Belgrade is a city you discover through its neighborhoods, its people, its nightlife and, of course, its food.
The Serbian capital offers much more than the classic ćevapi and pljeskavica. Traditional kafanas, modern riverside restaurants, rooftop venues in the city center, sweet stops in Zemun and relaxed dining around Ada Ciganlija create a food scene that is well worth exploring.
Through his travels and videos across Serbia, Antonis Leivadiotis shares six places to eat in Belgrade, each offering a different experience and a different side of the Serbian capital.
If you are planning a trip and wondering where to eat in Belgrade, here are six places to add to your list.
1. Dva Jelena in Skadarlija
If you are visiting Belgrade for the first time and want to experience the city's traditional side, Skadarlija should definitely be on your itinerary.
Located in the heart of Belgrade's famous bohemian quarter, Dva Jelena offers visitors the opportunity to combine Serbian food with the unique atmosphere of one of the city's most recognizable neighborhoods.
The experience here is not only about what is on the table. The cobbled streets of Skadarlija, traditional buildings, restaurants and lively atmosphere create a completely different feeling from modern Belgrade.
It is a great choice for travelers looking for traditional Serbian cuisine in Belgrade while also experiencing one of the city's most famous areas.
2. Milky Zemun for Dessert Lovers
Zemun has a very different character from central Belgrade and deserves to be explored on its own.
Walk along the Danube, explore the old streets of Zemun and enjoy the atmosphere before stopping for something sweet at Milky Zemun.
Milky is a great option for travelers with a sweet tooth. Pancakes, rich toppings and impressive dessert combinations make it a completely different experience from a traditional Serbian meal.
It is also one of those places where the presentation of the food makes it particularly interesting for photos, Reels and travel content.
For anyone looking for desserts in Belgrade or somewhere to stop while exploring Zemun, Milky is worth knowing.
3. Corso Ancora by the Sava River
Belgrade is closely connected to its two major rivers, the Sava and the Danube, and this connection is also reflected in the city's restaurant scene.
Corso Ancora offers a more contemporary dining experience and is a good option for those who want to enjoy food and drinks in a modern riverside environment.
It works particularly well for a relaxed lunch, dinner or an evening drink by the water.
This contrast is one of the things that makes Belgrade so interesting. You can enjoy traditional Serbian food in Skadarlija and, just a few hours later, find yourself at a modern restaurant beside the Sava.
4. Mama Shelter Belgrade for Rooftop Dining
For another side of Belgrade's food and lifestyle scene, Mama Shelter Belgrade is a great stop in the heart of the city.
Its central location makes it easy to combine with a walk through Knez Mihailova, Kalemegdan and the surrounding historic center.
Mama Shelter brings a more contemporary and international atmosphere to the Belgrade restaurant scene.
One of its highlights is the rooftop, where visitors can combine food, drinks and views over the city.
It is not necessarily the place to visit specifically for traditional Serbian cuisine. Instead, it represents the more modern side of the Belgrade lifestyle.
For an evening drink, rooftop experience or relaxed meal in central Belgrade, it is a location worth considering.
5. Splav Souvenir: Dining on the Sava River
You cannot really talk about Belgrade without mentioning its famous splavovi, the floating venues located along the city's rivers.
One of the places to experience this side of the city is Splav Souvenir.
The riverside location is an important part of the experience. You are not simply sitting in another restaurant in Belgrade. You are enjoying the atmosphere of the Sava and one of the most distinctive elements of life in the Serbian capital.
For travelers looking to combine food, drinks and a waterfront atmosphere, a Belgrade splav offers something very different from restaurants in the historic center.
6. Smokvica at Ada Ciganlija
From the Sava River, we move to one of Belgrade's most popular recreational areas: Ada Ciganlija.
Smokvica Ada is an excellent place to combine food or coffee with a walk around Ada Ciganlija.
The location beside the water creates a relaxed atmosphere, especially during spring and summer when Ada becomes one of the most popular places in Belgrade for walking, cycling, swimming and spending time outdoors.
For me, Ada Ciganlija is not simply somewhere to eat. It is a complete Belgrade experience.
You can walk beside the lake, enjoy the surroundings and then sit down for food, coffee or drinks.
And, of course, if you are visiting Serbia, there is one thing you should definitely try:
Serbia without ćevapi? Never!
What to Eat in Belgrade
Beyond specific restaurants, there are several Serbian dishes you should try during a trip to Belgrade.
Ćevapi are among the most recognizable dishes in Serbian and Balkan cuisine. These small grilled meat portions are often served with bread, onions and traditional accompaniments.
Another classic is pljeskavica, one of the most popular grilled meat dishes in Serbia.
You should also look for kajmak, grilled meats and other traditional Serbian specialties.
For breakfast or a quick snack, try burek with yogurt, one of the most classic combinations found throughout Serbia.
But Belgrade is no longer only about traditional food.
The city also has a diverse modern restaurant scene with international cuisine, rooftop venues, cafés, creative desserts and restaurants located directly beside or on the rivers.
That variety is exactly what makes eating in Belgrade such an interesting part of the travel experience.
Where to Eat in Belgrade Depending on What You Want
- For traditional Serbian atmosphere: Dva Jelena in Skadarlija.
- For pancakes and desserts: Milky Zemun.
- For modern riverside dining: Corso Ancora.
- For a rooftop experience in central Belgrade: Mama Shelter Belgrade.
- For the Belgrade splav experience: Splav Souvenir.
- For relaxed dining near Ada Ciganlija: Smokvica Ada.
Is Belgrade a Good Destination for Food Lovers?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of Belgrade is the variety of experiences available within the same city.
Travelers can discover traditional Serbian restaurants, old kafanas, street food, bakeries, international restaurants, rooftop bars, riverfront dining and floating restaurants.
Food is also an excellent way to discover different neighborhoods.
Skadarlija offers a traditional atmosphere, Zemun feels almost like a destination of its own, while Ada Ciganlija and the rivers show a completely different side of Belgrade.
Antonis Leivadiotis Shows Us a Different Side of Belgrade
One of the best things about Belgrade is that there is no single way to experience the city.
You can start the day exploring the historic center, enjoy traditional Serbian cuisine in Skadarlija, continue to Zemun for dessert, relax beside Ada Ciganlija and finish the evening with drinks beside the Sava.
Through his travels and videos in Serbia, Antonis Leivadiotis continues to introduce his audience to restaurants, neighborhoods, Serbian food and travel experiences beyond the usual tourist attractions.
Because a trip to Belgrade is not only about Kalemegdan, Knez Mihailova or the Church of Saint Sava.
It is also about the food, the people, the rivers, the neighborhoods and the moments you experience along the way.
Planning a trip to Belgrade? Save this food guide and discover six different places that show just how diverse the city's restaurant scene can be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food in Belgrade
What food should I try in Belgrade?
Some of the foods worth trying include ćevapi, pljeskavica, kajmak, burek, grilled meats and other Serbian specialties.
Where can I eat traditional Serbian food in Belgrade?
Skadarlija is one of the most popular areas for travelers looking for traditional Serbian restaurants and an old Belgrade atmosphere. Dva Jelena is located in this historic neighborhood.
Where can I eat near the river in Belgrade?
Belgrade has numerous restaurants beside the Sava and Danube. Corso Ancora and Splav Souvenir are two different options for travelers who want to combine food with a riverside experience.
Where should I eat near Ada Ciganlija?
Smokvica Ada is an option for visitors who want to combine a visit to Ada Ciganlija with food, coffee or drinks beside the water.
Where can I find desserts in Zemun?
Milky Zemun is an option for pancakes and rich desserts and can easily be combined with a walk through Zemun and along the Danube.
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