Kafana

Kafana: Manhattan’s Only Serbian Restaurant

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There may only be one Serbian restaurant in the city but luckily for New Yorkers, Kafana has been representing Serbian cuisine deliciously well! Nestled deep in Alphabet City, the rustic feel of this cozy bistro is a perfect fit for its trendy East Village home, and yet the old-fashioned cash register, the nostalgic postcards and the cheery yellow walls of this little eatery has a warm energy that is matched by their dishes of hearty Serbian meats.

For some New Yorkers, it may be a bit of a trip but for foodies (and meat lovers alike), Kafana will never disappoint.

For some New Yorkers, it may be a bit of a trip but for foodies (and meat lovers alike), Kafana will never disappoint. Pork and veal are perennial favorites with classics like cevapi, tasty finger sized bites of minced, skinless sausage (served with chopped onions) and pljeskavica, a traditional Serbian burger. These large, thin patties are made from pork and veal and then stuffed with ham and cheese over a bed of crispy romaine lettuce (it’s bun-less too for the carb-conscious).

Do come with a group or save some room though because the meaty delights of Balkan cooking don’t stop there! We loved the sarma, thin wraps of stuffed, pickled cabbage rolled with pork and beef and then served alongside creamy mashed potatoes (pire krompir).

A typical meat and potatoes combo is usually boring. However, at Kafana, it's a jumbo red sausage that comes on top of a dish of mashed potatoes that we’re told to chop up before mixing into the potatoes and then scattering with scallions on top!

For a little twist from the pork and beef, give the chicken kebabs (pileci raznjici) a try. Sure, it might seem a bit hackneyed, but the spices are perfect and the bite sized chicken slices are tender and juicy. Besides, what could be more fun than food on a stick?

...and yet the old-fashioned cash register, the nostalgic postcards and the cheery yellow walls of this little eatery has a warm energy that is matched by their dishes of hearty Serbian meats.

Don’t ignore the breadbaskets at Kafana either. The complimentary serving comes with a roast red pepper spread but the real gem is the lepinja sa lajmakom – toasted slices of thick, white bread that have a thick clotted cream spread in the center. It’s not nearly as sweet, but it’s not too far off from cheesecake either!

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