How I Accidentally Became the Go-To Friend for Restaurant Picks in Belgrade (Thanks to This Site)
Let me tell you something I didn’t ask for: becoming that friend.
You know the one—the “where should we eat?” friend. The restaurant recommendation machine. The group planner. I didn’t apply for the job, but somewhere between posting one too many food pics and organizing two successful birthday dinners, I ended up with the unofficial title.
And for a while, I was flying by the seat of my pants. Random Google searches. Scrolling Instagram. Calling restaurants during my lunch break just to hear, “Sorry, fully booked.” It was chaos. Until I found a little gem of a website that completely changed the game for me: OnTopO.
And now? I look like I’ve got the entire Restaurants in Belgrade scene in my back pocket.
Here’s how this site became my secret weapon—and how you can use it to make dining out in Belgrade way less stressful (and actually fun again).
Let’s Talk About Belgrade’s Restaurant Scene
Belgrade is having a serious food moment. It’s always had the classic kafanas and hearty Balkan meals, but over the last few years, new spots have been popping up like mushrooms after rain. Asian fusion, modern Balkan, craft burgers, plant-based menus—you name it, it’s here.
Which is amazing… but also overwhelming. Because with so many options, how do you know where to go that’s actually worth it? And more importantly—how do you get a table?
Spoiler: this is where OnTopO saves the day.
What Is OnTopO, and Why Should You Care?
OnTopO is a reservation platform specifically focused on Restaurants in Belgrade. But calling it just a “reservation site” doesn’t really do it justice.
It’s more like this slick, user-friendly tool that shows you:
Which restaurants are worth checking out
What times they have available right now
What kind of vibe, cuisine, and price range to expect
And then lets you reserve your table instantly—without having to call anyone
It takes all the awkward stuff (scrolling menus, wondering if a place is open, hoping someone answers the phone) and removes it. You’re left with just the fun part: choosing where to eat.
My “Aha!” Moment
One Thursday afternoon, my friend texted: “Let’s do dinner tomorrow—pick the place?”
Normally, that would’ve sent me into a spiral. Friday night in Belgrade? Good luck finding a free table anywhere without booking days in advance.
But I’d recently heard about OnTopO from a coworker who said it “kind of saved their social life.” So I gave it a shot. Opened the site, filtered by “modern cuisine” and “center,” and bam—dozens of options with live availability.
Within five minutes, I had a table booked at a beautiful little spot near Skadarlija that none of us had been to before. The food? Unreal. The cocktails? Dangerous. The bill? Shockingly reasonable.
That was the night I became that friend. But for once, I didn’t mind.
What Makes It Actually Useful
I’m not easily impressed by apps or websites that say they “simplify” anything. Most of them just slap on a pretty UI and call it a day. OnTopO, though, actually feels like it was made for people who live in Belgrade and eat out often.
Here’s what makes it different:
It’s Real-Time and Accurate
No weird delays. No vague “we’ll get back to you” booking forms. You pick your date and time, and if the table is available, it’s yours. Done.
Map and Filter Options That Actually Help
Want sushi in New Belgrade? Brunch near Kalenić? A fancy dinner in Dorćol that’s still open at 10 PM? You can find it in a few clicks.
Honest Photos and Menus
Not just fancy PR shots—there are real photos, actual menu info, and even vibe check details. Like whether it’s good for a date, has outdoor seating, or is family-friendly.
It’s Local
This one’s big. Unlike global booking sites that treat Belgrade like an afterthought, OnTopO is rooted in the local food scene. You’re not stuck with just touristy spots—it’s full of places locals actually eat at.
A Few Favorites I’ve Booked Through OnTopO
Because I wouldn’t leave you hanging, here are some restaurants I’ve discovered (or re-discovered) thanks to the platform:
Enso – Sleek and intimate, with creative dishes and spot-on wine pairings.
Homa – Modern and experimental, but not in a weird “what am I eating?” way.
Ambar – A great intro to Balkan flavors, especially if you’ve got friends visiting from abroad.
Langouste – A bit more upscale, perfect for celebrations or date nights where you’re trying to impress.
Magaza – Cozy atmosphere, live music some nights, and traditional Serbian food done right.
The Unexpected Perks
There were a few things I didn’t expect when I started using OnTopO regularly:
It made me more adventurous. Since I could browse so easily, I found myself trying spots I wouldn’t have otherwise.
It reduced decision fatigue. No more endless back-and-forth in the group chat. I just send the link and say, “Booked it.”
It made last-minute plans possible. This might be the biggest one. Some of my best nights out started with, “Wanna grab dinner?” and ended in a new favorite place I found five minutes earlier on OnTopO.
Tips to Get the Most Out of It
Bookmark it on your phone—trust me, you’ll use it more than you expect.
Use the “Now Available” filter when you need something ASAP.
Don’t sleep on brunch—some of the best places get booked up early on weekends.
Share your reservations—the site makes it easy to send the booking link to your friends so there’s no confusion.
Final Thought: Your Shortcut to Being the Foodie Friend (Without the Stress)
If you live in Belgrade, visit often, or just love finding new places to eat, OnTopO is kind of a no-brainer. It’s clean, easy, and surprisingly powerful.
I used to dread picking restaurants for people. Now I kind of look forward to it. I get to scroll through options, discover new spots, and book everything in minutes. No more awkward calls, no more second-guessing, and no more showing up to find out the place is packed and you’re out of luck.
It turns out, being that friend isn’t so bad—especially when you’ve got a little help.
Ready to be the one who always knows the best Restaurants in Belgrade? Try OnTopO next time you’re planning a night out—and thank me later.