After Belgrade was recently named by the New York Times as the new cocktal capital of Europe, I came to the city with big expectations, and actually you do have plenty of bars and a vibrant cocktail scene. But life is short and you have to chose, and my decision to start with the Riddle Bar was definetly rewarding. Located in the historical part of the city, the bar well balances atmosphere, hospitality, and quality of drinks. The design blends speakeasy tone with modern elegance: warm lighting, plush seating, and an understated decor that encourages you to linger. Don’t ask me how they do it, but this is one of these places where you can have a fun group of friends sitting at the side of a romantically chatting couple, and it all works.
The bar gets its name from the fact it has no cocktail menu, so ordering a drink feels like solving a riddle because the ingredients and recipe remain a secret until the bartender crafts a custom cocktail based on your preference. Kudos to Igor, the waiter ho helped me and my friends through this process, with uncommon professionalism and smile.
Let’s come to the Martini. While the twist they proposed to me was – to my taste – a bit too “mediterranean” and wet, the classic Martini was very good in terms of temperature, balance, and flavor profile. So, if you are lost in Belgrade and aiming for some good sipping in a charming place, you know where to go. Classic Martini rate: 8.
