From the sexiest rooftops to meats grilled over charcoal in the bohemian quarter: where do Israelis love to eat most in Belgrade? Meet the places that will turn your vacation into a culinary celebration.
Belgrade has long been more than just a shopping and casino destination – it’s one of Europe’s most exciting culinary capitals. So you don’t get lost between the Menza and the river, we’ve distilled the city’s winning lineup for you. Our selections are based on real-time demand and booking data from Ontopo, to ensure you get a table at the places locals (and travelers in the know) love most.
And in practice, what’s worth knowing
| # | Restaurant name | Style/Cuisine | Area in the city |
| 1 | Mama Shelter | Rooftop and International | Knez Mihailova Pedestrian Street |
| 2 | Smokvica Jovanova | Balkan-Mediterranean (Tel Aviv vibe) | Dorćol |
| 3 | Iva New Balkan Cuisine | Modern Balkan (Michelin) | City center |
| 4 | Velika Skadarlija | Traditional Balkan | Skadarlija Quarter |
| 5 | Comunale Café e Cucina | Italian-Mediterranean | Beton Hala (on the river) |
| 6 | Angry Monk | Asian and Sushi | Near Republic Square |
| 7 | Klub Književnika | Classic Serbian Fine Dining | City Center (Francuska) |
| 8 | Docker Brewery | Brewery and Pub Food | Port Area (Luka Beograd) |
| 9 | Dolly Bell Sava Centar | Modern International | New Belgrade (Sava Centar) |
| 10 | Jamie’s Italian | Family Italian | Galerija Mall |
1. Mama Shelter
If you’re looking for the place where Belgrade’s energy meets the sky, the Rooftop at Mama Shelter is your first stop. Located on the top floor of Rajićeva Shopping Center, right above the famous pedestrian street, the place offers eclectic, colorful, and crazy design that feels like one big party. It’s the perfect spot to sip a designer cocktail while the entire city’s rooftops are spread out before you.
The menu here is versatile and hits the Israeli palate with excellent pizzas, juicy burgers, and dishes perfect for sharing at the center of the table. In the evenings, DJs turn up the tempo and the place becomes the hottest bar in the city, where you can see Belgrade’s fashionable crowd at its best.
Must-try dishes: “Mama” pizza from the oven, premium beef burger, house cocktail with berries.
📍 Address: Kneza Mihaila 54, Belgrade.
2. Smokvica Jovanova
Everyone who enters the courtyard of Smokvica immediately feels at home. With an ancient fig tree (which gave the place its name) and bohemian-chic design inside a historic building, this restaurant brings a Neve Tzedek vibe to the heart of the trendy Dorćol neighborhood. It’s the perfect spot for a long brunch or a relaxed dinner under the open sky.
The cuisine combines local ingredients with Mediterranean touches, making it especially popular with Israelis. You’ll find fresh salads, thin and crispy pizzas, and great vegetarian options that aren’t always easy to find in the Serbian meat country. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly service make every visit here a light and stylish experience.
Must-try dishes: Homemade hummus with warm pitas, fig and cheese salad, classic margherita pizza.
📍 Address: Gospodar Jovanova 45, Belgrade.
3. Iva New Balkan Cuisine
Here, Serbian cuisine takes a leap into the 21st century. Iva is not just another restaurant, but a fashionable statement that has earned well-deserved recognition in the Michelin Guide (Bib Gourmand). The chef takes the most basic Balkan ingredients and deconstructs them into works of art on the plate, without losing the deep, comforting taste of home.
The space is designed with clean, modern lines, providing the perfect backdrop for a meal that is also a flavor journey. Despite the prestigious rating, prices remain very accessible, and the entire experience feels luxurious yet unpretentious – exactly the combination we’re looking for abroad.
Must-try dishes: Beef tartare with pepper cream, stuffed peppers in a modern version, aged Balkan cheeses.
📍 Address: Kneza Milete 11, Belgrade.
4. Velika Skadarlija
You can’t visit Belgrade without diving into the bohemian Skadarlija quarter, and Velika Skadarlija is the beating heart of the area. If you’re looking for an authentic Balkan “hafla,” this is the place. The smell of grilled meats mixes with the sounds of violins and accordions from the gypsy bands passing between tables, creating an atmosphere that’s hard to remain indifferent to.
The traditional design with checkered tablecloths and heavy wood takes you back in time. Here you’re not looking for sophistication, but quality: huge cuts of meat, fresh Serbian bread (Lepinja), and plenty of flowing rakija. A tip from us: prepare some small bills in your pocket – the musicians will be happy to play you a personal serenade at your table.
Must-try dishes: Serbian ćevapi (kebab), Karađorđeva steak, smoked meat platter.
📍 Address: Skadarska 40, Belgrade.
5. Comunale Café e Cucina
The Beton Hala complex is where Belgrade shines brightest, and Comunale is one of the most elegant stops along the waterfront. With exposed industrial design, high ceilings, and huge windows overlooking the Sava River, this restaurant offers a winning combination of Italy and the Balkans.
The pastas here are handmade and among the best in the city, and the fresh fish grilled will make you feel like you’re on the Riviera. It’s an excellent starting point for an evening out – begin with a romantic meal facing the sunset and continue to one of the nearby clubs in the complex.
Must-try dishes: Seafood risotto, pappardelle pasta with truffles, grilled octopus.
📍 Address: Karađorđeva 2-4, Beton Hala, Belgrade.
6. Angry Monk
When you feel like taking a break from heavy Balkan meat and diving into sharp, refreshing Asian flavors, Angry Monk is your place. Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant is an especially sexy hot spot with dim lighting, an impressive cocktail bar, and a sushi scene that’s a level above everyone else in Belgrade.
The experience here is multi-sensory: the right music, meticulous plating, and the combination of fresh ingredients with bold seasoning turn every meal into a celebration. It’s the perfect place for a date or going out with friends who want to start the night in international style.
Must-try dishes: Special spicy tuna roll, beef buns, sophisticated version of pad thai.
📍 Address: Zmaja od Noćaja 9, Belgrade.
7. Klub Književnika (Writers’ Club)
Want to dine at the same table where Elizabeth Taylor and Alfred Hitchcock sat? The Writers’ Club is a mythological institution in Belgrade, maintaining its status as one of the city’s most prestigious and respected restaurants for decades. The atmosphere is classic European, with meticulous “white glove” service and a feeling of Balkan nobility.
The menu offers Serbian classics in perfect and elegant execution. If you’re looking for a festive meal to mark a special occasion, or simply want to experience historic and magnificent Belgrade, this is the place where you’ll find the quiet and luxury beyond the bustling city center.
Must-try dishes: Slow-cooked lamb shank, gibanica (Serbian cheese pastry), traditional apple pie.
📍 Address: Francuska 7, Belgrade.
8. Docker Brewery
For beer lovers and hipster atmosphere enthusiasts, Docker Brewery is heaven on earth. This local brewery is located inside a huge industrial building in the old port area, offering dozens of craft beer varieties poured straight from the barrel. The vibe here is relaxed, young, and full of life – a refreshing break from polished restaurants.
Alongside the beer, you’ll find an excellent “pub food” menu that includes some of the best burgers in the city, loaded nachos, and everything you need to accompany half a liter of cold beer. This is the place to come for casual fun, call some friends, and simply enjoy the moment.
Must-try dishes: “Docker” burger with cheddar, wings in beer barbecue sauce, handmade sausage platter.
📍 Address: Žorža Klemansoa 24, Belgrade.
9. Dolly Bell Sava Centar
Located inside the renovated Sava Centar, Belgrade’s architectural masterpiece, Dolly Bell is one of the city’s newest and most impressive restaurants. The design is breathtaking and combines modern elements with a huge space that feels simultaneously intimate and impressive. This is a place designed for lovers of the good life.
The international menu is very extensive and suitable for everyone – from aged steaks to pastas and rich salads. In the evenings the place comes alive with performances by local bands that elevate the atmosphere, making the meal an integral part of New Belgrade’s nightlife.
Must-try dishes: Beef fillet in red wine sauce, saffron risotto, the famous Dolly Bell dessert.
📍 Address: Milentija Popovića 9, Belgrade.
10. Jamie’s Italian
Sometimes when traveling abroad, especially with kids, all you need is a familiar and safe place where you know exactly what you’re getting. Jamie Oliver brought his cheerful Italian cuisine to Galerija Mall, and the result is a colorful, friendly, and incredibly tasty restaurant.
The ingredients here are top-notch – from fresh pastas made on-site to quality olive oil. It’s a perfect solution for a lunch break during an exhausting shopping day at Belgrade’s largest mall. The service is fast and the dishes are loved by adults and children alike.
Must-try dishes: Classic carbonara pasta, pepperoni pizza, tiramisu for dessert.
📍 Address: Galerija Shopping Center, Bulevar Vudroa Vilsona, Belgrade.
Have a pleasant flight and bon appétit! Don’t forget that Ontopo is available to you not only in Israel, but also in Belgrade and Bucharest. If you want more hot recommendations and new places updated in real time, visit Ontopo’s Belgrade section
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