The Danube is just as beautiful in late summer, and we recently listed the unique hidden places you should visit on this river. In addition to everything that the Danube gives us, its gastronomic abundance should also be mentioned. Of course, we are talking about the numerous river fish that inhabit it, and where better to eat fish than at one of the taverns (čarda or csárda, as they’re called in Hungarian) on the coast itself? That’s why we’re bringing you suggestions for restaurants in Novi Sad and its surroundings, where you can try fantastic fish soups and baked fish, relax, and recharge your batteries.
Čarda kod Braše
If you are in the mood for, as they say, the best fish chowder, and at the same time have the time and desire to escape from the city for a while, Čarda kod Braše, two kilometres from Begeč, is our first suggestion for you. Although it is open all year round, this late summer period is a favourite of many because of the pleasant shade on the two terraces. Apart from the perfect fish chowder according to the recipe of the owner Petar Lapu Braša – made almost exclusively of fish and tomatoes – the menu also includes other fish specialities, such as perch, carp, and catfish. Finger licking good!
Čarda Dunavac
The suburban settlement of Futog, next to the Danube, is most often associated with the Futog Cabbage Festival (Kupusijada). However, besides cabbage, Futog also boasts a čarda with excellent fish stew. Besides this dish, you can also eat numerous types of fresh and dried fish here, all accompanied by the sweet sounds of tamburitza. If you like the lunch and the complete atmosphere so much that you want to stay for another hour, you can do that too. On the very bank of the Danube, equipped bungalows will be waiting for you where you can steal some time from your daily duties, which will definitely be waiting for you tomorrow.
Čarda Mačak
If you have a refined taste and distinguish between fish chowder and fish stew, both specialities await you at the čarda Mačak, based on the recipes of the Danube fishermen and made from three types of fish. Mačak is easy to reach since it is located in the Kamenjar neighbourhood. If you like to eat baked, fried, or smoked fish – you will also find something for yourself here because in Mačak they prepare catfish, perch, trout, bream, carp… And when tamburitza starts playing, you will probably want to extend your stay in čarda – do it with some of their great desserts
Bata Pežo
If you have a refined taste and distinguish between fish chowder and fish stew, both specialities await you at the čarda Mačak, based on the recipes of the Danube fishermen and made from three types of fish. Mačak is easy to reach since it is located in the Kamenjar neighbourhood. If you like to eat baked, fried, or smoked fish – you will also find something for yourself here because in Mačak they prepare catfish, perch, trout, bream, carp… And when tamburitza starts playing, you will probably want to extend your stay in čarda – do it with some of their great desserts
Sremac
The beautiful nature along the coast of our only sea, combined with a fish stew made according to the fishermen’s recipe, is the main trump card of the Sremac čarda at the exit from Sremska Kamenica. Apart from the main course on the menu, here it is also possible to try various fish specialities, and regular visitors swear by the side dishes and marinades that give the fish a special taste. If you like local wine, don’t miss trying it in Sremac! And what the staff is particularly proud of are the sweets, so be sure to check out why. In Sremac, they say that they are happy to organise celebrations, so if you would like to celebrate an important date by the river, there’s a potential location for you.
Aqua Doria
Another restaurant just a short drive away is Aqua Doria, a restaurant on Kamenički put, right next to the Varadin Bridge. So, five minutes by car to the view of the Danube and the panorama of the city, and in a beautifully landscaped garden! Boneless fish stew, Bezdan fish stew and fish perkelt are an option for those who like to eat something ‘with a spoon’, and in addition, you can try smoked carp, several types of fish from a grill or talandara – whichever you prefer – as well as fish pâté. So don’t miss visiting Aqua Doria and enjoying its atmosphere and delicious food.
Nećko
People outside Novi Sad have heard about čarda Nećko – and how could they not, when it is a champion of the former state several times over and a three-time Vojvodina champion in the preparation of fish stew? This cottage is located at the popular Ribarac, and guests love its large wooden terrace. Take advantage of the good weather while it’s still summer and head to Nećko to try fish stew ‘with pedigree’, as well as numerous other fish specialities.
Čarda Under the Sycamore Tree
If the road takes you to Sremski Karlovci, or if you want to go somewhere new, Naša čarda in Sremski Karlovci or Čarda pod ‘ladom platana is a great choice. And indeed, at any time there will be guests from Novi Sad, who have come in search of excellent fish stew and other fish specialities. A special bonus is the shade that shields this garden from the persistent rays of the sun if you prefer relaxing a bit with delicious snacks and ‘a cup of conversation’ instead of struggling in the heat.
Author: Tihana Smiljanić
Photo: Tourism Organisation of Vojvodina, Marko Pudić
