La Taqueria - Two visits The most authentic Mexican food we have ever experienced whilst travelling the world* a place where you embrace the slow food movement. The restaurant is nestled on a corner of a cobblestone laneway, adjacent to a beautiful historic building, 'The Visitor Centre of the National Bank of Serbia', which spoils you with lovely views and a peaceful atmosphere. The food was very fresh, clean, high-quality with no extra fuss, and delicious. The bar staff were definitely generous with their spirit pours in the cocktails. You won't be disappointed; they definitely woke you up and kept you wanting more. The menu mentions no Tex Mex; if you are new to this term, as we were, it refers to 'Tex-Mex cuisine is an American and Texan cuisine that derives from the culinary creations of the Tejano people of Texas'. The staff are very enthusiastic, with beautiful personalities and fun to spend the afternoon with bantering. Not only is La Taqueria a perfect restaurant to enjoy a long lazy lunch, but also the perfect spot to share with friends, people watch or an ideal spot to spend the morning or afternoon catching up on work; laptops are welcome too. La Taqueria is not your typical Mexican restaurant design. It is very stylish and quirky. They have definitely taken Mexican dining to a new level, one that you will be impressed by. * Outside of Mexico, which we are yet to experience.

Bar Sasa - Three visits Bar Sasa is a restaurant that exudes positive energy and delivers exceptional service, food and wine. It is tucked away in a tree-lined street in Dorcol, Belgrade, a short walk from the famous pedestrian street with views of original architecture filtered by lush green trees. The choice is yours, upstairs fine dining for your special occasions, a quiet atmosphere, but then you can pop downstairs and enjoy the vibrant energy and enjoy the fine dining cuisine in a more relaxed environment. We have dined both upstairs and downstairs dining. We found the upstairs to be more private and peaceful, an escape in a beautiful dining room that feels like a stately home surrounded by artwork and antiques with parquetry flooring. The monthly changing menu is full of hearty comfort food, prepared with the freshest seasonal ingredients, the best minestrone ever, tasty and sweet All dishes have been mouthwatering, and you can't leave without sampling the Tiramisu! The incredible wine list feels each choice has been handpicked to complement the fantastic menu. A solid handful of options from your favourite wine regions. Especially French, Italian and local Serbian wines. Warm and welcoming, friendly service, full of smiles, feels like a family and friends-oriented restaurant, definitely a local favourite as was bustling with locals during midweek lunch. Lunch and dinner all day, the kitchen do not close, similar throughout the Balkans. No matter time of day, you can enjoy a full menu cooked to perfection. Head downstairs after lunch to enjoy a drink at the bar, great tunes and the local buzz, everyone is lost in their conversations. It truly has a great vibe.

O Bistro Delice Dorcol - Two visits A charming wine bar in Dorcol, Belgrade, where the moment you step in, you have been whisked away to a Parisian wine bar. Think fine French cheese accompanied by elegant decor, wines and champagne. This is O Bistro Delice. You can relax on the sidewalk surrounded by the planter boxes or cosy up on the lounge inside whilst enjoying your favourite champagne. Staff are warm and friendly, with bubbly personalities. We enjoyed our champagne whilst bantering away with the lovely waitress. Inside, you can peruse a great selection of wines from Serbia and France available to purchase and take home also. An excellent selection is available of outstanding small boutique champagne houses. A deli-style food pantry products are available to stock up your home too. Attention to detail with the interior design emphasises quality and comfort, a perfect spot to relax over the weekend.

Airbnb Petrovaradin - Two nights Square 19 is an Airbnb like no other in Novi Sad that exudes luxury. The rooms are exquisitely designed and very modern. The Airbnb is located in the bohemian quarter of Novi Sad, surrounded by gorgeous historic homes and buildings. You are minutes from the Petrovaradin fortress and about 20 minutes by foot from the old town of Novi Sad across the Danube river. The entrance is spell-bounding as you walk through the halls to arrive up the stairs to your room. Square 19 is only one year old, with a high-quality build. You will be guaranteed a very comfortable sleep. The beds are heavenly, surrounded by murals and artefacts from the unique theme. Each room has its theme, and they are all divine. No detail is left unturned, and the rooms are very spacious, beautifully furnished and stunning. A cute pizzeria restaurant, Picerija Mačak for your morning coffee, and breakfast. It is just downstairs with a warm and friendly team. Be sure to walk the steps up to the clocktower and enjoy a meal overlooking Novi Sad during the evening at Terasa Restoran, and it is magical. Dusan is an absolute delight and shares his tips on the best restaurants and sites to visit. Definitely recommend Square 19 for your stay in Novi Sad. You will not be disappointed.

Ferdinand knedle - Two visits Great little dessert shop specialising in dumplings, a large variety of sweet to savoury flavours available. They are quite unique, as made with potato dough and filled with all sorts of flavours, from sweet fruits, chocolate to savoury fillings, then deep-fried. The team are always bursting with energy and make you feel very welcome. Definitely worth visiting to experience the traditional dumplings. You can also dine in with a coffee or take away a selection for dessert at home.

Kuća Mala - One visit We love getting lost in a new city and stumbling onto hidden gems. Kuca Mala was precisely this, tucked away in a quiet alley behind the market. It was stunning with the most magnificent mural, giving you the feeling you are lost in Italy. The decor was full of pastel flavours with a warm and cosy vibe. Ample outdoor dining space and charming indoor dining area. We were greeted with attentive and friendly service, and the food was exceptional, the best breakfast we had in Novi Sad. Kuca Mala is an Instagram heaven, and you can't help yourself but capture the essence of the cafe during your meal. Recommend adding this little gem to your must-visit places whilst in Novi Sad, Serbia.

Showroom Bar & Dine - One visit We found Showroom by strolling through the city and seeing the slick advertising and the mention of Bar and Dine. We knew it was a place to visit. After about 30 minutes walking we arrived, it was great to experience the city on foot and come across all the local life and monuments. Upon arrival, we were ready for a drink and a long lazy lunch. We were greeted warmly and settled in for our lunch, kickstarting with cocktails, which were unique and very well balanced. We enjoyed making our way through the menu and enjoying some new and exciting dishes. Following lunch, we had to continue with the Devil's Ice tea cocktails. They were too good to miss! The restaurant is beautifully designed indoors and boasts a very spacious outdoor area, with lush furniture. It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy your afternoon with quality cocktails, wine and food, all served by a lovely team.

Macak Restoran - Two visits MAČAK is a cute pizzeria restaurant in the bohemian quarter of Novi Sad. You are surrounded by gorgeous historic homes, buildings and the Petrovaradin fortress. Picerija Mačak is perfect for your morning coffee, juice boost and breakfast. Also would be ideal for a quick bite for lunch or dinner. It is located just downstairs from Square 19, an Airbnb like no other in Novi Sad, perfect for a Novi Sad weekend getaway. The restaurant/cafe has a community vibe, eclectic design and a warm and friendly team. You are minutes from the Petrovaradin fortress and about 20 minutes by foot from the old town of Novi Sad across the Danube river.

Terasa Restoran - One visit The lovely Terasa Restoran is located in the Petrovaradin fortress with magical views over Novi Sad and Danube. Beautiful walk through the bohemian side of Novi Sad, a simple stroll up through the fortress and clock tower. The restaurant is not your typical tourist restaurant. It has class, genuine service and quality furniture to soak up the beautiful views. We stumbled onto Terasa Restoran and wished we had more time to enjoy a long lazy lunch during our stay, but we still enjoyed evening drinks and dessert whilst chatting away with the lovely team. You are spoilt with a spacious outdoor dining area, along with indoor seating also available with views. Highly recommend it for a romantic dining experience or with a group of friends.

ZAK Restoran - One visit ZAK Restoran in Novi Sad has a beautiful ambience, modern fine dining and delicious food and wine. The fine dining is upstairs from when you enter Kalem by ZAK, the casual dining section. The restaurant is incredibly stylish, furnished with quality comfort designed furniture. Whilst surrounded by unique pieces from Villeroy & Boch and stunning artwork. We loved the amber surroundings, very lush with extravagant chandeliers. You are spoilt with views of historic buildings from upstairs with window tables in abundance. The extensive wine list will keep you busy and an excellent choice of wines from local wineries. We enjoyed the red from Temet, Tri Morave (2018). They have a unique cocktail list with a twist on all your favourite cocktails which were excellent, including the Negronis to celebrate #negroniweek. The staff are so friendly, true Serbian cheerful natured, we had so much fun with our lovely waiter Jovan as he made us feel very welcome. ZAK has a real focus on quality meats and fresh seafood. If you are a lobster fan, they are on display for you to choose from. Our meals were divine, with substantial serving sizes, followed by a delicious mille-feuille dessert. Serbia wins the prize for the best toilet amenities we have experienced throughout our travels. A great selection of essentials for the ladies and gents. Always a pleasant surprise and respectful for guests. ZAK Restoran is the perfect introduction to Novi Sad, and we definitely recommend it for your fine dining experience.