Tri Šešira traditional restaurant

When you want to enjoy a pleasant evening with family, friends, visiting guests or business partners, the choice often falls on restaurants and traditional kafanas with a good reputation and a long-standing tradition. When talking about well-known restaurants and places with live music in Belgrade, historic areas such as Skadarlija and the old town of Zemun are usually among the first places that come to mind. One of the most beautiful and interesting parts of the city, and a place where Belgraders often bring their guests to experience the true spirit of the city, is Skadarlija. The quarter is known for its relaxed bohemian atmosphere, live music, laughter and traditional kafanas. Its old cobblestone street, historic houses and restaurants are an essential part of what makes Skadarlija one of the most recognizable places in Belgrade.

Tri Šešira – A Belgrade Kafana Classic

Tri Šešira is one of the best-known traditional restaurants in Belgrade and welcomes both local and foreign visitors. It opened in 1864, in a building that previously housed a craftsman’s workshop whose sign featured three tin hats. The hats remained above the entrance and gave the restaurant its memorable name. From its earliest days, Tri Šešira became closely connected with the bohemian life of Belgrade and the artists, writers and other well-known figures who gathered in Skadarlija.

Another important chapter in the restaurant’s history came with the demolition of the famous Dardaneli tavern, which once stood on Republic Square. With its disappearance, much of Belgrade’s bohemian life moved towards Skadarlija, with Tri Šešira becoming one of its main meeting places. The restaurant has remained closely associated with this tradition ever since. Among its famous guests over the years were writers and artists such as Đura Jakšić, Branislav Nušić, Tin Ujević and many others.

The restaurant has a beautiful garden directly alongside Skadarska Street, where guests can sit beneath the shade of mature trees. During the quieter parts of the day, the garden offers a pleasant place to enjoy a meal, while afternoons and evenings bring a livelier atmosphere as the music begins and guests relax over food and drinks. The interior is designed in the spirit of a traditional kafana, creating the feeling of stepping into an earlier period of Belgrade’s history.

The restaurant is known for its traditional Serbian cuisine, with dishes based on local specialties, as well as a wide selection of drinks. Among the specialties are grilled meat, ćevapi, kaymak, traditional pies and roasted meat prepared under a sač. The combination of food, music, historic surroundings and friendly service is a major part of the experience that has kept Tri Šešira popular for generations.

Tri Šešira has also remained connected with the wider cultural history of Belgrade. The first issue of the newspaper Politika, published on January 25, 1904, was celebrated at the restaurant, and according to the restaurant’s own historical account, the idea of founding the newspaper was also discussed there. In 1968, when Skadarlija was officially declared a protected cultural and historical area, Tri Šešira became part of this protected heritage as well.

Tri Šešira has maintained its reputation for more than a century and a half and remains one of the most recognizable restaurants in Skadarlija. If you are visiting the quarter for the first time and want to experience a traditional Belgrade kafana with Serbian food, live music and a historic atmosphere, it is certainly one of the places worth considering.

For reservations, further information, photographs, the current menu and drinks list, you can visit the official Tri Šešira tavern website.

How to Get to Tri Šešira

On foot: Tri Šešira is located in the heart of Skadarlija, just a short walk from Republic Square. From the square, follow Francuska Street towards Skadarska Street and continue into the pedestrian area of Skadarlija.