Karafindl: The Nutshell Times Good Kafana Guide

Given that the culinary scene in Serbia not only expanded, but changed sufficiently to attract the interest of Michelin guides, a few friends and I lamented the receding prominence of good Serbian kafanas on the culinary landscape.

Yes, this is probably overly nostalgic and curmudgeonly, however once one hits a certain age, has had the chance to taste enough varied dishes and has been overcharged enough times for lacklustre ambitious attempts at fusion food in a pretentious unpleasant setting, one wants to know where he can have good, well priced ćevapi, beer and šopska, and light a cigarette to unwind.

Furthermore, kafana scene has been usurped by many new entrants who want to unsuccessfully emulate the traditional kafanas, but fail to have a good enough food and atmosphere. Thus, in order to protect you, dear reader, here is the list of certified good kafanas in Serbia (and the world).

The criteria are more impressionistic than rigorous: however, the menu must be traditional, traditional grill must be good, service must be friendly and old-school, atmosphere chilled and there must be a good old karafindl (cruet) with salt, pepper, oil and vinegar on the table. The list will be updated every time I get lucky and visit a good kafana.

In future iterations, the list (currently just links to Googlemaps) might be expanded with more information, maybe photos, and maybe.. at some point… get published like the superb British publication “Good Pub Guide”, or developed into an app.

If you want to get a sticker confirming kafana is certified, or want to suggest places to be visited, especially outside of Belgrade, do reach out.

Belgrade

Dva Jelena

Gradimir

Grmeč

Gusan

Kalenić

Klub Košutnjak – Srbijašume

Kod deda Stavre

Kod Dragana

Kod Ljube

Kod Neše

Kudin most

LM

Mala Slavija

Mornar

Naja

Orašac

Pivnica Tošin bunar – Džakarta

Polet

Potkovica

Radnički (Zvezdara)

Sač

Stara Hercegovina

Staro Užice

Suvobor

Trpeza

Venčac

Vidovdan

Central Serbia

Čakmara – Raška

Daj dam – Kruševac

Hotel Balkan – Kragujevac

Hotel Ras – Novi Pazar

Jonuz – Novi Pazar

Kod Mira – Bogutovac

Konak – Jagodina

Kuća – Valjevo

Lovac – Kragujevac

Mahova pekara – Prijepolje

Mali Hrast – Aranđelovac

Platani  – Valjevo

Southern Serbia

Dukat – Pirot

Kamiondžije – Svrljig

Dagi plus – Niš

Brka – Jelašnica

Vojvodina

Banatska kuća  – Zrenjanin

Bates – Subotica

Dinar – Vršac

Lipa – Kulpin

Na kraju sveta – Kovilj

Plava frajla – Novi Sad

Montenegro

Pod Volat – Podgorica

Sočica – Plužine

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