Ben Akiba

Ul. Nusiceva 8, erster Stock, Eingang durch die Passage

Belgrad

+381 11 323 77 75

This cocktail lounge, named after the pseudonym of a famous Serbian comedy writer, has found its place in an apartment on the second floor of a building which is located in the street named after the actual name of the author - Nusiceva. It's located near Terazije Street right next to a McDonalds to be precise. They not only serve fantastic cocktails. On Sundays they serve breakfast for the late riser until 6 p.m. which is quite surprising since Belgrad is not exactly famous for its many breakfast and brunch places. The Menu is simple but adventurous like their fruit salad with chicken and quail's eggs. Surprisingly nice prices! You'll get breakfast for Euro 1.00 to 3.50 and a salad for Euro 2.50.

Plastic

Ul. Takovska 34 (Ecke Ul. Dalmatinska und Takovska)

Belgrad

+381 11 32 45 437

Belgrad has always been famous for its night life - even during its darkest hours. In the year 2005, the Plastic presented a long list of foreign musicians: DJs like Tiesto, Oscar Muller, Hernan Cattaneo, Carl Kox, Ritchie Hawtin, Laurent Garnier, Darren Emerson and Benny Benassi and bands like The Prodigy, Underworld, Kraftwerk, Jamiroquai & co. and REM. Tuxedomoon (again), Freestylers and the Asian Dub Foundation are being expected within the next two months. Even though the warming up starts at 11 p.m. it does not get crowded until midnight which gives you enough time hanging out after dining at the comfy restaurant. With its funky red lights, the VIP-lounge looks a bit like a psychedelic disco which you will enjoy very much once you get used to it. On Mondays it's "Kiss-off Nite" with Jelena (alias J.Ro.) and Tijana T. who got the hottest tunes on their turntables. Entry only with invitation via short text message or "ring'n'ask". On Thursdays it's Electric Factory Night which get's you started for the long party night on Fridays. Opening hours: 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Stella

Ul. Zmaj Jovina 15

Belgrad

381 11 2630 672 

In midst of all these old and monotonous buildings, Stellas inviting windows seem to shine like juwels. Cute baby pictures and great muffins seem to be reason enough to make yourself comfortable on the plush sofas enjoying a long coffee break. It seems a bit odd to see so many people doing nothing but hanging out in coffeeshops and restaurants in a country that needs every helping hand to get out of a crisis. The interior is all modern, almost industrial with chrome, granite, glas and wooden elements. A great eye catcher are the restrooms - probably the town's best public installation. For the hurried ones, Stella serves a quick breakfast (sandwich, juice and coffee). A bit overcharged but a fantastic location.

UDRUØENJE SVETSKIH PUTNIKA

Ul. 29 Novembra 7 (umbenannt in Bulevar despota Stefana)

Belgrad

If you ask your host to be taken to a special place you will soon find yourself at an unspectular entry on 29 Novembra Street. This insider tip has long lost its insider status and is only taboo when tv or movie shootings are taking place. The hidden cellar bar is very fotogenic and attracts many city newcomers. It's stuffed with frivolous pieces of furniture, granny lamp shades and other retro elements. With the right crowd, this chill out location turns into a hot nightclub. They play groovy Funk, Soul and House music. Next to art students, actors and musicians, the Udruienje attracts "daddy's little girls" and boys who know no better way to spend their money.A plus: this is a SBB Caf‚ Network hotspot. A cable free internet access comes with your order.

Hotel Moskva

Balkanska 1

11000 Belgrade

011 2686 255

www.hotelmoskva.co.yu/

The hotel Moskva, located in the heart of Belgrad is a time-honored building. Built in 1906, with their giant chandeliers and huge mirrors, both the coffee- and the pastry shop still look like they used to at that time. The perfect place for the afternoon tea or the long coffeebreak in the morning with a Caf‚ Latte and newspapers. Try the hot chocolate. It's so rich you can stick the spoon in it and it stands all by itself. Yummy!

Le petit Piaf

Ul. Skadarska 34

Belgrad

+381 11 303 58 58

www.petitpiaf.com

Named after Belgrad's symbol, the sparrow, this brand new boutique hotel is located in the heart of Skadarlija, the bohemian side of town. Clear cuts and warm colors like soft browns and eggshell whites are in perfect harmony with the cubblestone courtyard and the hotel's century old surroundings. Sparsely yet cozy, soft and warm - it offers even more luxury than the three stars promise. There are seven rooms named Victoria, Montmartre, Danublus, Lutecia, Singidunum, Louvre andSkadalija (Euro 150 p.n.) and five suites - Sacre Coeur, Kula Nebojsa, Notre Dame, Saint Germaine and Alba Graeca (Euro 180 p.n.). All rooms provide cable TV, internet access, air condition, a mini bar and a safe. During the week the hotel is well occupied since the guests are mostly business men and women. The staff speaks English, French and German. You can dine at the hotel's own restaurant/club Chez Tristan or at one of the charming restaurants along Skadarska Street. Continental breakfast is included and discounts for companies are available as well. There's a non-smoking policy in the rooms, even though the hotel is known for granting any requests.

Absinthe Bar & Brasserie

Kralja Milutina 33

125205 Belgrade

Certainly not the least expensive bar but worth a visit for its beautiful interior. Classic bistro menu.

Bagdad Caffe

Ul. Gospodar Jovanova 36

Belgrad

+381 11 263 2221

From the countless coffee-shops in Belgrad we chose this one because of its unusual interior. Thanks to the Turks who left the city only in mid 19th century, there are many oriental remnants like a Mosque (Bajrakli Dzamija) and three Turkish baths (the most beautiful one is found in the Princess Ljubicas Summer Residence) and, of course, the custom of drinking real Turkish coffee. Almond flavored coffee, Baklava and Turkish Delight are just a view things at the Bagdad Caffe that make your taste buds happy. On week-ends the coffee-shop is packed. From there you move on to the close by Khandahar Bar with its excellent choices of 21st century cocktails in exotic atmosphere. To top off your tour across the Orient we recommend the Libanese restaurant Byblos where Arabian nights come true especially during the belly dancers' performance.

EKLEKTIKA(.e.k.l.e.k.t.i.k.a.) 

Belgrad

+381 11 31 61 946

This stylish restaurant has turned out to be Belgrad's hotspot of this fall and winter. Located in Zemun (on the Donau's right bank, only 15 driving minutes from the center), the gastronimic surprises make it worth the adventurous trip. Milos Gaguli, former chef of London's Savoy, offers international dishes with a special touch. Forget about your hips and thighs and indulge in the excellent carpaccio, the creamy pumpkin soup or the delicious cheescake - all prepared in the one and only Eklektika style. On the ground floor is a trendy bar and a hip pool lounge. The restaurant is located on the first floor and there's a special love nest (to attain over a separate staircase), a kid's room with entertainer, a Boudoir and a breath taking view over Gardos Tower. The patio with a well from the 19th century that functions as a bar is a real highlight. The Elektika's tasteful interior is accompaigned by Ambient background music. Opening hours: from 5 p.m. till the last (wo)-man standing.

IKKI SUSHI BARund JAPANISCHES RESTAURANT

Ul. Gospodar Jovanova 46

Belgrad

+381 11 2184 283

www.ikkibar.com

This bar is located in Dorcol, one of the oldest and trendiest parts of the city. Ikki Sushi Bar is characterized by its strict line of red, black and white colors even though the walls are partly decorated with eccentric bas-reliefs. The authentic menu has been assembled by a Japanese Chef. Try the healthy Sushi and Sashimi dishes and the delicious salmon or Nigri-Teriyaki always freshly prepared only with top quality fish. Go with the Kacu Chicken if you don't fancy water animals. Indulge in a mild green tea ice cream for dessert. There's a daily platter for price-concious guest who love to try all different kind of things. Ikki also serves a vegetarian menu and Sake, of course and offers home delivery. And by the way, if you're looking for somewhere to relax and to meditate, the botanic garden Ul. Takovska might be the perfect place for you . Opening hours: noon to midnight.

Zaplet

Ul. Kajmakcalanska 2

Belgrad

381 11 2404 142

Located a bit off the beaten track in a run down surrounding area, this two storied family property offers a lot more than one might think at first glance. "Our guests are people who make something out of their lives - writers, directors, actors, journalists, designers" says owner and co-designer Vladimir Mientijevic. In the Zaplet are 80 seats available on the first floor and additional 40 seats in the backyard during the summer months. Reservations are recommended. The Zaplet is getting more and more popular since its opening in January 2004. Chef Milos Maravic combines Serbian with international cuisine. Try the Plums in Pancetta for appetizer, the Cevapcici (small kebabs) with onions, the turkey sandwich with mozzarella, eggplant and tomato sauce or the Cajun beefsteak with grilled field garlic and potatoes as main course. For dessert try the brownies or the Bermet Semifreddo ("Bermet" was the only Serbian wine they served on the Titanic) - the Chef's proudly cherished speciality. There are over 100 different wines to choose from. Wine from Croatia, Slovenia, Sicily or even Chile, Argentina and New Zealand. Every third bottle is on the house. The menu is updated every three months. Take out menus available as well. Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Do Home

Ul. Kajmakcalanska 2

Belgrad

+381 11 2404 142

One of three shops of designer Dragana Ognjenovic who is very popular with Belgrad's elite for her plain-colored, sophisticated style, perfect silhouettes and elegant cuts. Ognjenovic is one of Serbia's fashion pioneer in design. She produces urbane Haute Couture, a Prˆt-…-porter collection named "Software" and interior accessories. Her choices of black and white ground- color with hints of pink and lime green emphasises her passion for clean looks. DO Home - just like the name suggests - presents her "home" collection. Pieces of high quality - from the table cloth to the china - are here available for Euro 2.00 (sleeping mask) up to a maximum of Euro 50.00. Ognjenovic loathes trends and always goes her own way. Her shows are meeting points for "tout Belgrad". The "DO Shop" where her clothing line is shown is located next to the "DO Home". Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Identity

Ul. Zmaj Jovina 30

Belgrad

Originally opened by a group of four now joined by another two women, this store looks like a place where our grandmothers may have used to buy their hats at. Which - amongst other things - you can still do today. Hats by Leonora Vekic made of camel hair and leather are a must. So are the shoes and boots by Danijela Biskup. Everything's hand made in here. But the "juwels" of the Identity are the outfits by the famous Prokovic Sisters. They create skirts made of raw silk with frills and flounces, clean-cuts and in the season's hottest colors (right now it's purple). Fitting in perfectly, the historic feminin jackets with starched dog-collars that look like they seem to be right out of a Bram-Stoker tale. Purses by Larisa Zupanjevac and jewellery by Tanja Cicanovic-Nikolic complete the assortment.

Schlitz

Ul. Palmoticeva 23

Belgrad

This store is THE address for Belgrad's progressive fahion. Popular with trendy tv-stars, city slickers and the urban "I'm-no-fashion-victim" type of crowd, this store offers only one-of-a-kind pieces. "We're talking Serbia newcomer design labels", says Vladimir Ilic, who runs the store together with designer Lana Pavlovic. This independent store's interior creates the perfect background for the ones who want to dress up without ending up looking like a folk star. With the all here available designers you especially want to remember this name: Boris Nikolic. His look for girls is best described as "Gwen Stefani meets Manets D‚jeuner sur l'herbe". Another name to keep in mind is Ana Ljubinkovic. She uses candy colors for her outfits that look like they should be worn at a crazy tea party. Other young and creative designers presented at the Schlitz are Lelena Nikolic, Katarina Puzic, AnaGrebec and Nevena Arsic. The prices are affordable if you consider the unique range (from Euro 50 up to Euro 250). Opening hours: noon - 8 p.m.

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