The best restaurants in the Balkans Skopje

Located near Bit Pazar, this grill restaurant founded in 1952 (Ќебапчилница Космос, Qebaptore Kosmos) is Skopiotes' favorite in Stara Čarsija. But it's no-frills: ćevapi (MKD 240 per ten), homemade bread, roasted peppers, šopksa salad, tavče gravče (MKD 160) and that's about it. However, it's definitely more authentic and better than in the more touristy establishments in the southern part of the district. Tiny street terrace on sunny days and small room with minimalist decor.

In Debar Maalo, 300 m south of City Park, this family-run restaurant (Камин Чамо) has been an institution since 1989. A dozen tables, rustic decor and a small pine-covered fireplace that gives the establishment its name. Not much choice on the menu (in English), but authentic dishes: Albanian kukurec (lamb guts and offal on a spit), veal tongue fritters, tripe soup and drob sarma, a kind of moussaka with lamb liver, rice and spices. Bus: 8 or 15a on Ilinden Boulevard, "Gradski Park Fontana" stop.