BELGRADE | Iva New Balkan Cuisine was opened in 2016 by chef Vanja Puskar. His aim? To showcase regional Balkan cuisine and local ingredients in a contemporary way. It’s a favourite among locals in the mood for a different spin on the dishes that they grew up with.
It’s a simple, unpretentious bistro-style space, with friendly service. Staff speak English, and are happy to guide you through the menu and explain the dishes to you. Open from breakfast through dinner, Iva is the kind of place that suits itself well to a large meal shared with friends, of a simple drink and snack on one of the outdoor tables, while watching the world go by.
The menu, which showcases top quality ingredients sourced from the region’s small, independent suppliers, is extensive and exciting. Expect things like a vegetarian take on the meat patty classic, pljeskavica; oozy melted farm cheese with garlic on bread; and a hearty, umami rich ox tail and vegetable pie.
The chicken schnitzel, herbed, crumbed, and fried to perfection, is a must try. It’s served with creamy mashed potato and a wonderful bone marrow aioli. Also recommended is the baked sweetbreads with mlinci (a type of local pasta).
For dessert, try Puškar’s take on the classic plum krofne (donuts). They’re reimagined as gnocchi prepared with plum stone flour, served with prunes, vanilla cream, and ice cream.
To drink, it’s a selection of carefully sourced wines from some of the region’s most exciting independent producers, local craft beer, and spirits.
Iva New Balkan Cuisine
Kneginje Ljubice 11
Beograd 11000
Serbia
Telephone: 011 1328 5007
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Mon – Sat: 9:00am to 12:00am
Sun: 9:00am to 11:00pm