Planning your trip to Ohrid, but not sure where to eat during your stay? As a foodie, this was important for me too when I visited last year! Having scoured the city and chatted to plenty of locals, I thought I’d share my guide to the best restaurants in Ohrid.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Ohrid, the historic city of Ohrid in North Macedonia is not only renowned for its beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage, but it also boasts a vibrant culinary scene. From traditional Balkan delicacies to international fusion cuisine, Ohrid offers a mix of dining experiences to tantalise the taste buds of every one of its visitors. In this guide, I share the best restaurants in Ohrid based on my own experiences in this incredible destination.
Quick tips for visiting Lake Ohrid
Get this: affordable panoramic boat cruise. Enjoy this beautiful boat tour around Ohrid Old Town and learn more about the town – it’s a great way to get your bearings.
Don’t miss: an Ohrid monastery winery tour. I was pleasantly surprised at just how delicious (and cheap!) Macedonian wine is, so try plenty of local wines, brandies, and a cheese and charcuterie platter on this winery tour.
Bucket list experience: tick off three incredible destinations with a tour of Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro in three days. I loved every single place and it’ll be a trip you never forget – the destinations are so close too, it’s rude not to visit them all.
Flights: find the cheapest flights to Ohrid with Skyscanner.
Stay: Find the most affordable hotels in Ohrid on Booking.com.
What to eat in Ohrid
Before we get stuck into the best restaurants in Ohrid, you might fancy knowing more about the local specialities, and what to try when you’re dining out. Ohrid boasts a wide range of dishes that showcase the flavours and rich culinary heritage of North Macedonia. Here are a few of my recommendations based on a few things I tried when I visited last year:
- Ohrid trout – fresh from the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ohrid, local trout is a must-try. Grilled, fried, or baked, Ohrid trout is typically served with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkling of local herbs, allowing the natural flavours of the fish to shine.
- Tavče gravče – a hearty and comforting dish, tavče gravče is Macedonia’s national dish and a staple of Ohrid cuisine. It’s a traditional bean stew made with white beans cooked in a savoury sauce of onions, peppers, tomatoes, and spices, then baked until tender. I found it a little like a richer, more flavoursome version of baked beans. Served as either a main course or a side dish, tavče gravče is usually accompanied by crusty bread or fresh salad.
- Ajvar – a beloved condiment in Macedonian cuisine (and elsewhere in the Balkans), ajvar is a tasty relish made from roasted red peppers, aubergine, garlic, and chilli peppers. Rich, smoky, and slightly tangy, it adds a burst of flavour to grilled meat, sandwiches, and vegetable dishes.
- Shopska salad – another Balkan staple, and light, refreshing, and bursting with colour, the shopska salad is a quintessential part of Macedonian cuisine. Made with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and olives, topped with grated Sirene cheese and dressed with olive oil and vinegar, this colourful salad is a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Honestly, I still can’t get enough of it!
- Sarma – sarma is a savoury dish made with minced meat, rice, and herbs wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. Slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce until the flavours meld together, sarma is a hearty dish reminiscent of Macedonian home cooking. I first discovered a take on this when I visited Bucharest, and I’ve loved it ever since.
- Baklava – you’ll find this everywhere in Ohrid. Indulge your sweet tooth with a taste of baklava, a delectable pastry made with layers of filo dough, chopped nuts, and honey syrup. Rich, flaky, and sweet, Baklava is a beloved dessert in Macedonia and the perfect way to end a meal in Ohrid.
- Rakija – no culinary journey through Macedonia would be complete without sampling rakija, the country’s iconic fruit brandy. Made from distilled grapes, plums, or other fruits, rakija is enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif and is often infused with herbs or spices for added flavour.
Heading to Ohrid but not sure what to do when you’re there? Check out my guide to the best things to do in Ohrid.
The best restaurants in Ohrid
Now we’ve covered what to eat and drink in Ohrid, let’s get to where to find them shall we? Here’s my guide to the best restaurants in Ohrid.
Kaneo, Kocho Racin 43
Kaneo was my favourite restaurant in Ohrid. Walking there at sunset along the boardwalk from Ohrid Old Town was just so lovely and memorable, and I loved the meal that followed. Set along the lake, you can’t get much better when it comes to views while dining in Ohrid. Although a little on the expensive side for Ohrid, the view is totally worth it and I’d say it’s a good pick if you’re looking for somewhere romantic. You’ll find plenty of seafood on the menu, as well as grilled meat, and some traditional Macedonian dishes. We had some traditional Macedonian dips and bread to start, cocktails, and a lovely lobster spaghetti when we went.
Dalga, Kosta Abrash 3
Dalga, nestled in the heart of Ohrid, is one of the best restaurants in Ohird, capturing the essence of Macedonian cuisine in each of its dishes. With its cozy ambiance and savoury delights, Dalga offers traditional flavours, from hearty tavče gravče to delectable Ohrid trout. Each dish is a celebration of locally sourced ingredients and time-honoured recipes. It has friendly staff and a lovely spot on the lake so you can enjoy your dinner with a view. Enjoy soft music and the sound of gentle waves from the lake while you peruse a menu that specialises in grilled meats and salad. Of course, you can’t miss the Ohrid trout, and this is a great place to enjoy it.
The Lion Ohrid, Kej Makedonija 81
The Lion is one of the best restaurants in Ohrid, with some of the loveliest staff you’ll find in the area. Reasonably priced, you can enjoy traditional Macedonian food, tapas, and international fusion dishes. Personally, I love ordering lots of small plates so that you can try different dishes and work out what you like the best. I highly recommend trying the courgette balls, the tacos, and some of the traditional beef dishes. As a relatively new restaurant in Ohrid, it’s beautifully designed with a relaxed feel. Book ahead and get there in time for sunset over Lake Ohrid. You might even be lucky and catch some live music.
Restaurant Kajche, Ilindenska 22
We visited here on our first night in Ohrid, thanks to recommendation of the owner of our lovely hotel. It’s a lovely spot with a long terrace that ends at the lakefront, meaning there are plenty of tables well positioned for a great view. The restaurant prides itself on its organic vegetables and fresh meat. I chose the grilled Ohrid trout, which was fresh and delicious and served with grilled vegetables. My friend went for the Ohrid trout in a pan, which was a little like a fish casserole – it was super tasty too. You can try plenty of local specialities here as well, thanks to the varied menu.
Leonardo Pizza, Цар Самоил 33
If you fancy pizza, you have to check out Leonardo Pizza – it’s one of the best restaurants in Ohrid and the best place to grab pizza. You can tell it’s popular because there’s often a bit of a wait for a table – you can also get your pizza to go if you prefer. Situated steps away from the shores of Lake Ohrid, Leonardo Pizza offers beautiful views over the beautiful gardens of St. Nikola Bolnicki. I recommend grabbing a table on the terrace so that you can enjoy the backdrop. Feast on mouthwatering pizzas made with fresh ingredients and baked in a wood-fired oven. You can also try pasta dishes, salads, and appetisers if you prefer. The lasagne is particularly tasty.
Restaurant Belvedere, Macedonia 2
Restaurant Belvedere is a culinary journey through the flavours of North Macedonia, and one of the best restaurants in Ohrid. Enjoy stunning views from the centre of Ohrid near the city’s harbour. I enjoyed sitting in the large open terrace when I visited. The restaurant’s menu showcases the best of Macedonian cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations. Specialities include succulent grilled meats, hearty stews, and fresh seafood. The service is really great here too. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch some live acoustic music during your meal also.
From upscale waterfront restaurants to quaint eateries tucked away in cobblestone alleys, Ohrid has a restaurant to suit every palate and preference. Whether you’re craving traditional Macedonian cuisine, international flavours, or vegetarian delights, the city’s diverse dining scene promises a feast for the senses.
That’s my guide to the best restaurants in Ohrid! I hope you found it helpful. If you have any other questions about visiting Ohrid, let me know in the comments and I’ll do my best to come back to you.
