Belgrade’s undiscovered coffee scene, uncovered. Belgrade’s coffee scene is bustling, with cafes on almost every corner. The coffee addict & laptop-club-in-a-cafe-girl in me rejoices – it really is heaven on earth. Here’s a selection of 10 of my favourite coffee places in Belgrade. Stay tuned for a part 2… and a part 3 will probably also be on the cards. Scroll down for a little map, so you can see which cafes are close by.
PRZIONICA
The. Best. Latte. Art. I’ve Seen. And. Tasted. Period. Guys, We’ve hit jackpot. I’ve never won the lottery or Who Wants to be a Millionaire, but I’m pretty sure this is the coffee equivalent. Belgrade’s best latte art? Is that even a question? It’s the best latte art I’ve experienced on my coffee shop adventures through London, Cambridge and beyond!
Walk through the door and feel as though you have stepped into a Coffee Souk. Exposed large brick walls and large woven coffee bags fill the space. A White Island takes centre stage, with tall bar chairs and padding made from coffee bags. If you’re looking for a more cosy experience , chill on the metal benches which are cushioned with large coffee bags.
KAFETERIJA
Pick your beans! Learn about your beans! Pay your beans. What I love about Kafeterija is that the menu booklet explains in detail the different blends that they have, and has a separate pricing system for each type of blend and type of coffee and different sections in the booklet for this. You can choose from 9 beans/blends – there really is a coffee for every mood you’re in.
Kafeterija may well be Belgrade’s winning response to Starbucks. Scrap that. Kafeterija is leagues above Starbucks. Picture the Starbucks vibe – laptop friendly, cosy and collaborative. Now picture your favourite artisan coffee. Coffee shop hoppers know these two ingredients don’t mix well, much like oil and water. But here’s where Kafeterija, much like an emulsifier, comes in. It’s perfectly combined the student friendly laptop culture with artisan coffee. Starbucks vibe + Artisan Coffee = We’ve hit jackpot.
Kafeterija have countless locations across Belgrade and Serbia. It really is the artisan version of Starbucks. Kafeterija’s Magazin location may well be my favourite location. Set over 3 floors, and spilling out on to the street, you will be spoilt for choice. Choose an outdoor table under the canopy for a yummy brunch in the sun. Wanting a group study session? Go to the top floor for a large open table with plenty of charging points. A quick coffee catch up? There’s plenty of bar seating and high chairs. Wanting a more relaxed brunch? The sofas are perfect for a cosy catch up!
KAFETERIJA LOKAL
Can we just take a few seconds and put two hands together for this latte art. I. Am. In. Awe. Thick and foamy, right on the edge, the foamy precision is what barista’s coffee dreams are made of- one more drop of foam and this coffee would spill. Now *that* is some serious skill.
“Ovo nije disco Klub”, reassures the sign, despite the edgy Berlin-Esque vibe exuding from the cafe. Kafeterija Lokal is such a vibe. Bright lightbulbs 💡 are strung outside the door, contrasting with the metal wire accents and array of danger signs ⚠️ . This edgy coffee shop is the caffeine child of brothers Filip and Svetislav, born in 2014. There’s a warm, relaxing atmosphere. Large white and orange tiles contrast well with the circular wooden tables, mish mash of ragged car boot chairs and dark green pillows. The scuffed black walls, metal accents and edgy fairy lights (yes apparently fairy lights can be edgy) add a quirky touch.
KOFFEIN
A truly authentic cafe experience. Koffein’s interior is snug and warm and the brain child of Marko Veljković and Dejan Todorović. There is a strong chalet vibe- think dark wooden panelled walls, nooks and crannies, wooden ladders, and rustic lighting. Take a seat at a bright blue table for a solo laptop session, or opt for the high chair window seating for a study session with a view. There seemed to be a bifurcation of students and laptop lovers hustling away inside, whilst brunch goers and chatterboxes gossiped outside!
ROBUSTA
Robusta cafe has strong neighbourhood vibes – large open windows and bay window seating invites locals to enter and enjoy a cup of artisan coffee. A bright pink painting and pink florals on one wall add a pop of vibrant colour. The bright blue wall on the opposing side of the cafe adds a further vibrant edge. Spot the pink flamingo, movie sign, blue moustache and other quirky additions!
ROASTED BY 23 [Crypto Cafe]
A large, open cafe, tucked away behind the main post building, Roasted by 23 is actually a hidden gem. I love walking on parallel side roads to main roads to stumble upon places like this! The interior has an iconic large circular mirror with a permanently marker menu, as well as light wooden furniture and black accents. As all Serbian cafes, they have lovely street side patio seating so you can bask in the sun as your enjoy your coffee.
CAFE TASAS
Bask in the sun, recline on woven French bistro chairs, and enjoy the beautiful view of St Mark’s Church. A large open window invites you to come inside, chat to the friendly baristas, pick a croissant and coffee & start your day on the right foot.
On colder days, sit inside on tall black bar stools, and enjoy the view through the large open French windows. Low hanging golden lights, light brown wooden panelling and lots of mirrored accents, creates a sleek, refined and sophisticated atmosphere. If you like La Boulangerie Belgrade, I’d say Cafe Tašas is its long lost cousin – smaller, cuter, and with a breathtaking view.
TAMPER
Tamper have a coffee academy which is a great place to master your barista skills. The Barista Bachelor course is a great introductory course, whilst the Master Barista Specialisation is a 10 day course to help you become a professional barista! There are also a few latte art courses to choose from.
I can’t wait to pop by again for brunch. The smoothie bowls look a like untruly cooling treat for a hot summer’s day – the green bowl topped with kiwi and blueberries is right up my street. Of course, naturally, the avocado toast is on my list – topped with a sunny side egg, tomatos and lemon, it’s a refreshing avocado dish.
MOMO
“Calm” “Zen” and “Child play” are not words you would usually see in the same sentence. However, MoMo has done the impossible! The cafe is the perfect spot for a chilled study session. Pastel pink, lilac, blue and grey tones flow through the cafe, creating a soothing vibe. Gold accents, low hung chrome lights and light 2010s music adds a little extra dynamism, without being too overpowering.
The circular marble tables are great solo study spots . The large pink velvet sofa is a great pace to have a coffee catch up with fellow toddler moms and dads. There’s a beautiful courtyard with fairy light light bulbs, a long salmon pink painted wall with luscious green and lottos wooden tables to host 2, 4, 6 and 8 guests!
LA CASA DE CAFFE
Situated in the iconic Belgrade Waterfront development, La Casa exudes beach vibes. Dark khaki woven chairs are topped with plush cushions, complementing the shiny white marble tables. Sea blue and grey stripped pillows and light yellow and grey zig-zag pillows are scattered throughout, helping to add to the soothing atmosphere. Green palm plants are scattered throughout the space, and the large straw chandeliers augment the beach vibes.
Here’s a little map below to make your coffee decision a little easier.
As always, let me know your coffee favourites, and where I should visit next.
Lots of love, Jo xoxo
