After more than one year of restricted traveling we are ready for some new shores, interesting people but also for new tastes. One of the things that I miss the most from the traveling before the pandemic is that special feeling of tasting all of those different local cuisine. From European gastronomic wonders to spicy Asian food and from mediterranean sea food to the esence of the middle east. When I think of all of my previous travelings from China to America and everything between, first thing that is on my mind is that opportunity to gett to know the country through its cuisine. Now, when traveling is still complicated I have found perfect place in the capital of Serbia – vibrant Belgrade, where I can feel again that I am on a journey around the world. Magellan restaurant – in the most exclusive part of New Belgrade is a restaurant with a story and the concept that will not leave even the most demanding guests indifferent.
But why Magellan…what is a story behind that name? Ferdinand Magellan will be remembered in history as the first sailor whose expedition, although unplanned, proved that the Earth is round. However, his plans were a bit different. His last adventure awaited in Asia. He paid special attention to the Spice Islands and not by chance. The spice trade at that time brought great honor and prestige. The spice itself gave people the taste of distant lands, about which they could only hear in sparse stories. The life of this important historical figure, his adventurous spirit and discoveries that have greatly influenced the development of the culinary world was inspiration for the name of the restaurant but also idea to prepare dishes that are a combination of diverse spices and flavors.
Interior of the restaurant is magnificent and you have a feeling that you are on a yacht sailing the distant seas. During your journey you will have opportunity to try masterly prepared international dishes, and if captain is the most important person on a boat, here the main course of voyage is drove by chef Aleksandar Ilić. He is experienced chef and with his team he is bringing modern art on your plate. Lets start with the menu.
First dishes that I tried are awe-inspiring apetizers. Foie gras at Magellan restaurant is really good choice for the start of this gastronomical journey and will open your apetite. After goose liver with the perfect texture and unique presentation in a plate in form of an ice cream I am recommending rolled sea fish carpaccio. Fresh taste of this carpaccio will wake all of your senses and you will be ready for the main dish.
One of my favorite dishes is truffles in every form, and it is good that I had opportunity to try Tagliatelle with truffles and prosciutto because this was the first time that I tried truffles that are found in Serbia. Waiter told me that they are from ,,stara planina,, region in south east Serbia and that in recent years truffle market in Serbia is growing and that it is with one of the best quality in the world. When I am mentioning waiter I have to say that I am impressed with the service from the entrance of the restaurant and the hosttes to every aspect during the dinner.
After unique experience with Serbian truffles I wanted to try something even more local and that is deer served with potato and mushroom dumplings and with blackberry sauce. What a treat – perfect balance of deer with smoky taste of meet mixed with local mushrooms and unique sauce. I am sea food lover so next dish that I wanted to try is octopus served with chard cream and dehydrated olives and almonds. And that was pure magic, I am sailing on a yacht and I am served with the octopus perfectly prepared. Magellan also serves local fish and Pike-pearch served with red cabbage and citrus sauce was my choice. Restaurant is provided with fish by their own fisherman and you can just imagine how this dish was fresh and unique with a local taste. Wines are important part of service in Magellan and their sommeliers will present you a rich wine list composed of selected domestic and foreign wines. If you want to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, they have the perfect choice of international wines and you can find even small wine cellar inside the restaurant.
And time for dessert is bringing Mango and apple cake that is original and it was one of the most tasty ending of already perfect dinner. You will enjoy in every aspect of this restaurant. It is the best choice for international travelers because it will give them unique mix of local and international tastes in wonderful settings. You can view whole menu of Magellan restaurant on this link and it is smart to reserve your seats on time. Have a great journey.