3 Best Restaurants in Belgrade, Serbia

Alice in Wonderland's Mad Hatter tea party has nothing on Lorenzo & Kakalamba's wacky decor. Over-frosted chandeliers, garlands, glass balls, marionettes, exaggerated Fernando Botero prints, and other crazy decor give the sensation of sitting down inside a kitschy jewel box. The menu is a mix of Serbian classics and solid Italian courses, like bruschettes, pastas, and a very good smoked lamb carpaccio. Serbian mains, or daily dishes, are cooked in the traditional Serbian way—stewed for hours in clay pots for maximum flavor. Don't miss out on the goulash or the leg of lamb. The staff is fun and efficient.

The 21st-century take on Serbian cuisine is served at this quirky "little factory of good taste," as the name translates. The restaurant's creamy white interior is reminiscent of a grandmother's dream pantry. Every wall is lined with shelves of olive oil and wine bottles, jars of jam and pickles, photos, and other cute knickknacks. Outside seating in the shaded, stone patio is just as pleasant and includes a play area for children. In the kitchen, the young team of chefs applies modern techniques to Serbian classics like cevapi sausages, breaded chicken with apricot sauce, and Parmesan-crusted pork. Save room for dessert, especially the snenokle, made with egg whites and milk.

The "joy" in the name of the restaurant (radost) may come most from Belgrade's vegetarians, who take full advantage of the exceptionally fresh, organic, and meatless menu—a rarity in Serbia. The cuisine is international, with starters of hummus and pumpkin spread to entrees including tacos, wraps, veggie burgers, curries, and Japanese gyoza dumplings. There's no clear signage in front of the residential building, so finding the entrance requires a little snooping; don't hesitate to ask around. The space has the look and layout of a converted apartment and the staff creates a warm, familial atmosphere. Wood and slate gray interiors are soothing and the small dining nooks lend themselves to intimacy.