The Best Sushi in Belgrade: 8 Restaurants for Dine-in and Takeout
- Nikola Igračev
- 5 min
- 18 June 2023.
- Good stories
Sushi is one of those specialties around which people often have polarized opinions - from those who can never get enough of this traditional Japanese dish to those who can't even imagine raw fish combined with cooked rice, vegetables, and vinegar on their plate.
The first group will say that sushi is much more than rice and raw fish, although that's essentially what it is. However, the experience of preparation, the type of rice, the specific acidity of rice vinegar, moderation in the use of Asian sauces, and the overall freshness of ingredients are factors that transform that rice and fish into a true delicacy.
This type of exotic food in Belgrade is no longer such a novelty in the culinary offer of the capital, as it was ten or more years ago. Sushi is now ubiquitous, an integral part of catering at celebrations, and often the first choice for a last-minute lunch or fast food snack.
As this article is primarily intended for sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine enthusiasts, we present some of the most popular Japanese restaurants and sushi bars in Belgrade, where the taste of sushi is elevated to an art form.
Bizu
One of those sushi restaurants that you don't just stumble upon, but rather visit with a clear intention, is located in Senjak. Bizu Restaurant successfully blends the flavors of Asia and Europe. In a beautiful ambiance, you will enjoy fantastic sushi variations for which Bizu is known, as well as the highest quality steak, burger, or warm homemade apple pie with ice cream. The view of the open kitchen, subtle lighting, friendly staff, well-curated wine list and cocktail menu, sake and Asahi, all testify to the attention to every detail here. Bizu is a gathering place for business people during lunchtime, but also a sophisticated spot for an evening outing with selected DJ music. During the summer months, you can enjoy the beautiful green oasis provided by the restaurant's garden. And when you are unable to visit us, our well-organized delivery system will allow you to enjoy our culinary flavors in the comfort of your own home.
Go Sushi
There's no point in arguing about tastes, so it's difficult to say where the best sushi in Belgrade is prepared. However, many would agree that the Go Sushi chain of sushi bars is precisely such a place. Actually, not just one place, as it exists in four locations across the city. A variety of unique sushi flavors and combinations, with probably the best price-quality ratio, are accessible even to an average Belgrade budget. Those who prefer quantity on their plate may say that the portions "could be larger," but that certainly remains in the realm of relative opinion.
Sakura
One of the most popular Belgrade restaurants of Asian cuisine, with a menu dominated by Japanese specialties, is located within the Beton Hala complex at the Sava riverfront. Alongside a wide selection of traditional Japanese spirits - sake, Sakura's menu features an impressive number of sushi and sashimi-based dishes (raw fish without rice). For those who are not very experienced with Japanese cuisine, such a vast selection may seem confusing, but the friendly and professional staff of the restaurant is there to resolve any doubts. The prices are slightly higher, but that shouldn't come as a surprise considering the unique atmosphere in a trendy location.
Moon Sushi & Fusion Food
Perhaps the most famous location in the city where you can enjoy excellent sushi is situated on Makedonska Street, at the Politika Square. Moon Sushi bar is one of the first sushi restaurants in Belgrade and, due to its excellent and busy downtown location, it is also one of the most popular. A wide selection of maki and nigiri sushi, California rolls, and unique sake cocktails, in the authentic ambiance of the restaurant, will allow you to experience the well-known part of the city in a slightly different way and give you a completely new association with it.
Sky Lounge
Unlike Moon Sushi bar, which is passed by tens of thousands of people daily, Sky Lounge is a place quite hidden from the eyes of passers-by. And literally so, on the rooftop of the renowned Hilton hotel, at Slavija. Nevertheless, that doesn't prevent it from being the highest-rated sushi restaurant in Belgrade on popular platforms like Trip Advisor. As one of the most exclusive places in the city, Sky Lounge is, admittedly, a spot for those with a deeper pocket. However, for true lovers of Japanese cuisine and sushi, this adventure won't be a burden. The price includes a perfect view from the Hilton, overlooking almost the entire city of Belgrade.
Marukoshi
Marukoshi is a restaurant of Japanese cuisine "from head to toe." If sushi is considered a part of it in a Japanese restaurant, you will be pleasantly surprised by the selection, especially the taste of other authentic Japanese specialties. Understanding the menu may pose a slight challenge, but this "obstacle" will be easily overcome by the kindness of the restaurant staff, and then the culinary experimentation can begin. With a few glasses of Japanese beer (rice, of course) and a cup of sake, the Japanese adventure in the center of Belgrade will be complete. Unlike most exotic restaurants, Marukoshi has slightly more affordable prices.
Ebisu
In the vicinity of the previous one, there is another Asian restaurant where Japanese specialties, led by sushi, take the lead in the menu. Named after the god of the sea and luck from Japanese mythology, the Ebisu restaurant is located on the rooftop of the prestigious Square Nine hotel, at Studentski trg. Known for the exceptional freshness of ingredients that, according to their claim, arrive twice a week from various parts of the world, Ebisu is a restaurant where you will momentarily forget that you are in Belgrade. However, the fantastic view of the old part of the city, Dorćol, and Stari Grad will remind you of that. Such an ambiance, however, comes at a cost.
Sushidream
Finally, a sushi restaurant across the "pond." And what a restaurant it is, one of the most popular in the whole city. While it is expected that a restaurant of this caliber maintains high-quality ingredients and authentic flavors, what will surprise many visitors is the concept of an open kitchen where you can observe every move of the sushi master preparing your dish. In addition to a variety of sushi options, they also offer unusual Japanese soups and salads, as well as delicious desserts. Considering that all Japanese restaurants represent a certain kind of exclusivity, Sushidream is definitely one of the most accessible ones.
Of course, there are many other interesting places in Belgrade where you can try quality sushi. This short guide provides insight into some of the most popular venues in Belgrade where traditional Japanese specialties are being cooked. For those who want to explore further and compare flavors, there are also other Japanese restaurants in Belgrade and Serbia.