Best Spots to Go for Food & Drinks on Your Next Visit to Belgrade

Belgrade has a very strong cocktail and food culture. It’s the perfect place to go, relax and enjoy life. Some even joke around and call Belgrade the new cocktail capital of Europe.

Then there is also the fact that eating is a very serious activity to me. It is one of the best joys of traveling.

In this guide, I will tell you some of the best places to eat while you’re in Belgrade, Serbia. I will also refer you to some amazing lounges so that you can enjoy a good cocktail or a glass of wine.

I will be adding to this list as I keep traveling to Belgrade. So don’t forget to save it or refer back to it often.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

The Local Market

This is an obvious choice but a goodie. Hit the local market. You can taste before purchasing most of the time. Otherwise, the prices are the cheapest you will find.

Belgrade Urban Distillery

A local landmark! Check there during the weekday and you will most likely be able to go in and taste some of their locally made Rakijas. There’s a LOT of options.

They often hold weddings there so it might be close to the public when you go. Just something to be aware of.

Your Local Neighborhood Baker ( Ex Kipliza chain)

Keep your eyes peeled for your local neighborhood baker. Walking on the sidewalk and smelling some freshly baked goods is one of my fondest memories. Every neighborhood has at least one baker.

Don’t be afraid to check it out.

Smash Burger

This place was recommended to me by one of my hosts in Belgrade. Smash Burger is his little brother’s gastronomical venture. You won’t be disappointed.

Be ready to bite into some of the juiciest burger you’ve ever had in your life. Hmm.. My mouth is salivating just writing this and thinking about that cheeseburger.

I cannot wait to go back to Serbia to eat this again.

Potato

I love all sorts of food. Yours truly is a die hard foodie. You will see me reviewing all sorts of food, from Michelin star to cheap eats and holes in the walls.

We love ALL the food.

There is one more thing…

I really do love potatoes.

And if you are like me, you should definitely stop by this joint. It’s all about the jacket potato. The owner is so kind, sweet and so patient. You can tell him to mix it up or pick exactly what you want in it.

Honestly this was the best 5$ I’ve spent recently.

Every time I go to Belgrade, I always make sure to stop there.

Crispy Skin Pork

Oh My!

This is pure heaven.

When I first tasted this, I almost cried.

Full disclaimer, I must say that yes I have a sweet spot for pork. If you love pork too, you should definitely have some crispy skin ones.

I had mine at this restaurant that is in the outskirts of Belgrade. If you have access to a car, I’d say it is totally worth driving there.

Otherwise, crispy skin pork can also be found at most good restaurants in the city. The only thing to remember is that if you are going during the weekend, make sure to make reservations.

Radost Fina Kuhinjica (vegan restaurant)

Yes, I do realize how weird it is for me to talk about a vegan restaurant right after raving about pork.

No offense and no I am not trolling you at all.

I must say that obviously, I am not vegan. I was vegan in the past for 7 years, so this definitely helps me appreciate some good vegan food when I stumble on it.

That said, I am not one to look for vegan places when I travel. The only reason why I ended up there was because in one of my Serbian trips, my travel companion was vegan.

So yes I totally recommend this place.

The setting is super cozy and you feel like you are at someone’s home. That’s also a double-edged sword. It can be a bit hard to locate the entrance find. There is no signage but the GPS is right.

You just have to go through the door. Like I said, it is as if you are eating in someone’s living room. Goes without saying that you should absolutely make reservations.

We were only able to find a table because we went slightly before the closing time.

Mandarina Cake Shop

Sweet tooth lovers, this place just hits the spot. I found out about this place because our local host took us there.

It is hands down one of the best dessert I’ve had in my life. Period!

Moon Sushi & Fusion Food

Now this is a bit weird because I did not actually get to try the sushi– although I kept hearing great things about it.

On the contrary, I am recommending this place because of their cocktails.

Instead of a sushi bar, I felt like I was at an outstanding Tiki lounge. Also their cocktails are so strong. Wow!

I often find myself daydreaming about going back there for that fiery elixir. And next time, I will make sure to try their sushi. The place was very busy so this must speak volume about the food quality.

My award: Strongest Cocktail ever

Blaznavac Kafe bar

This place first caught my attention during a free walking tour. So I made a mental note to come back later.

It felt like a jungle right in the middle of the city. So of course, I couldn’t wait to check it out. It is decorated in a very quircky way.

I promise you will forget that you are in the middle of the city. The drinks are lovely but it is the deco that took the cake for me here.

The entire place feels so vibrant.

My award: Beetlejuice Deco & Jungle Vibe

Riddle Bar

I love the concept of this place.

First of all, the aesthetics are 10/10 recommend.

Once you find a chair, if you manage to find one 🙂 You will quickly notice that they don’t have a drink menu per se.

Instead, the cocktail master comes to you and ask you a few questions.

Depending on your answers and what you like, he will then go on and craft a cocktail especially for you. This is where you go to feel a bit swanky and special.

I must say, one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had also. This place has a mysterious air and also has a nice outdoor patio for the summer months.

My award: Luxurious hand crafted cocktail just for you, attention to details

World Traveller’s Club Belgrade

Located in a very quirky place. You enter what looks like a residential building, make your way downstairs and find yourself teleported to a whimsical basement.

I absolutely love the décor. As you can tell, I’m very big on aesthetics.

The vibe is very mellow and low key. I also like that it manages to hold a relax atmosphere but classy at the same time. Their rakija selection is very good and the prices are on the lower spectrum.

My award: Almost feels like a speakeasy

Party with the Locals at Red Bar

Another place recommended to me by my lovely hosts.

Apparently this place is part of Belgrade‘s subculture and everyone use to go party there back in the days.

Well, I ended up going there with the new friends I made during the free walking tour and had a blast. The drinks were very good and at a great price. And the locals were very friendly and respectful. Of course, you should always use common sense and never leave your drinks unattended, especially as a girl.

My award: Low Key partying with the locals

Belgrade Waterfront

I absolutely love swanky chic places and lounges where I can enjoy a drink with some friends or solo.

This is another place that was under utilized and they found a way to revive it. The location is right in front of the river by the boats and there you will find so many fancy bars and restaurants.

Just walk around and pick the one that appeals to you the most. Sit back, relax and enjoy a slower life pace.

Serbians take la dolce vita extremely seriously.

My award: Unpretentious but sophisticated lounging

Old brewery area & Bohemian Street

More favorites!

The Old brewery has so many places that I struggle to recommend a specific location. I definitely recommend going there to check it out.

It is a similar situation with the Bohemian street. No way you can go wrong with either.

My award: Exploration time & going with the flow

Rakija Market

This is where you would go to pick up some bottles to bring back home. They make for very unique souvenirs. They also have a variety of bottle sizes in case you worry about your carry on allowance.

Best thing is that they also let you taste before purchasing.

Ask Your Host

Yes a classic.

If you are staying in a rental, I recommend trying to strike a conversation with your host.

Don’t be scared to ask them for recommendation. They are most likely quite qualified to point you to the best local spots. Not only that but they will often also invite you along for some social gatherings with their friends. Win-Win!

Last words

If you’re like me and are really into gastronomy but don’t want to travel alone, you can join me in my Belgrade city tour. A week where like minded ladies get together to have the best time of their lives. Also don’t forget to join the tribe on Instagram ( @stefbarti )

Conclusion

Here you have it! I hope you enjoy this food and drinks guide to Belgrade. I will keep adding more places as I keep going back and explore more things in the city.

Most importantly, I hope you fall in love with Belgrade just the same way I did.