I had the opportunity to dine at "Bela Reka," a Belgrade restaurant that comes highly recommended in the Michelin Guide. Given its reputation for serving national cuisine, I had high expectations. Unfortunately, my experience left much to be desired.

The restaurant's main offerings consisted of lamb and goat roasted dishes, as well as a mixed grill. While one would hope for these dishes to be the highlight of the meal, they were disappointingly average. Both the lamb and goat lacked the depth of flavor and tenderness one would expect from a place with such prestige. They were edible but failed to leave a lasting impression.

One of the more notable letdowns was the cheese selection. I had hoped to sample some traditional Serbian cheeses, but to my surprise, some of the expected regional offerings were missing from the menu. This was a clear oversight for a restaurant claiming to represent national cuisine.

The garden salad was another letdown, featuring a haphazard mix of ingredients that lacked flavor and freshness. A single tasteless tomato, a slice of bell pepper, and some cabbage hardly constitute a memorable salad, especially in a restaurant that claims to deliver an authentic culinary experience.

On a more positive note, "Bela Reka" boasts an impressive wine list, offering a diverse selection of local and international wines. The atmosphere inside the restaurant was pleasant, with an inviting ambiance that could have set the stage for a fantastic dining experience. The staff were courteous and attentive, contributing to an overall comfortable atmosphere.

Regrettably, the overall impression of "Bela Reka" fell short of its Michelin Guide recommendation. While the atmosphere and service were commendable, the lackluster food and the absence of key elements from Serbian national cuisine were disappointing. For those seeking an authentic culinary experience in Belgrade, I would recommend looking elsewhere, as "Bela Reka" is a restaurant that may not live up to its lofty reputation.