DJ is shortened for Dragoslav Jovanović, the first owner of this lovely old-fashioned confectionery who opened it with his wife more than 50 years ago. Located right across the entrance to the Third Belgrade Gymnasium, in the heart of Vračar (a beautiful residential and central part of Belgrade), “DJ” has been a meeting place of high school students, local families and numerous people who have been coming back for years. As I ate my first chestnut puree here at the age of five, I think I might call myself a regular visitor.
What is fairly difficult to do when it comes to DJ is choosing the cake: everything they serve somewhat has its roots in the Austro-Hungarian tradition, and there are many kinds of creamy pastries, egg-based cakes, nut and chocolate delicacies. Sometimes they still bring out sweet bread with cream, a cheap invention made up by the owner’s wife and adored by the Gymnasium students throughout the decades.
In the summer, DJ has an amazing ice-cream offer, all of it home-made; poppyseed and cinnamon surely stand out, but they are an intense mix when eaten in the same cone. The boza they serve can be truly refreshing, as it has a Western twist (these are the owner’s exact words: I don’t know the details, but it does taste softer than the oriental ones). My recommendation is the špricer: half glass of boza, half glass of lemonade. Or maybe two glasses.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Belgrade guide.
"Illegal Cinema" in Belgrade is a very special institution. Everyone can suggest a film for screening, if they start a discussion about it at the end...
By
The daily menu can, for example, include pumpkin with leek and poppy seeds, Thai curry with dried banana, chutney and raita. Or the good old veggie burger.
By
The Residence of Princess Ljubica in Belgrade is one of the few buildings that date to early the 19th c. Discover the bourgeois Serbia of the past!
By
Sinnerman Jazz Club in Belgrade hosts great jazz bands of course, but I really like their terrace with the great city views and its dark beer on tap!
By
After 40 years of providing the people of Belgrade with the best steaks, "Morava Butcher Shop" is now the first Meat Concept Store in town...
By
The "Stefan Nemanja Monument" in Belgrade is the city's largest - it always reminds me of The Lord of the Rings...
By
Pljeskavicas are like Serbian burgers, but much bigger and tastier. Mile makes some amazing pljeskavica, some of the best in Belgrade in my opinion...
By
"The Black Turtle Pub" is one of the original Belgrade microbreweries, and no other has the modesty, atmosphere and affordable prices you'll find here.
By
Silosi are an old industrial place reimagined as a cultural and vibrant riverside spot with different kinds of festivals organized around it occasionally.
By
"Dogma Brewery" is beer paradise in Belgrade. Big hangar, high ceiling & a 7-meter long bar. Enjoy a tap beer while looking at the industrial environment.
By
"Cafe Strip" in Belgrade is just full of colors. And not only that! There's tons of stuff everywhere... but everything's just perfectly placed. So cozy!
By
197 Insider Tips from Locals
Authentic Stories
Escape the Crowds
Full Access to our Belgrade Blog & App!
✓ 197 Hidden Gems only Locals know
✓ Full Access to the Belgrade City Blog & App!