The 8 Best Restaurants in Belgrade – A Culinary Adventure

Belgrade is not just a city; it’s an experience. And nothing encapsulates its essence better than its food scene. Serbian cuisine is a wild mix of history, culture, and unapologetic flavors. It’s the lovechild of Ottoman influence and Balkan heartiness, with dishes that will make you question everything you thought you knew about comfort food. Think juicy grilled meats, rich stews, flaky pastries, and enough bread to build a small house. And let’s not forget—if you’re here during an Orthodox fasting period, you’ll find plenty of posno dishes, aka Serbian-style vegan food, which is surprisingly delicious.

Now, let’s talk money. Eating in Belgrade is a bargain compared to most of Europe. You’re getting high-quality food, massive portions, and great service—all for the price of a sad sandwich in Paris. Plus, the waiters? They’re professionals. Unlike in other countries where students take up waiting tables for extra cash, Serbia actually trains its restaurant staff. This means you get efficiency, speed, and the kind of memory that makes you think they have a photographic brain scan of your order.

And the variety? Belgrade restaurants come in all shapes and vibes—rustic, romantic, elegant, simple, or downright kitschy. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot for a date, a lively kafana where rakija flows like water, or a fine-dining experience that will make your wallet cry but your soul sing, this list of Belgrade's best restaurants has got you covered.

1. Kafanica – Like Eating at Grandma’s House, But with Chickens

First up, Kafanica. The name itself means "small kafana"—a traditional Serbian tavern where food, drink, and good times collide. This place is pure nostalgia, a rustic throwback to simpler times. Located right next to the Košutnjak Forest (how to get there), it feels less like a restaurant and more like stepping into a Serbian village. Wooden tables, checkered tablecloths, and yes—actual chickens strolling around as if they own the place.

The food? Unreal. They serve up the classics: ajvar, fresh homemade bread, prebranac (baked beans with a cult following), and shopska salad, the Balkan answer to Greek salad but arguably better. The best part? After stuffing your face, you can take a walk through the forest to help with digestion. 

Price: Budget-friendly.

2. Rubin – A Romantic Escape with a Killer View

For those looking for a Belgrade romantic restaurant, Rubin is where you want to be. Perched on a hill, it offers one of the best panoramic views of the city, and Avala tower especially in spring and summer when the terrace is open. (Pro tip: Call ahead and reserve a table with a view.) More on Belgrade's epic viewpoints here.

The menu is a mix of best Serbian dishes and Mediterranean cuisine, so whether you’re craving grilled lamb or a seafood risotto, they’ve got you covered. The prices are higher, but for a special occasion, it's 100% worth it. Also ask for a dessert menu and be surprised as the waiter brings in their wonderful selection on a plate right to your table to pick and choose!

Price: Mid-to-high. 

3. Radost Fina Kuhinjica – A Hidden Vegan Paradise

If you’re on the hunt for vegan restaurants in Belgrade, Radost Fina Kuhinjica is a must-visit. Plant-based food is still a rarity in a country obsessed with meat, but places like this are changing the game. Tucked away near Kalemegdan Fortress, it’s so discreet you might think you’re walking into someone’s apartment. No flashy signs, just a cozy, intimate setting with some of the best vegan and vegetarian dishes in town. Make a reservation, though—it’s small, and spots fill up fast. 

Price: Moderate.

4. Ambar – The Ultimate Serbian Feast

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to try everything, Ambar is your holy grail. Their unlimited tasting menu is a steal—you pay a set price, and they just keep bringing out dish after dish until you tap out. You can even ask for seconds (or thirds) of your favorites. It’s right next to the Sava River, making it a prime spot for a post-dinner walk along the promenade.

And if you’re already in Kalemegdan Fortress, it’s a scenic downhill walk to get here, passing by the Belgrade planetarium before reaching the riverfront. 

Price: Mid-range, but for the quantity and quality, it’s a bargain. 

5. Salon 1905 – Fine Dining in a Historic Landmark

For the ultimate chic experience, Salon 1905 is the place. Housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building, this fine-dining spot is all about elegance. Think white tablecloths, gourmet presentations, and a staff that treats you like royalty. Reservations are a must, and yes, the prices are steep, but if you’re looking for an unforgettable meal, this is it. And if like me you are concerned if you will have to order a burger after their taste menu in order to fill up the empty space in your belly, don’t worry—you won’t leave hungry. 

Price: High-end. 

6. Hidden Gem – Kanafa Mornar

If you're on a budget but still want a damn good meal, Mornar in downtown Belgrade is a no-brainer. The food is unapologetically Serbian—hearty, flavorful, and served in portions that could knock out a heavyweight. Prices? Ridiculously low for what you get. But what really seals the deal is the atmosphere—stepping into Mornar feels like stepping into a Belgrade that barely exists anymore. The kind of place where time slows down, rakija flows freely, and the regulars look like they walked straight out of a 1970s black-and-white film. Expect thick mustaches, deep voices, and bellies that prove they know their way around a good meal.

It’s a proper old-school kafana, no frills, no fancy plating—just solid food and the kind of warmth that only comes from a place that’s been doing this forever. The only catch? People smoke inside like it’s still 1985. If that doesn’t bother you, congratulations—you’ve found one of the last truly authentic Serbian taverns in the city.

Price: As cheap as it gets.

7. Klub Književnika

If Mornar is a relic of old-school Belgrade, Klub Književnika is where the city’s soul puts on a suit and orders another bottle of wine. Tucked away in a quiet courtyard just off Knez Mihailova, this legendary restaurant has been the meeting place of Serbia’s greatest writers, artists, and intellectuals for decades. The kind of spot where, back in the day, you might have seen Ivo Andrić sipping coffee while chain-smoking his way through another novel. Today, the literary crowd still lingers, but they’re joined by diplomats, celebrities, and anyone who appreciates the finer things in life—especially when those finer things involve perfectly grilled meats and world-class Serbian wines.

The menu is refined yet deeply rooted in tradition, offering everything from slow-cooked veal to impeccably prepared river fish, all served with the kind of quiet confidence that only comes from a place that knows exactly what it’s doing. Service is old-school professional—no unnecessary chit-chat, just efficiency and attention to detail. The interior is all dark wood, warm lighting, and the kind of understated elegance that whispers rather than shouts. But if the weather allows, the garden is where the magic happens—tucked away from the city noise, it feels like a secret oasis where time slows down.

It’s not the cheapest meal in Belgrade, but it’s worth every dinar. If you’re looking for a restaurant with history, atmosphere, and food that’s just as sophisticated as the crowd, Klub Književnika is where you want to be. Just don’t forget to raise a glass of rakija to the ghosts of literary greats who once did the same.

Price: Moderate.

8. Bohemian Style - Tri Šešira

If Belgrade had a time machine, Tri Šešira would be the portal straight into the city’s bohemian golden age. Nestled in the heart of Skadarlija—the cobblestone street where poets, painters, and musicians have been drinking themselves into inspiration for over a century—this kafana is a living, breathing piece of Serbian history. It first opened its doors in 1864, and walking in today, you get the feeling that not much has changed since then. The walls are lined with old photos and faded paintings, the wooden chairs have heard more love stories and drunken debates than you ever will, and the air is thick with the scent of sizzling meat and strong rakija.

The food? As traditional as it gets. Think ćevapi, karađorđeva šnicla, roasted lamb, and sarma—all served in portions that could satisfy a Balkan warlord. The waiters are seasoned professionals, the kind of men who have been carrying five plates at a time for decades and have seen it all. And then there’s the tamburaši, the live musicians who move from table to table, playing old Serbian songs that make locals nostalgic and foreigners feel like they’ve just stepped into a movie. If you’re lucky (or generous with your tips), they might even take requests.

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s not the cheapest kafana in town. But Tri Šešira is more than just a restaurant—it’s a piece of Belgrade’s soul. You come here for the experience, for the atmosphere, for that fleeting moment when you’re a part of something bigger than just a meal. Order a bottle of rakija, let the music wash over you, and for a few hours, forget what century you’re in.

Price: Moderate.

BONUS:  Kalemegdanska Terasa

Perched on the edge of Kalemegdan Fortress, Kalemegdanska Terasa is where you go when you want to eat like royalty—literally. The place oozes old-world elegance, with white tablecloths, a grand piano, and a terrace that overlooks the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers like a scene from a Serbian fairy tale - actually many Serbians celebrate their wedding there. The food? A refined take on traditional Serbian cuisine, meaning you’ll still get your grilled meats and hearty stews, but plated with a finesse that makes you sit up a little straighter.

It’s the kind of restaurant where you imagine Belgrade’s elite once wined and dined, closing business deals over decanters of wine and plates of slow-cooked lamb. Even today, it attracts a well-heeled crowd, so if you're showing up in sneakers and a hoodie, expect a few side-eyes from the waitstaff. But the real showstopper here isn’t on the menu—it’s the view. At sunset, with the fortress walls glowing in the golden light and the rivers stretching endlessly into the horizon, you’ll forget whatever minor fortune you just spent on dinner. If there’s ever a place to splurge on a meal in Belgrade, this is it.

Price: Moderate.

Takeaways

Belgrade’s food scene is wild, unapologetic, and absolutely unforgettable. It’s a city where flavors hit hard, where Ottoman influences sneak into every bite, and where portions are so massive you’ll swear you accidentally ordered for three. The prices? Laughably cheap compared to Western Europe, making every meal feel like a small victory. And the service? These waiters don’t just scribble down your order—they memorize it, execute it with military precision, and probably remember what you had the last time you were here.

Whether you’re devouring smoky ćevapi in a rustic kafana, sipping wine on a terrace with the perfect sunset view, or navigating the growing (but still niche) world of vegan cuisine, Belgrade delivers. And while I could go on about the endless options, this list isn’t sponsored, it isn’t curated by some PR agency—it’s just my personal favorites, places I’ve actually been, where I’ve eaten more than I probably should have. If any of them want to throw in a lifetime pass as a thank-you, I won’t argue. Until then, I’ll keep paying for my own meals, and you should too—just don’t forget to wash it all down with a shot of rakija.