Must-see restaurants in Eastern Europe

  • Puzata Khata

    Kyiv

    Here at the central branch of the excellent and wildly popular upscale stolovaya chain, you’ll find a whole range of traditional Ukrainian cuisine.

  • Puzata Khata

    Kyiv

    The Khreshchatyk branch of this wildly popular chain of stolovayas is located just off the glamorous Pasazh shopping arcade.

  • Dio Long

    Kyiv

    Beijing duck comes in all shapes and sizes in this Chinese-expat getaway hiding in a courtyard off bul Tarasa Shevchenka.

  • Cafe Theatre

    Sofia

    Beside the imposing Ivan Vazov National Theatre, this summer-only pavement cafe is a pleasant spot for drinks and cakes.

  • Jerinin Grad

    Serbia

    The ideal stop for a bite before making the climb to Maglič fortress, this roadside tavern has views of the hilltop ruins across the Ibar highway. The…

  • Grešna Gorica

    Zagorje

    This rustic eatery, often overtaken by day-tripping families from Zagreb on weekends, is a tad gimmicky but great for kids, with farm animals roaming…

  • Srna

    Serbia

    As expected from a self-billed 'ethno-village' complex, you can feast on hearty traditional Serbian food – from punjena paprika (capsicums stuffed with…

  • Batski

    Belarus

    This upscale, folk-themed stolovaya (cafeteria) is ridiculously good value in the heart of Homel. Non-Russian speakers can point at what they want, which…

  • Konoba Plava Voda

    Bosnia & Hercegovina

    This tavern's tempting summer terrace occupies a perfect spot above a gurgling stream, while its interior makes valiant (if occasionally humorous)…

  • Kopun

    Dubrovnik

    Kopun is Croatian for capon (castrated rooster) and this restaurant revives a historical delicacy, serving 'Dubrovnik capon' cooked in honey and sour…

  • Kav'yarnya na Soborny

    Kyiv

    Bila Tserkva's most upscale eatery has a summer terrace right on central pl Soborny and an elegant interior. The menu has pictures to point at but no…

  • Studenac

    Tara National Park

    For lunch with a view – of the famous Little House on the Drina, just below the terrace – relaxed, riverside Studenac is the obvious choice in Bajina…

  • Bonella

    Tivat

    Bonella is the modern-day jet-settter's take on a grocery store, meaning it's stocked to its stylish rafters with organic produce, fancy health foods and…

  • Schaste

    Western Siberia

    Funky, glass-fish-bowl-shaped restaurant and bar with leafy plants and bicycles mounted on the walls. There's a menu of Russian, international and some…

  • Jezero

    Serbia

    A kafana that was once the film set for a famous Yugoslav 'black wave' movie, Jezero has a a homely atmosphere, with a timber-framed ceiling and sailor…

  • Dobra Khata

    Northern European Russia

    The rustic Ukrainian theme is worked to the max here – expect a cheery stove, woven tablecloths, sunflowers, clay jugs and nostalgic sepia prints of…

  • Cricova

    Moldova

    Named after (but not associated with) a locally famous winery, this country-themed restaurant has a suitably extensive wine list to accompany Romanian…

  • Pastarella

    Tirana

    The seafood is fresh here and forms the centre of the menu, but there's also a large range of pastas, risotti and grilled meats on offer, and all are…

  • Čardak na Uni

    Bosnia & Hercegovina

    Tables spill out between flowers, trees and a couple of fountains set back from the river at this family-style (alcohol-free) cafe/restaurant. The two…

  • Vino Bar Bure

    North Macedonia

    Positioned at the end of Širok Sokak, overlooking the street and the square, this restaurant specialises in Macedonian and Turkish cuisine, and good local…

  • El Greko

    North Macedonia

    This taverna and pizzeria with pavement space on Bitola's main pedestrianised strip has a great beer-hall ambience and a menu geared towards comfort food …

  • Horizont

    Dubrovnik

    Seriously fashionable locals rub shoulders with tourists at this chic restaurant, just outside of the old town. The most sought-after tables are out on…

  • Dreams

    Plovdiv

    This reliable cafe is anchored in prime people-watching territory, near the foaming fountains at pl Stambolov where shoppers, lovers and gelato-lickers…

  • Mapo

    Gjirokastra

    Despite existing for over a century, this friendly family-run restaurant just above the Old Town's main square has a surprisingly modern selection of…

  • Stara Gradska Kuća

    Skopje

    Housed in what the owners claim is the oldest functioning house in North Macedonia (now dwarfed by a new riverfront government building), this traditional…

  • Trattoria Bajamont

    Split

    This tiny joint within the walls of Diocletian's Palace is like a granny’s living room, with old-school sewing-machine tables. There’s no sign above the…

  • Kujtimi

    Gjirokastra

    This laid-back outdoor restaurant, run by the Dumi family, is an excellent choice. Try the delicious trofte (fried trout; 400 lekë), the midhje (fried…

  • Oda

    Tirana

    A mannequin in traditional Albanian dress will greet you with a stony smile as you enter this tourist favourite. The pantomime continues inside and the…

  • Agroturizam Zure

    Korčula Island

    Grk and plavac mali wines, liqueurs, olive oil, vegetables, cheese and dried ham are produced at this family-run farm, and the owners also catch fish on…

  • Restaurant Gustari

    Braşov

    Settle into an umbrella-shaded wooden seat and ponder a wide menu of stuffed cabbage, soups, and filling desserts like papanași, globes of pastry with…

  • Conacul Verde

    Transylvania

    This solid, though stodgy, bistro serves a grab-bag of Italian, Romanian and Chinese dishes, for times when you want to start with Transylvanian soup in a…

  • Taverna Kuka

    Gjirokastra

    Just beyond Gjirokastra's old mosque, this largely outdoor terrace restaurant has a wonderful location and a menu full of delicious Albanian cooking,…

  • Konoba Mali Raj

    Bol

    In a lovely spot away from the tourist buzz, above the parking lot for Zlatni Rat, this alfresco tavern has a leafy garden in which to enjoy delicious…

  • Rocknrolla

    Kaunas

    Brick walls, craft beers and American dude food draw a loud crowd to Rocknrolla. The kitchen does best on the meatier side of its menu, like big burgers,…

  • Restoran Lugarnica

    Fruška Gora National Park

    Sitting at the Iriški Venac crossroads, Lugarnica is a popular stop for Fruška Gora day-trippers. The heavy meals are good; the house speciality is game…

  • Zora Bila

    Split

    After spending years building a reputation as a neighbourhood tavern in a non-touristy part of town, Zora Bila has moved to a prime spot above Bačvice…

  • Vasilki

    Minsk

    A giant picture menu guides you through the list of affordable and filling Belarusian and Russian fare at the most central location of this popular chain…

  • Otto & Frank

    Zagreb

    Otto & Frank keeps the punters happy with a small menu of posh pub-grub that's big on burgers and all-day breakfasts as well as a smattering of meaty…

  • Uje Oil Bar

    Split

    An offshoot of an olive-oil retailer, this restaurant and deli offers breakfasts, a small but ever-changing selection of mains, several tapas-style dishes…

  • Home Bar & Restaurant

    Pristina

    Having been here since the dark days of 2001, this is the closest Pristina has to an expat institution. It lives up to its name, too: it's exceptionally…

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