CEESA Skopje 2027 and NOVA International School Skopje, home 18 to 20 March 2027, Skopje

Eat and Drink

Food is one of the best reasons to visit North Macedonia. Portions are generous, prices are friendly and meals are meant to be shared.

Dishes and drinks to try

  • Tavče gravče in a clay pot

    Tavče gravče

    Тавче гравче

    Baked beans in a clay pot, the national dish.

  • Shopska salad

    Shopska salad

    Шопска салата

    Tomatoes, cucumber, peppers and onion under grated white cheese.

  • A bowl of ajvar

    Ajvar

    Ајвар

    A roasted red pepper spread that families still make at home every autumn.

  • Pastrmajlija flatbread

    Pastrmajlija

    Пастрмајлија

    A boat shaped flatbread topped with meat, often called Macedonian pizza.

  • Selsko meso baked in a clay dish

    Selsko meso

    Селско месо

    A hearty pork and mushroom stew.

  • A round burek

    Burek and pita

    Бурек и пита

    Flaky phyllo pies, perfect for breakfast.

  • Kebapi with bread, peppers and onion

    Kebapi

    Кебапи

    Grilled minced meat, best enjoyed in the Old Bazaar.

  • A glass of Vranec with bottles of Vranec and rakija

    Rakija and Vranec

    Ракија и Вранец

    The local fruit brandy and the country's signature red wine.

Where to eat

Traditional restaurants

For a true taste of Skopje, head to a kafana, a traditional Macedonian restaurant.

  • Stara Kukaclose to the main square
  • Destanin the Old Bazaar, famous for kebapi
  • Skopski Merak and Kafana Debar Maaloin the Debar Maalo neighborhood
  • Shpajz and Chardakin the Debar Maalo neighborhood
  • Makedonsko Seloon Mount Vodno, with views over the city

Something different

  • Distriktinside Skopje Marriott
  • Pelisterright on Macedonia Square
  • Matto NapoletanoNeapolitan pizza recognized by 50 Top Pizza
  • Sushi CoJapanese and Asian dishes
  • Forza Wine BarMediterranean food and local wines
  • AmigosMexican, near NOVA and in the city center

Coffee and evenings out

Café culture is a way of life in Skopje. Locals meet for coffee at any hour, and many cafés turn into lively bars in the evening.

Bars and pubs

  • Beer Gardenin the Debar Maalo area
  • Bruklinski Jazz Bistroin the Debar Maalo area
  • Van Goghin the Debar Maalo area
  • Casa Cubananear Macedonia Square
  • OWL Mixologynear Macedonia Square
  • Irish Pubnear Macedonia Square

Daytime cafés

  • The Duderecognized among Europe's 100 best coffee shops
  • FORTY3on Macedonia Street
  • Blueberry & Basilcoffee and snacks near the square

Night clubs

Conference social hub: NOVA is arranging a gathering spot near Skopje Marriott with offers for participants on Thursday and Friday evenings. Details coming soon.

Good to know: Smoking is still common in many cafés and restaurants, especially near the entrance. Ask for a non smoking area when you arrive.