Which Serbian dishes should you definitely try when visiting Belgrade? Here is your guide to what you should eat in Belgrade—and where!
I love Belgrade. It's the biggest city in Ex-Yugoslavia, so it has that gritty socialist vibe, the yugo-nostalgia, and that big-city feeling that I miss from time to time, living in quaint, laid-back Sarajevo . But I admittedly don't come back for the nostalgia again and again. I come back for the food.
It's no secret I adore Bosnian food (and ćevapi and burek are unparalleled when you eat them in Sarajevo–they are the best!) but man do I love to eat my way through Belgrade!
A word of advice: Traditional Serbian food is heavy, so come hungry and be prepared for some music too, especially when you visit Belgrade on the weekend. Food is a celebration in Serbia, and whether you go to a traditional Kafana or a Serbian fusion restaurant, there might very well be tamburazi (a band of a singer, accordion player, sometimes even bass or violin). So let dinner not just be food but an occassion.
But now let's dig right into the best Serbian dishes the Belgrade food scene has to offer (and where you should try them).
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Short on time? Here's your quick Belgrade food guide:
The trifecta of Serbian cuisine is roštilj (grilled meat), sarma, and rakija. But there is so much more! Make sure not to miss out on the most delicious meals in Belgrade because you don't know where to look.
Must Eat | If you only have one dish, go for a gurmanska pljeskavica or sarma, which I would definitely name as the Serbian national dish.
Where to stay Stay central to avoid being stuck in public transportation: Around Knez Mihailova Street, for example in Mama Shelter Belgrade is a great option. My favorite neighborhood is Dorćol, full of trendy restaurants and small shops. Stay in Smokvica Dorćol B&B.
Something Special | For a deep dive into Serbian cuisine (and the infamous rakija), treat yourself to a food tour and enjoy an entire tasting menu of delicious food. Looking for a special restaurant? Book a fine dining menu at Iva New Balkan Cuisine for that Michelin star experience.
Do Yourself a Favor | Save the hassle of getting a local SIM or the cost of roaming with Lyntel , a local Balkan e-SIM provider, that will have you online from the moment you arrive.
1. (Gurmanska) Pljeskavica
Grilling is kind of a national sport all over the Balkans and grilled meat is a staple in every Ex-Yu cuisine – from ćevapčići to fresh trout to pljeskavica. That's basically a hamburger patty, and I don't know what they do with the meat but it's always super tender, super juicy.
My husband is a big fan of the gurmanska pljeskavica. Every restaurant has their own twist for it but it's normally either a bit spicy or filled with kajmak (a kind of hearty clotted cream) or ajvar
Where to Eat Pljeskavica
The best one for us is in Vuk or Puter.
2. Pečene paprike
Baked peppers are a dish you can get all over the Balkans but in Belgrade, they prepare them really well. You can either get a version which is doused in oil and lots of garlic or one where the peppers are stuffed with cheese and then breaded and fried. I can honestly not even decide which one is my favorite version – either of them makes a great starter.
Where to Eat pečene paprike
In Manufactory or Vuk they make really great stuffed or baked peppers.
3. Šopska salata
When you order this salad, it might look familiar: It's pretty close to Greek salad with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and sometimes pepper, some hard, salty cheese sprinkled on top. It's a refreshing starter or side dish for grilled meats.
Where to Eat šopska salata
You can order šopska salata anywhere you eat in Belgrade, there's not really a place that does it best.
4. Prebranac
This dish originates from the South of Serbia and North Macedonia but is popular here in Belgrade, too. It's basically baked beans, often with onions, bacon or sausage and it's super hearty and delicious. Pair it with a šopska salata or something grilled.
Where to Eat Prebranac
The best one for me is in Kafana SFRJ.
5. Sarma
Sarma is a staple of local cuisine all over the Balkans. Those cabbage rolls are made with pickled cabbage (Sauerkraut) here in the region, filled with minced meat and rice, and cooked in a rich sauce with paprika. It's one of my absolute favorite Serbian (or Balkan) dishes.
In summer, you might not get the rolls with Sauerkraut (that's a winter dish) but collard greens instead.
Where to Eat Sarma
Kafana SFRJ or Ambar are both great restaurants in Belgrade for stuffed veggies and traditional Balkan cuisine. The first is a more low-key place, the second offers a fancier ambience and a modern twist on the most-beloved dishes.
6. Karađorđeva Šnicla
This rolled pork or veal cutletis stuffed with kajmak, breaded and deep-fried. It is served with tartar sauce. The dish is said to have originated when a chef was supposed to prepare chicken kyiv for a high-ranking Soviet visitor, but had no chicken to hand. Instead, he used veal - and to disguise the different flavour, he poured plenty of breadcrumbs and sauce over the dish.
Where to Eat Karađorđeva Šnicla
One of the best restaurants to try this iconic Serbian dish is Tri Šešira for me. Yes, it's a bit of a touristy spot, but the waiters are always friendly, there is music, and even though the food is a bit pricier than in other places in town, the quality always matches the price.
7. Leskovački Roštilj
This Serbian barbecue tradition comes from the city of Leskovac. The secret of their cevapi and grilled meat is the charcoal and seasoning that makes the meat extra smoky, juicy, and spicy.
Where to Eat leskovački Roštilj
Look out for the stands that particularly advertise Leskovački barbecue, there are a few stands peppered all over the city centre – the line in front will tell you if it's a good one or better skipped.
8. Gibanica
Bosnia and Herzegovina is famous for its pita; in Serbia, you will find Gibanica which is similar but not the same. Yes, it's flaky puff pastry. Yes, it's filled with cheese or spinach or other vegetables, but Gibanica is much more egg-y and a little bit later than your traditional Bosnian pita. A great starter to share.
Where to Eat Gibanica
You can order it as a starter in most traditional Serbian restaurants all over Belgrade, and there is not one place to try it.
Eating out in Belgrade: Local tips
Tipping | Tipping is not necessarily expected in Serbia, but it is of course very appreciated. 10% to 15% is an okay amount for a dinner. For smaller amounts, you can simply round up.
Sharing dishes | In a larger group or at a business dinner, your Serbian companion will often order several dishes so that you can try everything. Be prepared for a starter such as pita or burek to be followed by a meat platter. Prijatno “Prijatno” is what you'll hear often when eating out in Serbia. It roughly translates as Enjoy (your meal).
Smoke-free restaurants | Unfortunately, smoking is still allowed in restaurants in Serbia. In recent years, however, Russian-run restaurants in Belgrade have increased significantly—and almost all of them are smoke-free. My favorite: Restaurant IDOL or Kissa10
Reservations | Even during the week, I would recommend making reservations for dinner, as the most popular spots are always full. Many restaurants offer online reservations, just check Google.
9. Reform Torta
Reform torta is a rich Serbian multi-layered cake. It consists of walnut sponge cake and a creamy chocolate filling. The sponge is made with egg whites, sugar, and walnuts, while the filling is prepared with a combination of chocolate, egg yolks, sugar, and butter.
Where to Eat Reform Torta
The Hotel Moskva ist der perfekte Ort für einen stilvollen Tee oder Kaffee. Das Café ist wunderschön und im Sommer sitze ich besonders gern draußen auf der Terrasse und beobachte das Treiben.
10. Rakija
No food guide to Belgrade can be complete without an honorary mention of the Serbian national drink. Rakija is so ingrained in the culture and country, it has even been made UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Most people are familiar with the plum brandy, šljivovica, but rakija can be made from many other fruit as well, like apricot (my favorite!), quince, apples, pears, grapes or even raspberries. It's the go-to drink in Serbia for any celebration.
A tip:When you are offered rakija, it is very rude to decline. But you don't have to drink it in one gulp. It's actually customary to sip it, always with a glass of water and some mezze (snacks) on the side. Don't empty your glass or it will be refilled.
Wenn Du mehr über Rakija lernen möchtest, kannst Du eine Rakija‑Tour in Belgrads erster urbaner Destillerie buchen und mehr über die Geschichte des Getränks und seine Herstellung erfahren.
Where to try
Every kafana has rakija and there is literally no pricing limit: From 2 EUR (I do not recommend) to a 100 EUR for barrel-aged, specially treated rakijas. The Belgrade Urban Distillery or the Belgrade Cocktail Club are great starting points.
Wo in Belgrad übernachten
Belgrade is big and chaotic and traffic can be a nightmare. So I really recommend you stay as central as possible to avoid having to use public transportation to get to all the major sights and restaurants. Those places below are all in walking distance of the old town and in neighborhoods I like.
Smokvica Dorćol B&B | Dorćol is my favorite neighborhood in Belgrade and Smokvica one of my favorite restaurants so naturally I also love their accommodation: Bright, airy, modern and (of course) excellent breakfast
Mama Shelter Belgrade | It can't get more central than this hotel. I love the quirky interior and the amazing roof top – perfect for sunset drinks
Hotel Botanica | Just a stone's throw from the old town, this modern hotel is clean and yet cosy. I love the green touches and natural materials they're using for their interior
Villa Skadarlija | This accommodation is on a quiet side street of the artsy Skadarlija neighborhood. It's basic but clean and offers everything you need for a short stay.
Want more travel tips? Read my Belgrade travel guide here..
Die besten Gerichte und Restaurants in Belgrad
Belgrade isn't as polished as your other European foodie capitals, but it has that traditional Balkan vibe and hospitality that we're all secretly craving, the feeling of being welcome and well taken care of in a place we're visiting.
If you are looking for more of the best places to eat in Belgrade, you can find my favorite Belgrade restaurants here , and my favorite cafes and coffee in Belgrade here. Or book a food tour and eat your way through the best the Serbian cuisine has to offer.
