There has never been a better time to be a vegetarian in Belgrade, as the herbivore revolution continues to make inroads down to the Serbian capital. There is still a long way to go, but the White City boasts a number of restaurants with excellent veggie options. The best of the best? Right here.
One of the best restaurants in the Balkans regardless of cuisine, it stands front and centre of Belgrade’s fight for meals without meats. It isn’t exactly easy to find, located in an apartment building near Kalemegdan, but it is more than worth the effort. Summer is clearly the best time to visit, as the enchanting (a word we don’t use lightly) garden is perfect for meals that are as social as they are romantic, with not a pljeskavica in sight. The name loosely translates as ‘the joy of a fine small kitchen’, and that just about sums it up.
While the combination of jazz and yoga might put some on edge, the conservative need not be afraid to visit this trendy Beograd spot. Located on Belgrade’s longest street, ‘health’ is the vital ingredient as soups, salads, sandwiches and more are served in a variety of arresting colours. The menu isn’t huge but neither should it be, with the focus purely on quality ingredients and an ethical approach.
Situated in New Belgrade, this was one of the first restaurants to take the plunge and offer only vegetarian and vegan fare within its four walls. Those four walls house a darling interior, a homely atmosphere that works well with the toothsome dishes that come barrelling out of the kitchen. The desserts are magnificent, too, although we always feel that such statements go without saying.
The interior might be all about minimalism, but don’t be fooled. The real creativity is taking place in the kitchen, which is exactly where such activities should take place in the restaurant world. Making the most of organic ingredients from all over the country, Gnezdo has made a great commitment to ethical and delicious food, and you’d be surprised how often the two come together to create something special. That final word is an apt way to describe this spot near Branko’s Bridge. You can’t really go wrong with a tofu kebab, either.
Retro, retro, vintage and a little more retro, you know where you stand on this particular mast. Old sofas, chairs and tables make up the interior, and you may convince yourself that you’ve somehow managed to go back in time, although you need to check your health if that is the case. The food is the only thing that isn’t retro, streams of modern cuisine and not a ćevapi in sight. Dishes from all over the world are served here, making this one of the most modern restaurants in the city, provided you eat with your eyes closed.
A commitment to raw food at Zdravo Živo | @ Zdravo Živo/Facebook
The raw food craze hasn’t quite taken over Belgrade as it has many other capitals throughout Europe, but its presence is definitely felt out here in New Belgrade. The name loosely translates as ‘Hello Life’, and you’ll feel well and truly revitalised after eating the none-more-healthy food on offer. Raw juices are also available, to help wash down some of the most delectable fare in the city.
This trendy spot in an even trendier neighbourhood is becoming increasingly popular with locals and expats alike. An extensive selection of salads, soups and pasta dishes is available, along with a wide variety of breakfasts and no small amount of glorious pancake options. It is no smoking too, which is even rarer than finding great vegetarian options in the city.
