The 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Pristina, Kosovo

Meqa is one of the few remaining traditional qebaptores (kebab shops) in the city, having outlasted many competitors who either closed down or declined in quality. The menu is straightforward, featuring grilled meats such as koftas (meat patties), qebapas (mini koftas), pleskavica (burgers), as well as grilled chicken livers and kidneys. Uniquely, Meqa sells meat by the piece (for instance, koftas cost about 30 cents each), allowing you to easily create a customized mixed grill at an affordable price. Pair a selection of grilled meats with speca (large fried peppers) and yogurt for an authentic meal. [$]

Renaissance is conveniently hidden in the heart of the city, accessible through an unmarked entrance (most taxi drivers can easily direct you). Since opening four years ago, it has quickly risen to prominence in Pristina's culinary landscape by sourcing local ingredients and inspiring others to follow suit. Managed by three brothers, the restaurant collaborates with local farmers to present modern Balkan cuisine in a seasonal four-course menu priced at just 15 euros ($17). Guests can enjoy appetizers like grilled local cheese, walnut-stuffed olives, or charred eggplant, followed by a salad featuring thick slices of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. The main course often shines with slow-cooked veal infused with walnuts, cooked over charcoal for eight hours. Every detail reflects their commitment, from attentive servers frequently refilling glasses of local wine and rakija (a fruity brandy) to the building itself, constructed from recycled materials sourced from the capital. [$$]

Italy, just across the Adriatic, has profoundly influenced Balkan cuisine, including that of Kosovo, Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania. Pizza and pasta are staples on menus, but when Kosovars serve authentic Italian fare, they do it exceptionally well. Among the Italian restaurants in Pristina, Osteria Basilico stands out, offering dishes that rival those in Bologna, Florence, or Naples. The restaurant's rich spaghetti al ragu and spaghetti ai gamberi (shrimp pasta) have quickly become local favorites. [$$]

Baba Ganoush is a quaint vegetarian spot nestled in the heart of the city, offering a refreshing contrast to the meat-heavy dining options typical of Pristina. Their mezze platters are filled with smoky delights, including the signature dip, beetroot chutney, and roasted carrot mash infused with peppers, garlic, and sunflower seeds. The restaurant's falafel and bean wraps, priced at just 2.50 euros, are especially popular during lunch hours. While the menu leans towards Middle Eastern flavors, you’ll also find local touches like feta served with walnut pate. Don’t forget to try a tall glass of local craft beer, Sabaja, which is served on tap. [$]

Lisa’s is a modern Mediterranean Mytoury that’s quickly gaining a reputation in Pristina for offering some of the finest steaks in town. For just over 10 euros ($11), diners can indulge in a substantial 8-ounce filet mignon paired with grilled veggies and creamy potatoes, along with generous portions of rib-eye and T-bone steaks. The menu also features pasta, risotto, and salads, complemented by an impressive selection of wines and spirits crafted in Kosovo. [$$]

Soma is a vibrant, contemporary venue that combines a restaurant, bar, and art gallery, often hosting live music and cultural events. While Pristina’s international crowd previously favored the bar for drinks, a recent overhaul of the dinner menu has made dining out equally appealing. The kitchen now highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients in classic dishes like stuffed peppers filled with cheese and thyme, an assortment of grilled meats, and mezze platters featuring local dips such as ajvar (smoky pepper spread) and tarator (a cool spread made with sour curd, cucumber, garlic, and lemon zest). [$$]

This traditional Balkan restaurant presents a wide array of authentic Kosovar dishes, all set in a space that reflects the city’s rich Ottoman heritage. At first glance, the lengthy menu might seem daunting, but there are three must-try items: the casseroles and the homemade bread. The restaurant offers two delectable casserole options—one “white” and the other “red”—both prepared in a tavë (clay baking pot). The white casserole is reminiscent of Kosovo’s classic tavë kosi, featuring a rich blend of yogurt, egg, and incredibly tender veal. For those who prefer a tomato base, the red casserole is packed with eggplant, zucchini, red peppers, and onions, accompanied by tender cuts of beef. Both dishes are served with freshly baked pitalka, a light and fluffy bread baked in a masonry oven. [$$]

Traditionally, dining out in Kosovo often meant visiting a qebaptore, which is essentially a kebab shop. These beloved Mytouries are spread throughout the city, serving up grilled koftas, burgers, and sausages. Nestled in the city's oldest district, Skenda has earned a reputation as the top spot for hamburgers. For just 1 euro, this fast-food gem offers either a chicken or beef burger, generously topped with local slaw, fresh chile paste, and a side salad. [$]

Hannah provides a tranquil escape from the city's hustle. Nestled near Tokqe Park in the northeastern part of the capital, this restaurant is adorned with greenery and vibrant murals, complemented by an outdoor patio under the shade of trees. Chef-owner Fetije Meta specializes in crafting fresh soups, salads, and open-faced sandwiches using locally sourced ingredients. For those who plan ahead, you can pre-order traditional delights like pite (filo pastry filled with tomatoes or spinach), mantija (pastries filled with minced beef), and leceniq (cornbread with cheese and spinach). [$]

A beloved destination in Pristina, Vila Gërmia is always filled with locals enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Nestled within the expansive Gërmia park and forest—a lush green area that stretches through the city—this restaurant offers stunning views from both the indoor dining area and its spacious outdoor patio. The diverse menu features delicious wood-fired pizzas, soups, salads, and grilled meats. Don’t miss breakfast, where you can savor local specialties like llokuma, tasty pieces of savory fried dough best enjoyed with lëng (spicy yogurt dip) and fried peppers. [$]