If you ever get to stay in Skopje, you will have a hard time choosing where to eat. There are hundreds of restaurants serving delicious Macedonian food and each one looks so inviting. Food is such a big part of the Macedonian culture and even the bars in Skopje serve full course meals. It’s safe to say that Macedonians are a nation of foodies – locals love to spend their afternoons either cooking, or eating out.
Aside from Macedonian dishes, restaurants in Skopje serve mainly Italian, Balkan and Mediterranean food. If you’re looking for a nice place to enjoy your lunch in, or have a delightful dinner date, make sure you visit one of the best restaurants in Skopje listed below.
Pelister Skopje
Located right on the town square, Pelister Skopje has a long tradition of serving some of the best Italian and Mediterranean dishes in town. This restaurant offers a wide selection of pasta, seafood, vegetarian and meat dishes, and a variety of wines. Like most of the best restaurants in Skopje, Pelister is often crowded and it’s best to make a reservation beforehand.
Distrikt Bar & Kitchen
Another gem on the main square in Skopje, Distrikt Bar & Kitchen is where locals go for a fancy brunch. This restaurant is a part of the Marriot Hotel, which is known as a top class hotel with an excellent service. The tasty food, chic bar and luxurious interior are what make Distrikt Bar & Kitchen one of the best restaurants in Skopje.
La Terrazza
Right next door to Pelister, La Terrazza is a charming Italian restaurant known for its amazing food and cozy atmosphere. It’s a great place to have a lunch break while enjoying the view of the town square. This restaurant has a caffe extension called Dolce La Terrazza, where you can try a variety of tasty sweets and desserts.
Sushi Co
If you’re looking for the best Asian food in the area, make sure to visit Sushi Co. This restaurant serves authentic Thai, Japanese and Chinese specialties cooked by professional chefs from Thailand, Japan and China. The interior is an elegant blend of traditional Eastern elements and modern, luxurious architecture. It’s the perfect setting for a fancy Asian diner in the center of the city. That being said, the prices are higher than most restaurants in Skopje, so expect a costly check.
Vodenica Mulino
If you’re looking to wine and dine in one of the upscale restaurants in Skopje, you have to visit Vodenica Mulino. Located in the center of the city, this restaurant offers great service, peaceful ambience and food prepared by some of the best professional chefs in the area. The menu includes a selection of Italian dishes made from fresh ingredients – all mouth watering and worth a try!
Ristorante da Gino
Macedonians sure love their Italian food! Locals refer to Ristorante da Gino as one of the best Italian restaurants in Macedonia. It’s set in the City Shopping Centre GTC, which is located right in the heart of the Macedonian capital. This restaurant offers delicious Italian food with a Macedonian twist to it. Aside from the amazing main course options, Gino Skopje is the place to find some of the best desserts in town.
Amigos
If you’re craving Mexican food, this is the right place for you. Amigos restaurant is located just a few minutes away from the main square, on the largest pedestrian street in town. It offers some of the best Mexican meals and drinks, as well as the name suggests, a friendly staff ready to help you get the best out of your visit. This place is, without a doubt, one of the best restaurants in Macedonia.
Senigallia
Out of all the restaurants in Skopje, Senigallia is probably the most unusual one. This hotel and restaurant is set in a docked ship on the river Vardar, near the Stone Bridge, right in the center of Skopje. The menu contains Macedonian, Italian and Mediterranean dishes and you can enjoy one of these on the deck of the ship, along with the view of the river and city center. Senigallia is certainly a unique spot, ideal for a lunch break on a warm sunny day.
Hunter’s Lodge Kamnik
You can try the amazing Macedonian wines in all of the restaurants in Skopje, but if you’re looking to have an evening of wine tasting and incredible food, visit Hunter’s Lodge Kamnik. This restaurant offers over 150 different wines from Macedonia and all over the world, as well as Macedonian specialties made from the finest ingredients. Unlike most of the best restaurants in Skopje, Hunter’s Lodge Kamnik is located 6 km away from the center of the city. Nevertheless, it’s guaranteed to give you a true gastronomic experience.
Restaurants in Skopje – things to know
While the list above is certainly diverse, there are still many more restaurants to visit and enjoy. The city center is filled with traditional Macedonian restaurants, usually located in clusters one next to another and you can eat out every night for a month and still have an extensive list to cover.
The prices are mostly affordable, and 30 dollars will buy you a fancy dinner for two including cocktails, main dishes, a side dish and somewhere even a desert. The pricier locals might go higher on average, but don’t expect to spend more than 50 dollars on a luxurious meal for two unless you buy very expensive wine, or a pricey specialty of the house.
The number for each restaurant is easy to find online, and you can make a reservation one or two days prior to your visit. Friday night is usually the most crowded period of the week, so make sure to plan your reservation accordingly.
The list above features some of the best restaurants in Macedonia, but do note that these are establishments that serve western meals and operate according to western standards. If you want to taste the true Macedonian culinary experience, perhaps the traditional Macedonian kafanas are the right choice. The prices are even more affordable there.
Whatever your choice, remember that your stay in Skopje wouldn’t be complete without tasting the local culinary magic. So don’t hesitate to expand your palate and pay a visit to one of the best restaurants in Skopje before visiting the rest of the culinary scene!