Lots of meat. And grilled. Lots of grilled meat.

It’s easy to eat well in Serbia, but it’s also part of the travel experience to gobble down authentic dishes that are akin to eating inside a local’s home. Traditional Serbian food is a blend of Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Nowadays, travelers will realize that traditional Serbian cuisine is hearty and savory. If you’re planning an extended stay or have a keen interest in Serbian culture, exploring ways to learn Serbian can add an extra layer of richness to your experience, facilitating better communication and a deeper connection with the local community. Whether through language apps, classes, or language exchange programs, there are various resources available to help you grasp the basics of the Serbian language.

The country’s national dishes combines Mediterranean and Balkan flavors with notable favorites, like: sarma (stuffed grape or cabbage leaves,) gibanica with feta cheese, pljeskavica (ground meat patty,) ćevapi (grilled meat shaped like mini sausages) … simply to list a few.

For THE restaurant to indulge in traditional Serbian cuisine in Belgrade, head over to Skadarlija neighborhood and grab a table at Dva Jelena. The historical institution first opened its doors in 1977 by Blagota and Jelica Pesic as a renowned restaurant welcoming former Yugoslavia celebrities. As one of the oldest taverns in Belgrade now, Dva Jelena comprises the largest à la carte menu in the city, full of hearty goodness and traditional Serbian recipes. A personal favorite is the ox cheeks perfectly braised, tender and flavorful on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The gorgeous indoor space is embellished by lovely wall paintings and can accommodate up to 450 guests, the exterior patio can host up to 350 people, facing the Bohemian quarter’s vitality. The best part about Dva Jelena is the live music which accompanies a delightful meal, during both lunch and dinner.

At the end of the same Skadarlija Street as Dva Jelena is another fantastic option for traditional Serbian food: Velika Skadarlija. If you’re with a large party, try the “Saber of the Hero for Four People” which is essentially a massive platter of gourmet kebab, smoked pork fillet, smoked pork ham, sausage, turkey baked potato with cream cheese and grilled vegetables. In reality, it satiates far more than four people. Under the guidance of chef Saša Matić who is from the TV show “Kitchen from Hell,” the menu is sumptuous with a fusion of Serbian and Italian influences, including: beef stew, lamb under the ashes, black risotto…and much more.

Also in Skadarlija is Šešir Moj which sets itself apart from other traditional Serbian restaurants on the same street with bright and gorgeous pink flowers draping the walls. The menu highlights the assortment of grilled meats, just as one would expect from Serbian roots: veal roast, muckalica (a stew with beef, chicken or pork,) and beefsteak tagliata in oil with spicy herbs slightly smoked. There’s also a Winter Menu which mainly depicts locals’ love for pork.

One more delicious eatery in Skadarlija is Tri šešira, another ancient tavern in the Bohemian district. Opened in 1864, the traditional restaurant’s name means “three hats.” Originally, the same location was a crafts workshop with a logo that showcased three brass hats. Many Serbian writers and artists spent hours at the tavern creating masterpieces. These figures included: Đura Jakšić (Serbian writer, poet and painter,) Branislav Nušić (Serbian playwright and essayist,) Ilija Stanojevic-Cica (Serbian director and actor) …. just to name a few. Some modern figures who have dined at the restaurant include: King of Spain Juan Carlos I and George Bush. Tri šešira features meaty dishes, grills, soups perfect for cold winters. With its wide range of rakija, Tri šešira is a great spot to sip on them while tapping your feet to a live band.

Taking a break from Skadarlija neighborhood, stop by Manufaktura for a robust brunch. The restaurant’s signature red umbrellas adorn the cobblestone street and outdoor patio, making the adorable hotspot difficult to miss. The dishes are made with purely organic ingredients grown solely in Serbia. Manufaktura is known for its famous dried meats, – particularly Mangalica (Hungarian breed of domestic pig) – locally-grown vegetables and fruits, and all sorts of Serbian cheeses and wines. The menu is a delectable combination of Bulgarian, Greek and Macedonian influences.

Ćiribu ćiriba actually means “abracadabra” in Serbian. Once guests enter the restaurant, the staff immediately delivers spoonfuls of locally-made jam. Some signature dishes include: ćevapi (grilled mince meat,) pork ribs, and tulumba (fried dough pastry.) With live music against walls plastered with black and white portraits, Ćiribu ćiriba is also the perfect spot to taste local sherry and house wines. Abracadabra, it is quite magical.

After visiting Saint Sava Temple, you can rest your feet while devouring a tasty meal at NEBOJŠA Traditional restaurant. Surrounded by the luscious Karađorđev Park, you’ll want to grab a table on the terrace, facing tranquil nature and view of the city. NEBOJŠA’s roasted lamb has been the talk of town since its opening. Cooked with cream sauce paired with potatoes, the dish is truly aromatic and lavish. Don’t forget the cheese in truffle oil, and beefsteak rolls.

Before the restaurant was in existence, there was a blacksmith shop at the same location. Restoran Kovač is a splendid eatery known for fluffy cornbread, always freshly baked. Some authentic Serbian dishes that you want to try are: steak skewers, Serbian prosciutto, the pork roasted by a pile of sizzling coals, or what the locals refer to as: ispod sača. There are thousands of wines in Kovač’s cellar, but the restaurant’s iconic drink is the homemade raspberry brandy. Why not give it a shot!

Rubin’s menu also illustrates Serbia’s popular grilled meats but what really sets this restaurant apart from others on the list is the view of Mount Avala and the stunning scenery over Košutnjak park-forest. The interior wooden design exudes a cozy warmth that reflects upon its history dating back to the 1970s. Rubin was first started by Serbia’s well-known caterer, then it was renovated in 2005. Now, guests can enjoy a live classical music band playing along to sips of homemade wines and jams. Be sure to order fried celery and zucchini, veal strips in cherries and other classic Serbian gastronomic favorites.

Bela Reka is not only on the Michelin list, it’s also founded on the idea of passing down Serbian grandmothers’ recipes using 100% local ingredients and produce. The restaurant’s name means “by the river” in Serbian, the owners also have a farm in the Homolje Mountains by the same name. Their aim is to maintain sustainability by working with independent farmers while prolonging Serbian epicure. Here are some of the restaurant’s signature dishes: somun (traditional flat bread in the Balkans) cooked over wood-fire oven and the clay pot lamb.

Proleće is another outstanding restaurant making home-cooked dishes as well as fragrant grilled beef, pork, chicken and lamb. Although it doesn’t have live music like the other addresses on this list, Proleće emanates history since it’s been established since 1950 with the spirit of continuing Serbian heritage through food. Don’t forget to try karađorđeva šnicla, which is a Serbian breaded schnitzel – a rolled pork or veal stuffed with kajmak (creamy dairy) then breaded and fried. Dessert lovers will want to relish on the exquisite baklava and pair it with a fine fino sherry.