Author: Goran

  • Luff Gelato

    Luff Gelato

    There are a few artisan ice cream stores in Belgrade worth a visit. One of the most recent players is Luff gelato and they are aiming high. They have amazing flavors and work all year round in two locations in Vračar and Dorćol.

    Ice cream is amazingly creamy and rich with some standard or seasonal flavors. You can have cream-based or sorbet style ice cream. There are sugar-free and vegan options as well.

    The price for a single scoop is around 160 RSD which can seem a bit pricey, but the taste is worth it. They also have large 0.5 or 1 Kg boxes and they do delivery.

    For any serious gelato aficionado, it’s a must. Since it is close to Crna ovca you can go for a gelato pilgrimage. Make it a double date.

    Tips: Oreo, Walnut, Pecan pie to name a few of my favorites.

  • Taverna Piatakia

    Taverna Piatakia

    One of the main reason people love Greece besides the beautiful sea is food and taverns. When you find yourself craving for some Greek cuisine in Serbia your first stop should be Taverna Piatakia.

    It’s like a Greek island right there in the middle of Zemun. Beautifully arranged with authentic food and Mediterranean feel that will warm up your soul.

    The main focus is on meze and lots of small plates to choose from. You will be tempted to order many but take it slow. Trust me.

    Tip: Bujurdi. Muzzles in red sauce.

  • Di Napoli

    Di Napoli

    Everyone loves pizza and that’s a fact. On the other hand, pizza styles, toppings or dough thickness are a matter of taste.

    One of the most popular pizza styles in Italy is Neapolitan. Simple, delicious and with just a few ingredients. If you are also a fan of this style then you should definitely come to Di Napoli pizzeria in Belgrade.

    Wooden pizza oven and original ingredients in hands of great pizzaiolo will make you crave for more of that perfect chevy dough. Top that with a really reasonable price and you’ll be coming back…a lot.

    Note that Di Napoli pizzeria is not your classic restaurant, but a really small place with just a few tables. There are also some seating and standing options outside for a quick bite.

    You can also get your pizza by the slice to go.

    Tip: Margarita and Pesto.

  • Fine sushi

    Fine sushi

    When looking for some easy meal you’re probably thinking about Asian food. Sushi maybe? Well, the problem is there are only a few Japanese restaurants in Belgrade and only some of them deserve your attention.

    One of them is Fine sushi. It’s a small but cozy sushi bar that’s definitely worth a visit. Although small in space there’s really a lot of stuff on the menu. Everything from traditional maki and nigiri to some fusion options. Matcha tea, sake or Japanese beer are also on the menu.

    Prices are reasonable and service is very good.

    Tip: Tuna flame and salmon flame. Serbian craft beer like Supernova will be a good match.

  • Filter

    Filter

    There is no filtered coffee here although the name Filter might suggest otherwise. This cool discrete place has very good coffee and food.

    It’s a bit on a hipster side but that’s a good thing because here you will find some delicious avocado toast, croissants, eggs benedict or pastrami sandwich. Top that with great service and you have a perfect place for breakfast or brunch.

    Tip: Pistachio souffle or croissantt

  • Drvengrad Mećavnik

    Drvengrad Mećavnik

    As you step inside Drvengrad you immediately get the feeling you’re in a fairytale or at least in an old movie. And you would be right for thinking both. As the name suggests (Timber/Wooden Town) is a town on Mecavnik hill where everything is made out of wood. From town square to wooden houses which are authentic to this part of the country. There’s even a small wooden church in the middle of the town.

    In reality, this whole place makes an unusual 4-star resort with everything you need for a relaxing vacation. You can enjoy the view and get the full comfort with spa, indoor pool, and free Wi-Fi. There are a few restaurants, shops with souvenirs and local produce, cafés and even a movie theatre.  

    The reason why this place looks like a movie set is because it was made for a movie directed by a world-famous director Emir Kusturica. He is also the mastermind behind the idea of making this intriguing place. Drvengrad is also known as Kustendorf which is the name of the film festival being held there every year.

    Apart from the beautiful nature of Mokra Gora, one of the main attractions is The Sargan eight (Sarganska osmica). It’s an old railroad system with a twist. Literally, it goes winding through the tunnels making a number eight on its way up the mountains. During season old train makes regular departures and that is a scenic ride you shouldn’t miss.

    Note: it can get busy during summer with people coming from all around the country.

    Tip: You can get to Mokra Gora and Drvengrad by car, by a bus or a train. Because Zlatibor is a short ride away you can plan your stay and enjoy both in one trip.

  • Kopaonik

    Kopaonik

    If you are into skiing or snowboarding my guess is you wouldn’t consider Serbia as a place for your next winter holiday in Europe. That’s where you would be very wrong. Kopaonik is Serbian premier ski resort and a great place for a ski weekend or a winter holiday. With its highest point at 2000 m and around 55 km of pistes it’s perfect for novices an intermediate skiers. Ski tracks zigzagging through the pine forest are well managed and groomed. Most importantly this charming place won’t break your budget.

    Kopaonik ski resort is pretty small but very convenient. Sure its not big Alp resort but everything you need is right there. Restaurants and cafes are all minutes away. Note about the food…vegans and vegetarians may have some hard time finding the right place. Also a lot of places allow smoking so non smokers will be spending more time outside on fresh and crisp forest air.

    As for places to stay there is something available for every budget. There are a few premium hotels with spas with a great location next to ski lifts. More budget options are available outside of the ski center itself and places there are a bargain. Most offer free shuttle vans to get you to the center and ski lifts.  Ski lift tickets start around 30 EUR (3.900 RSD) for a single day / 7 day pass will cost about 150 EUR (18.000 RSD).

    If you come on a weekend or a national holiday it maybe be crowded, and you should definitely avoid February 15th. On any other occasion you will enjoy it without too much crowd on the slopes. You can get to Kopaonik by car or a bus. Its about 4 hour drive from Belgrade. With new places and tracks being made every year its definitely a regional ski resort with a lot of potential and it’s easy on the budget.

    Tips: Stay during workdays if you can. Try some hot rakia or mulled wine after a long day at snow. Blueberry pie in Skituljko ski hut is a must. Enjoy the view at Vucja staza.

  • La Libertador

    La Libertador

    What do Scotland, Cuba and Japan have in common and why should you care about India or Honduras? Only true hedonists know the answer.

    All the answers can be found at La Libertador cigar bar and lounge. It’s a great new place with a smoking interior (pun intended) where you can enjoy some Cuban cigars and drink. This is not your regular dive bar but a nice cozy lounge where you can relax and unwind.

    They have a nice tasting menu with a good choice of whiskies and rum.  You can always ask staff to help you find a right drink and smoke to match.

    Tip: The Balvenie 14YO Caribbean Cask whisky and Quai d’Orsay 50.

  • Amici

    Amici

    Amici means friends in Italian and this place can easily become your best friend when it comes to Italian food in Belgrade. While sipping your Aperol and looking at your handmade pasta or pizza you will definitely say La Vita è Bella!

    Food is delicious and service is really good. Also, they have a nice terrace for eating al fresco.

    Tip: Zucchini rolls and Pizza Paesana.

  • Samo Pivo

    Samo Pivo

    Relaxed and cool beer bar with lots of beer to choose from. Bottled and from the tap. Craft and known brands.

    They serve only beer hence the name Samo Pivo (Beer Only). If peanuts and chips are not enough you can get some food from the pizzeria downstairs.

    Smoking is allowed so it can get smoky inside when it gets crowded during cold days. They also have a big summer patio with lots of space to hang out when the weather is nice.

    No credit cards accepted so bring some ca$h!

    Tip: Brewdog Elvis Juice and Hoptopod, Schneider  Tap 6.