The Cevapi Project — Local services in Melbourne

A Taste of the Balkans at Queen Victoria Market!

My recent visit to the Balkan food at The cevapi project at Queen Victoria Market was an absolute delight! Despite the bustling crowd and the slightly longer wait time, every minute spent was worth it. The aroma of freshly grilled meats and traditional spices instantly transported me to the heart of the Balkans.

The staff was incredibly friendly and took the time to explain the dishes to us, adding a personal touch to our experience. When our food finally arrived, we were not disappointed. The cevapi were perfectly seasoned, and the homemade ajvar was a fantastic accompaniment. The somun was flaky and filled generously, with every bite bursting with flavor.

What stood out most was the authenticity and passion behind every dish. It’s clear that the team here takes great pride in delivering a true taste of Balkan cuisine, and it shows in every detail.

If you’re visiting Queen Victoria Market, make sure to stop by the cevapi project. The wait might be a bit longer than you’re used to, but trust me, the food is worth it. A true gem for anyone looking to experience authentic Balkan flavors...

I visited Cevapi Project at Queen Vic Market and initially left a 5-star review after the owner encouraged me to do so. However, after reading the owner's responses to other reviews, I feel compelled to update my feedback.

While the food was nice, I was deeply disappointed by the way the owner reacts to any feedback that isn’t glowing. His responses to constructive criticism—or even neutral reviews—are unprofessional, rude, and sometimes outright hostile. Calling customers "fake" and resorting to personal attacks is unacceptable behavior for someone in the hospitality industry.

Hospitality is about more than just serving food; it’s about treating your customers with respect, even when their opinions differ from yours. The owner's approach shows a lack of gratitude and self-awareness, which reflects poorly on the business. I cannot in good conscience recommend supporting a business that dismisses and insults customers who take the time to share their experiences.

I hope the owner reflects on these interactions and works on improving his customer service. Until then, I would advise others to approach this business...

After visiting The Cevapi Project more than 10 times, I can confidently say—it’s the most authentic cevapi in Melbourne.

Their cevapi are the closest to Sarajevski style.Flavour, the texture, the homemade lepinja—it all brings back memories of home. Over the past 10 years in Melbourne, I’ve tried many cevapi places, and nothing came close until now. Honestly, it’s even better than some places in Balkans.

This is proper Balkan semi-fast food, not fine dining. You get 300g of quality meat in soft, fresh lepinja for around $23—great value.

Service depends on timing. During quiet times, I’ve been served in under 5 minutes. On busy weekends, I’ve waited up to 30 minutes, which is fair given the demand.

What I really appreciate is that the owner didn’t modify the dish to suit modern food trends, like so many international dishes in Melbourne. He stayed true to the traditional recipe—no unnecessary twists or fusion.

If you’re from the Balkans and miss the taste of home. Or if you're someone who's not from the Balkans but curious about our most famous dish—this is the...