Oh boy, I'll never forget the first time I tried Holy Smokes, long before their first place was actually opened. It was a game-changer and I remember thinking "even my mum doesn't make meat this good". Sorry, mum!
Everything started when Aleksandar, the owner, watched one of Anthony Bourdain's shows. That inspired him to make his own smoker (wood-burning stove) after more than 6 months of research.
Holy Smokes supports a "fast casual" concept, offering immediately (just like fast food) extremely high-quality meat such as what you'd usually be served at a restaurant.
The smoker is up all night; beef is prepared for 12 hours and pork for 10. Condiments are also made from scratch -- you won't find ketchup here. My advice is to opt for a meal that includes beef, chicken or pork butt or ribs, a salad (coleslaw, corn samba, beetroot with horseradish or pickles), sides (Mac 'n' cheese, baked beans, Texas potatoes with pickles and mustard), a condiment (amazing barbecue sauces or garlic jam) and flatbread.
When I discovered them, they did have a store but they also used to participate at different food events around Belgrade, so it was difficult to track them down. Luckily, now I can regularly enjoy their barbecue at three locations: in Novi Beograd (Aleksinačkih rudara 16), at Cetinjska street (close to many pubs, so drop by before having some beers) and at Gvožđara 1870.
Find your way with 203 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Miamiam blends French flair, Indian spice, and Michelin-star finesse in a cozy Belgrade bistro. Try the beetroot halva, you won't regret it!
by
Tucked in Belgrade, this modest and intimate museum preserves Ivo Andric’s life and work, from his typewriter to his Nobel Prize — authentic and deeply personal.
by
"Stari šlep" is the perfect restaurant for the summer days/daze in Belgrade. Its name means 'the old barge' - I'd recommend a fish soup and salad here.
by
"Radecki club/restaurant" on Belgrade's Zemun quay: a true local oasis - no espresso here, just plain good old 'domestic' Turkish coffee. Lots to see here.
by
"Balkan Ekspres restaurant" is in Belgrade's Zemun, a city of its own. This place is worth visiting if only just for the views from inside the train car...
by
Dorćol platz is my favorite event venue in Belgrade. It's a meeting place for people into cultural & social change. Always something creative here...
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
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
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
203 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 203 Insider Tips