Belgrade food guide
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Belgrade is a great city for exploring traditional Serbian food, its food scene reflects a mix of Balkan, Ottoman, Hungarian, and Central European influences.
Grilled meats, bread, dairy, and slow cooked dishes are at the centre of the cuisine, with favourites like ćevapi, pljeskavica, sarma, and Karađorđeva šnicla appearing across many menus, all served in large portions that suit Belgrade’s lively dining culture.
In this quick guide, we’ll introduce you to a few of our favourite traditional restaurants in Belgrade and the delicious dishes they offer, helping you make the most of your time in the city.
Situated in the very centre of Belgrade, Restaurant Mihailo is worth visiting for the interior alone. Fortunately, the food more than lives up to the setting. There is some outdoor seating at the front, and during our visit the service was excellent, with attentive and friendly staff throughout.
The menu is extensive, offering a strong mix of Serbian classics and international favourites. Traditional dishes include Karađorđeva šnicla (breaded, stuffed veal schnitzel), mućkalica (pork and pepper stew), ćevapi (grilled minced meat sausages) and punjena paprika (stuffed peppers), all prepared to a high standard. If you are in the mood for something different, you will also find a good selection of pasta, risotto and other international options.
Popular with both locals and tourists, Restaurant Mihailo combines atmosphere, variety and well executed dishes, making it a great choice for a meal in central Belgrade.
Restaurant Mihailo
Part of a group of six restaurants across Belgrade under the Zavičaj (“homeland”) brand, the Skadarlija branch was the only one we tried, and it left a very good impression. Portion sizes are large for the price, and the staff were warm, welcoming and attentive throughout our visit. We were told they sometimes have live traditional music, although there was none on the evening we visited.
Set in the heart of the Bohemian Quarter, this location is ideal if you want to explore the area before or after your meal. The menu features a good selection of grilled meats alongside Serbian favourites such as sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls), mućkalica (pork and pepper stew) and Karađorđeva šnicla (breaded, stuffed schnitzel).
Zavičaj Skadarlija
Located in the heart of Belgrade’s Bohemian Quarter, Restoran Dva Jelena (“Two Deer”) is one of the most famous traditional restaurants in the area and is consistently busy. When we visited on a weekend it was absolutely packed, with a mix of locals and tourists, but the staff still managed to find us a table. In the evenings there is often live folk music, perfect if you enjoy a bit of traditional entertainment with your meal.
The menu features a wide range of Serbian favourites, including prebranac (baked beans with paprika) as a starter, as well as mains like mućkalica (pork and pepper stew) and Karađorđeva šnicla (breaded, stuffed schnitzel). There is also a large grilled meat section, with the ćevapi (grilled minced meat sausages) being our choice.
Restoran Dva Jelena
If you love ćevapi, Ćevap kod Dekija is our favourite place in Belgrade to get them. This unpretentious local favourite serves ćevapi (grilled minced meat sausages) that are hot and juicy, served in delicious bread. They also have excellent pljeskavica (a minced meat patty, similar to a Balkan style burger).
The staff are really friendly and welcoming, and there is outdoor seating available, making it a great place for a relaxed, tasty meal. If you are in Belgrade and craving ćevapi, this is the place we would recommend above all others.
Ćevap kod Dekija
Located a fair way outside Belgrade’s centre, Mala Slavija may require a little extra effort to reach, but it is well worth it. If you are already in the area, it is an easy recommendation, and even if you are not, it is still a restaurant we would happily go out of our way for. The garden area is especially lovely (despite being fairly close to the road), and the interior has the same warm, traditional feel. Portions are on the larger side, and the sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls) we tried were excellent.
The menu includes a large selection of grilled meats, much like many traditional Belgrade restaurants, and they often feature live folk music in the evenings, which can be a welcome addition or not, depending on your taste.
Mala Slavija
