SKOPJE A wine & food lover’s guide
Immerse yourself in the sights and flavours of North Macedonia’s growing capital city by visiting any of this personal selection of 10 of its hottest spots for wine, food and good company
Nestled between the Mediterranean, Central Europe and the Orient, Skopje is a city brimming with noise and life. Located in North Macedonia’s prime Vardar River Valley wine region, the city is home to an eclectic mix of architecture, where baroque-style buildings stand next to those from the Ottoman period; where pearls of modern architecture strike a contrast with the decaying walls of buildings from the socialist age. The pseudo-antique facades and the hastily erected downtown monuments only add to this unusual fusion of styles.
Scratch below the surface and Skopje will seduce you with its charm, authentic culture, wonderful people, delicious food and powerful, sun-drenched wines, which are a source of pride for everyone in North Macedonia. Skopje has inherited a welldeveloped hospitality culture – its traditional taverns are always full, serving piled-up plates of delicious, fresh and affordable food. Uniquely Macedonian traditions include eating soups for breakfast – fish, veal, chicken or tripe – as well as the local institution of mezetluk: the long and slow enjoyment of fresh salads, cheeses and small bites, traditionally with chilled grape brandy.
Wine culture is in full swing across the whole country, with wine lists becoming broader and more comprehensive year after year, and wine bars more popular than ever.
If you are looking for a stimulating city visitor experience, Skopje will always welcome you with open arms!
WINE BARS & SHOPS
El Cabron Wine bar & shop Franklin Ruzvelt 63A A wine bar and shop that offers more than a hundred labels from local and foreign wineries, most of which you can taste by the glass. The interior is inspired by Spain, the staff know their wine cellar inside out and the bar has a cheerful atmosphere with good music. Tapas and appetisers are offered with wine, as well as opulent cheese platters. elcabronbar.com +389 71 234 553
Forza Wine bar & restaurant Londonska 12a Forza is a cosy place to chill and enjoy delicious food. Celebrate the summer on a pleasant balcony with a glass of good wine. Contemporary cuisine is based on local ingredients, with a strong Italian influence. Everything is accompanied by a good international selection of wines, and service to match. @forzawinebar +389 23 071 200
Granche Wine bar & restaurant Bulevar 8-mi Septemvri 18 In this hip and trendy spot, breakfast and lunch are served from carefully selected seasonal ingredients. The creative team is inspired by traditional Macedonian recipes, adding
