8 Best Belgrade Restaurants for 2025: Traditional to Modern Serbian cuisine

First settled in the 6th millennia BC, Belgrade is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe. At the same time, it’s the capital of Europe’s second youngest country. When Yugoslavia broke up in 1992, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Slovenia and FYR Macedonia (now North Macedonia) gained their independence. Serbia did not.

Despite student protests in Belgrade in 1986 being one of the earliest triggers of Yugoslavia’s demise, when that demise finally came, Serbia opted to continue its legacy. Along with Montenegro, it formed the new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It was only in June 2006 that both countries finally achieved full independence.

Today, Serbia is looking to the future. As it transitions from the relics of the Cold War to a progressive EU member state, Belgrade is remerging as one of Eastern Europe’s edgiest cities. And with it, one of the Balkan’s top foodie hotspots. Traditional Serbian cuisine, itself drawing upon influences from Greece and Türkiye, is ever popular, but the best Belgrade restaurants go far beyond Europe.

We’ve done the hard work of taste-testing for you. As you visit Serbia this year, you’ll want to make sure you save this guide to the 8 best restaurants in Belgrade.

Getting to Belgrade

In recent years, Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) has emerged as something of an Eastern European hub. With daily connections across Europe, it sees direct flights from as far afield as New York, Chicago, Dubai and several Chinese cities. Regular buses to the city center make reaching the best Belgrade restaurants a quick, hassle-free experience.

Travel tip: City buses in Belgrade are free to use. The Airport Express minibus is not part of the free travel scheme and tickets can only be purchased with cash. City buses also operate from the airport and only take 5-10 minutes longer to reach the city.

Another great way to visit Belgrade is as part of an Eastern Europe road trip. Belgrade is perfectly positioned as a stopping off point between Poland, Hungary and the Adriatic Coast.

It’s worth noting that if you rent a car in Serbia, most rental companies don’t allow it to be driven into Albania, Bulgaria or Kosovo.

Only one international rail connection exists, with daily services to the Montenegrin capital Podgorica, with several routes having been suspended during the pandemic, never to return- or not yet, at least. If you’re planning to reach Belgrade overland without driving, intercity buses are the best option.

Where to Stay in Belgrade

To experience as many of the best Belgrade restaurants as possible, you’ll want to stay in the city center. For first time visitors, the Old Town is unequivocally the best place to base yourself.

Ideal for exploring the city’s main sights, including Belgrade Fortress, the Nikola Tesla Museum and Belgrade Military Museum, the Old Town is also home to the city’s best boutique hotels.

Hotel Capital is just steps from the Fortress in Kalemegdan Park. If you want to be right in the heart of the action, Boutique Hotel Museum, complete with a full service spa, is on bustling Republic Square. For a touch of class, head to adult’s only Palace Belgrade, or for one of the best bargains in the city, I love the Queen’s Astoria Design Hotel.

The Very Best Belgrade Restaurants

1. Comunale Caffe e Cucina

On the banks of the Sava River, at its confluence with the Danube, Comunale wins the prize for the best located of all the top Belgrade restaurants. Housed in an abandoned warehouse in the shadow of the Fortress, Comunale opened their doors in 2010 and are already one of Belgrade’s favorite restaurants.

Whilst the name may invoke the image of an old-school cafeteria, Comunale is anything but. This trendy space serves an uber-modern take on Mediterranean and Italian flavors. Start off with one of their hearty soups or fresh salads before tucking into a rich pasta, stone baked pizzas or Josper grilled seafood.

2. New Marinero

Just across the Sava from Comunale, overlooking Great War Island, New Marinero is my favorite of the best Belgrade restaurants for seafood. Perfect for dinner after a sunset kayaking adventure around Great War Island or lunch before a sightseeing cruise, New Marinero’s sun terrace feels miles away from busy Belgrade.

Serving up an impressively varied selection of modern European dishes, whilst seafood is their specialty, New Marinero is no one trick pony. Alongside shrimp linguine, salmon tartare and Cajun-style gumbo, you’ll find BBQ ribs, meatballs and rack of lamb.

3. Dva Jelena

We couldn’t get too far into our list of the top Belgrade restaurants without including one of the city’s top Serbian eateries. Tucked away to the side of Republic Square, Dva Jelena is a Belgrade institution. Founded way back in 1832 and named Dva Jelena (meaning “two deer”) by Serbian hunters, this is the place to go to be seen in Belgrade.

Politicians and visiting dignitaries have graced its tables with their presence for almost 200 years. Even Pierce Brosnan and Gerald Depardieu have eaten here. Anywhere else in Europe, Dva Jelena would be out of reach of your average globetrotter. Not in Belgrade, though. Whilst the prices here are high by Serbian standards, compare them to London or Paris and Dva Jelena is cheap.

Their menu is ever-changing to make the most of local produce, but you can always expect to find traditional Serbian delicacies. Highlights include ox cheeks in a rich red wine gravy, smoked sausage and beef stuffed with pancetta and cheese along with generous sharing platters.

4. Ebisu

About as far removed from Serbian cuisine as imaginable, the next of our best Belgrade restaurants brings a taste of the Far East to Eastern Europe. Situated in the ultra-luxurious Square Nine Hotel, rooftop Ebisu is one of the top upscale Belgrade restaurants.

Start your meal with a selection of Aburi sushi with its uniquely smoky flavor having been lightly grilled before serving. For your main course, indulge in Pacific tuna, Norwegian salmon or seabass from the Adriatic, fused with classic Japanese ingredients. Round off your evening with a nightcap of Japanese single malt.

Ebisu is open for dinner daily (except Mondays). A small, yet exceedingly popular restaurant, reservations are always recommended.

5. Velika Skadarlija

Returning to the divine tastes of Serbia, Velika Skadarlija is in the heart of Belgrade’s Bohemian quarter. Serving a modern take on classic Serbian cuisine in relaxed, traditional surroundings, this is one of the best Belgrade restaurants for sampling local flavors.

For a truly authentic experience, opt for one of their barbequed meats. If you can’t decide between cevapi and pork loin, try their mixed grill which comes with cevapi, chicken, pork and meatballs. On a chilly winter’s day, nothing beats their Gulas, the Serbian take on Hungarian goulash.

If you’re struggling to find time to tick off all these great Belgrade restaurants, Velika Skadarlija open every morning at 8 am for breakfast. Their Serbian breakfast is a must, though if you’re really hungry, their stuffed French toast is the ultimate fuel for a day of sightseeing

6. Cafe Lavash

Unlike much of Western Europe, Serbia has never had a massive immigrant population. In fact, almost 90% of the expatriates who call Serbia home hail from its Balkan neighbors. Of those from further afield, a majority originate from Arab countries, meaning Belgrade has some truly homey Middle Eastern restaurants.

Cafe Lavash is our pick of the best which earns it a place as one of the top Belgrade restaurants. Serving a delicious fusion of Asian, Middle Eastern and Serbian cuisine to a soundtrack of traditional Balkan music, this modern riverside venue is perfect for long summer nights.

Start with traditional Arabic mezze before digging into an Adana kebab, Butter Chicken or Dukkah Gambori (grilled shrimps with pistachio). Whatever you choose, always leave room for dessert. Their homemade baklava, knafeh and Bosnian tufahije never disappoint.

7. Mr Greek

For centuries, Serbian cuisine has drawn influence from Greek cooking, so it comes as no surprise that one of the best Belgrade restaurants specialises in exactly that. Ideal for a quick lunch stop whilst exploring the Old Town, Mr Greek is also one of Belgrade’s most vegan and vegetarian friendly restaurants.

Their Greek salad and falafel with houmous are ideal light lunches. If you’re craving something more substantial, choose from Beyti kebab, souvlaki or moussaka. Alongside all the Greek staples, Mr Greek have a wide Turkish selection, with Adana and Iskender kebabs being the highlights.

8. Sky Lounge

On the top floor of the Hilton hotel, the last of our favorite Belgrade restaurants is the number one choice for celebrating a special occasion. Be it a romantic dinner or simply ticking another country off your bucket list, Sky Lounge is our pick of Belgrade restaurants for something a little more memorable.

Upscale hotel rooftop restaurants carry a bit of a stigma. In general, the views and the vibe are good but the food leaves a lot to be desired. And, of course, you’re charged an over-inflated price for the privilege. Sky Lounge is different. The views and the vibe are indeed good, and so is the food. So good, in fact, it earned them a spot in the Michelin Guide.

For an Asian-themed meal, start with an elegant plate of sushi or sashimi followed by teriyaki salmon, beef katsu or chicken biriyani. If you’re craving a more western experience, begin with Italian burrata or Iberico ham paired with grilled octopus or chimichurri turkey. Alternatively, mix and match for the full-fusion experience.

When the night gets old, retreat to the terrace to sip handcrafted cocktails and gaze out as Belgrade winds down.

---

Read more of our best insights from around the world

• 
  8 Best Belgrade Restaurants for 2025: Traditional to Modern Serbian cuisine
• 
  Best Traditional Estonian Food: 10 Dishes You Must Try
• 
  Nightlife In Seville: 10 Best Hotspots From Flamenco to Live Music
• 
  The Essential Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train
• 
  10 Best Cafes in Singapore for Food and Drinks
• 
  10 Days, 7 Countries: The Ultimate Eastern Europe Itinerary