For starters, this was my first experience with Serbian cuisine. It won't be my last. How this even hit my radar - I was hanging out at a Brewery in another part of town and struck up a conversation with a couple who recommended it. Strongly. Said it's what they grew up with and they've not had better. The friend I was traveling with was on board so it's how we both ended up having Serbian in Chicago. Lots of parking. Small private lot. Street parking galore. It was a sleepy evening. There was only one party (of four) when we went in. I have to admit, I was skeptical. But the aroma wafting from the kitchen ... My friend and I shared everything. Generous portions. I stuffed myself beyond what I should have. But I couldn't get enough of the grilled meats and roasted vegetables. I could have eaten nothing but the lepinja and kajmak but putting them altogether was so tasty that I just kept eating and eating. The one woman show - she was awesome. Not much English but wasn't needed. She was so pleasant and welcoming and the barrier wasn't an issue - at least for me. As she was a one person team FOH, there were times I wondered if she was also in the back cooking as she would be gone here and there but would show up right when she was needed. I don't know of many Serbian restaurants here in SoCal but when I do (and remember that is), I'll definitely go and see if it compares. I just know it was an excellent meal on my last evening in Chicago for my summer road trip. read more

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Amazing food. To say it's authentic doesn't do it justice. I am of Serbian descent and speak very little. The ladies in the back spoke almost no English. Don't let that deter you though. The menu has pictures and the portions are plenty. This is easily in my top 3 restaurants of all time. Some things to remember: Zdravo=hello Kako se=how are you Hvala ti=thank you Now you're eating and speaking like a real Serb! read more

Dunav Restaurant - This was the meat platter for ONE. - Modern European Near Me - Brookfield, Illinois

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As someone who had never tried this type of food before and knew absolutely nothing about the culture other than a few videos I'd seen online, I was completely blown away by the experience. The food was outstanding, the service was warm and friendly, and the ambiance felt unmistakably European in the best way possible. When I first walked in, I honestly felt like I was intruding on a big family dinner. The atmosphere was lively but very intimate, and for a moment I wasn't sure if I belonged there. But once I settled in, and realized almost no one around me spoke English, I started to relax. Then, out of nowhere, people began singing together, and suddenly I felt like I was part of something special. It was welcoming, unexpected, and unforgettable. This wasn't your typical "traditional" dining experience by any means, but that's exactly what made it so refreshing. The food itself was hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The roasted vegetables and fresh bread alone would be worth coming back for, but paired with everything else, it was easily one of the most enjoyable meals I've had in a long time. Overall, the combination of atmosphere, hospitality, and food made this a truly unique and memorable night. I had so much fun, left feeling full and happy, and I would recommend this to anyone who's open to stepping outside of their comfort zone and experiencing something different. Without a doubt: 10/10. read more

Dunav Restaurant - Modern European Near Me - Brookfield, Illinois

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Had any Serbian Food recently? This Serbian food was excellent and portion were bountiful and huge ( we took food home since potions were large.). Don't refuse the big portions of pita bread, when offered; the pita was warm and fluffy. The Serbian salad of tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and mild cheese , all ingredients marinated in a mild, clear sauce , was a meal that can be shared by two ( or more). My spouse had the marinated mushrooms with chicken , which was very flavorful; the accompanying fries were a joy to eat. I had the signature 'stew' , which went by a local name, with subliminal spices; also very good in quantity and quality. When the food is accompanied by a thoughtful waitress , the experience is really enjoyable: she made recommendations and ensured ou experience was engaging. Not much to see here in terms of decor, but if adventurous food and welcoming people is higher on your list, then please visit. read more

The staff was very welcoming. They don't know a lot of English but the waitress will help you order what is good. Food was excellent, huge portions. Service could have been more attentive. read more

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Authentic and tasty! If you haven't been it's a must try! Cozy corner spot plenty of parking on street read more

Dunav Restaurant - Modern European Near Me - Brookfield, Illinois

Outstanding food quality, generous portions, and friendly service. Lana was able to handle a large catering order for our private party. Our guests are still raving about the mixed grilled meat platters and how delicious they were. For anyone entertaining a private event, leave the cooking and food prep to the experts at Dunav. They will not disappoint! read more

kako si moj Srbe brate .. ovde dirljiva baza na Najboljem mestu Dobar dan i dug život ali sa Dnav You Guy Rock all the Time Guys u should try there Zupa it's the Best Almost Sooo Close to the ones I try in Serbia ... Super!!!!!! Hvala vam!!!! read more

Had a great time here with both the food and the staff. Very welcoming and our server offered suggestions and explanations of all the dishes. I'd be a regular here if I lived closer. read more

The food was outstanding. We ordered the small meat platter and it was sooo much delicious food.

Un.be.lievable!! SO much food! So good! From the simple shredded cabbage salad to the chicken and sausage grilled to perfection, this wasn't a dinner - this was a feast! It was my first experience of pljeskavica, and simply long to be able to have it in my hometown. I brought some leftovers home, grilled a couple of buns in butter, and added onions and an aioli, and it was one of the most flavorful sandwiches I've ever had. The French fries were perfect as well. I couldn't eat another bite, and...what? Dessert? No, I couldn't possibly...crepes? Well, maybe a bite or two (yeah - finished it). This will DEFINITELY be on the list when we return to Chicago. What got me is this place is in Brookfield. My work had a conference at the Brookfield Marriott back in 2016, and we were looking for great local food places. At least we know about it now! Oh - and you must know how to speak Serbian. No English. read more

Loved this place! Our first visit to a Serbian restaurant and we had a blast. About every 20th word from our high energy waitress was English, but we figured it because she was very expressive. The warm white pita bread with the Serbian cream cheese--amazing. Beautifully grilled meats, fresh roasted vegetables, fresh green salad. We ate our fill (over ate, actually) and still had enough to take home for another full meal for each of us. Loved the atmosphere and the staff. The place is small but has great charm. Lots of photos all over the walls of all sorts of celebrities, athletes, etc. Needs a picture of Nikola Jokic! read more

Fun environment, nice folks working there, and fair prices. First time eating Serbian cuisine, and enjoyed, but generally seems like a lot of meat - that said most of it was pretty good. Bathroom could use some TLC. Will return for a unique trip with friends, not because I'll be 'craving' the food. read more

Great spot for authentic Serbian food. Come if you have time to graze, because the meat mix platter is where it's at and it's a carnivore's wet dream. I had three non Serbs with me and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the food. Try the Lav beer, for a light quality lager. The red wine flowed just as well while we watched Serbian music videos. The palecinke were just like baba makes. Enjoy! read more

Good if you want a plate of meat and no atmosphere. Waitstaff speaks very little English which led to our final bill for 2 people being well over $100. Brought us soup and salad and charged extra. Suggested different entrees than what we initially chose. Lou's Serbian music. Besides the staff, I was the only woman in the restaurant. Very odd evening. read more

The Serbian food is really good and very authentic. The restaurant is a little small and not too fancy. But the food makes up for it. Service is pretty good. If you call in sometimes they have a hard time understanding. Have a little patience. read more

Excellent food, large portions! It's slow pace so don't expect to be in and out fast. Seemed like a lot of people called in orders for pick up. read more

I have been driving by this mysterious looking storefront for a few years now, joking with my wife that it might be a little dangerous. Well we finally mustered up the courage and went with some friends last night. The atmosphere felt like I was in a local comfortable restaurant in Serbia somewhere. Started with some Serbian beer and wine. Wow was it fantastic food! I'll take their word for it that it is authentic. Their grilled meat was great. The spice was just enough, and the meat wasn't dry like other places. The best was some sort of burger patty that had ham and cheese mixed in. They have a wide variety of choices too. We tried this rolled schnitzel log. Really unique dish: some pork pounded flat, rolled around something like mozzarella cheese, then fried in a batter. Loved it. Note that the portions are huge. Three dishes for four people is plenty. read more

A bit off the beaten path and an outside appearance that many would pass on but the food is very good. My family and I even catered our holiday party with their food. Great food, service and cultural experience. read more

Dunav Restaurant - Meat meat and more meat! - Modern European Near Me - Brookfield, Illinois

I stopped in hoping to discover a new place to eat. I open the door take a step and trip. I hurt my foot I hurt my knee I hurt my back. There was a man sitting there looking at me struggling to regain my composure. There's like a six-inch Step Up literally right in the door frame. I asked for an ice pack. She takes out a plastic Jewel bag and start putting some ice cubes in it I told her I would need something waterproof or it's going to leak all over. She said that's all they have. The man sitting at the counter who saw me struggling in that entryway turns around and says that I need to open my eyes and watch where I'm walking. How freaking ignorant. He walked into the back so I assume he's a manager or an owner or something like that. The woman asked me if I wanted to order and I said absolutely not that I don't like the way that he talked to me. She says okay have a nice day lady. I walk outside and she is standing there talking to this man about me. In broken English saying what's the matter what's the matter? Lady that's not my property. It's the city. Well you're not going to ruin our day is what they tell me. Oh my gosh. I didn't say a single thing to them after I walked out the front door and they just keep going on and on and on. Ignorant ignorant people at this place. On top of that it seems like things are pretty overpriced anyway read more

No complaints about the restaurant. It's just that the website needs work. The menu is too small to read and too few photos of the interior. read more

This Serbian restaurant is outstanding!!.. food always fresh and plentiful.

From Ogden Avenue, this place doesn't look like a restaurant, and it doesn't even look like it's open. Even as you approach the door, the dark environs behind it don't look promising. Curb appeal, Zilch. Walking inside doesn't up the ante. I kind of felt like that scene in Animal House where the Deltas enter an all-black roadhouse. It didn't really happen, but I swear that all conversation stopped and everyone looked at me as I walked in. The room has no discernible decor, and the tables and chairs have no distinct pedigree. Workman-like. In fact the place looks like a lunchroom you might find at a small warehouse or machine shop. It was clean, but dark. I felt like I was a million miles away from Brookfield. Save for the extraordinarily toned, extraordinarily attractive waitress moving swiftly about the room, dressed, frankly, in a manner more suited to a Friday night cocktail lounge. I believe the handkerchief in my pocket had more material involved than what she was wearing. What the hell WAS this place? OK then. I was directed to a table in the middle of the room. Great, I have to eat on stage now. The waitress gave me a menu, and thankfully it was in clear English. Despite what another reviewer posted, you could figure out what was what on the menu. Everything on it looked promising. I had an order of "Fried peppers" for Appetizer and the "Mixed Grill" for Entree. With a Diet Coke. I got a 10-oz glass bottle of Diet Coke, and a basket of puffy Pita-like bread with some Kamjak, which I learned was Serbian Cream Cheese at the same time I learned it was delicious. The peppers came out, and they, too, were fab. The razor-thin waitress couldn't have been nicer, and kept asking "You like the Serbian food?" and I said it was great. I waited maybe a bit longer than I cared to for the entree, but I saw there was only one fellow working the kitchen. What came out of it was worth the wait. A HUGE plate of various meats: A big-ass "Serbian Hamburger"-very fine ground, a boneless Pork chop, A chicken breast, Chicken thighs on a skewer, some crispy Bacon, a pair of Cevaps (like a kebab). More Kamjak, A big knob of Vinegar slaw (amazingly similar to the distinctive slaw served on all sandwiches at Primanti's in Pittsburgh) A mound of raw onions (which I found VERY welcome) and underneath it all, a sad bed of Fries that I know I would never get to. All the meats were flavor-city. And they all tasted different. Perhaps the Chicken breast was a little bland, but I'm not partial to Chicken Breast. It WAS, however cooked perfectly. I went through the plate bit by bit, knowing that I wasn't going to finish the huge portion. I took enough home to have a meal the next day. I didn't have any dessert, 'cos the gal said their desserts were all crepes, and that sounded a bit heavy after the major meal I had just et. This turned out to be what I call: "a place to eat™" And how. This ain't fine dining, but it's high quality for sure. Different, but familiar enough to ring your bell. I've been back a few times, and the only thing different was the girl working the room. That quality was, ahem, the same as well. This place rocks. BUT... It's not a date night place, and maybe not the place to have your birthday celebration. And if your kids are disposed to running around and making noise, go to Chuck E Cheese, and skip this place. Come here, however, if you want a good feed featuring fine grilled meats, huge salads, and no nonsense. There's Beer and plenty of it, even some Serbian soft drinks. I think there's Wine, but no booze. The second time i was there, they had no Diet drinks at all. Throwing a solid 4 stars... read more

The pork chops was so good it had a good flavor pop And the fries two are good And the steak was fantastic it had a just enough tender and when I bit into it like I took a bite out of heaven read more

At first glance, Dunav is a Serbian restaurant for Serbian people. When we walked in it was clear the staff and guests didn't know what to do with us. Would the Americans like this food? Even our server seemed apologetic when she handed us the menu, which had very few English descriptions. Although our server was helpful when we were choosing our meals, I felt like we were being tested a little bit, and to be honest it wasn't entirely comfortable. But the food won me over. The salads were tasty but too big. I felt like I ate a ton of my tomato/cucumber/feta salad but ended up tossing over half of it, and my husband took home much of his cabbage salad. But the meat... good lord the meat...At the recommendation of our server, we tried the ground meat patties and the serbian sausages. The meat was super flavorful and so juicy! Lots of food for the money, but the big surprise of the meal was the Kajmak. The waitress seemed a little worried whether we'd like the strange buttery mound on the plate, and when she tried to describe it in American terms she had a hard time. Basically it's pure milkfat that tastes a little like heaven, especially on some of the best bread I have ever tasted. What this place lacks in ambiance it makes up for in deliciousness. Even though I wasn't sure whether we were entirely welcome at first, the chef didn't skimp on our food (something I've had happen at other ethnic neighborhood dives). They were out of their daily special by the time we got there, but we'll be returning. The food was just shockingly delicious. read more

My Serbian friend recommended me to eat at this restaurant and it does impressed me. Affordable price and generous portion! The dessert I had is Serbian creepe with mashed biscuits, Serbian chocolate and ice cream! My friends and I ordered the mixed meats for 4 pax! It is superb!! But it is too big portion for 5 of us. read more

Dunav Restaurant - Modern European Near Me - Brookfield, Illinois

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I love this place...Went for lunch with some friends. It's a small little mom and pop style Serbian restaurant that makes incredible food. Unpretentious, quaint and cozy. Absolutely nothing fancy here. You will be sure to hear Serbian music and Serbian being spoken. I felt like I was back in Europe. We ordered Serbian salads and a meat platter for 4 people. There was enough food for 7 or 8 people. The meat was so savory and delicious...so much food. Wow! We will definitely be back. read more

Dunav Restaurant - Meat platter for 4, partially consumed...delicious! - Modern European Near Me - Brookfield, Illinois

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If you're looking for quality, AUTHENTIC, and tasty Serbian food, Dunav is your place! Being Serbian, I've had my share of our cuisine growing up from many establishments and family cookouts. I confidently can say the food here is the most authentic I've had in decades. Don't let the interior scare you away. Yes, it's a little dive on the corner of Odgen and Custer, but it's completely worth it! We started off with Šopska salata, Kajmak, Pećene Paprike, and Sir (Shop Salad, creamy Serbian spread, roasted red peppers, and Serbian feta cheese). Every one of these were very tasty and huge portions! For the main course, we chose the huge grilled meat platter. This was the star of the meal. Every meat was grilled to perfection, and the taste of each meat was just perfect. The three that really stood out to me: Čevapi, Pljeskavica, and the Ražnjići. Firstly, the Ćevapi. The blend of meats and spices are what makes or breaks this dish. Dunav by far has the BEST Čevapi in the Chicagoland area... hands down. I've eaten at many Serbian restaurants, none of them come close. Incredible! Now, the Pljeskavica. OMG, it was amazing! For those that aren't Serbian, Pljeskavica is the same meat used for Čevapi, but in addition, finely chopped onion and peppers are mixed into the meat and then formed into a patty as opposed to a sausage link. Again, Dunav has got the blend down perfectly... best Pljeskavica I've had yet! Finally the Raznjići. If not done right, these can be dried out easily. Not at Dunav. The pork was perfectly cooked, and seasoned. It was heavenly. Something else to note, Dunav is sourcing some quality meat. I've had these platters at other Serbian restaurants, and the meat quality was usually "eh". We closed out with some Serbian espresso and Palaćinke (Serbian crepes). The crepes were filled with šipak (rose hip jam), nicely thin and flavored just right. Oh, and their Šipak filling was awesome! I have to stress, in all the years I've eaten at Serbian restaurants, Dunav by far has the most authentic Serbian food. I highly recommend Dunav for both Serbs and for the adventurous looking to try Serbian cuisine for the first time! Prijatno! read more

This is a very nice place. The food is amazing. The meat literally melts in your mouth. We will definitely come here again.

Extremely polite staff, clean, and delicious food. Would definitely recommend, and will be back when in area.. Cheers! read more

Yes , A hidden treasure, great food and friendly intelligent staff, food is fresh and plentiful, imported beer, reasonable prices, a great place to check out and you'll be pleasantly sUrprised read more

we had so much fun. our server was funny and fun. she did not speak english but taught us a few serbian words and brought us lots of delicious foods. so fun! read more

Apsolutno najbolja kafanska hrana u Cikagu. Ljudi koji zive ovde 30 i vise godina su se jako prijatno iznenadili. Bravo.

This place is like walking into another world. It's just the kind of place I look for. Fancy decor does nothing for me if the food is not good. Please give it a chance. The food IS excellent, the service was helpful and friendly and the portions are huge. This is the kind of place you go when you have been working hard out in the fresh air all day. Farm food, Serbian style! read more

the beautiful waitress named Jasmina thoroughly helped me with my choices on the menu. Good food and service. I only spent 20 dollars on my meal and a coffee when I was done eating. so it's a good place and defiantly recommend it. Serbian food. read more

Great Serbian beers and food! Originally went to Zupa in Lyons, but they had run out of meat! What Serbian place runs out of Cevapi and Pljeskavica before dinner? It's now twice this has happened, however, Dunav's bartender was friendlier and the food was even better! If you used to go to other Serbian places...look no more! Dunav is where you need to go! Yum!! read more

I am a new fan. I just moved into the area and boy am I glad there are places like Dunav. The place is a simple spot that could easily be missed. Decor is simple and the restaurant is small- cafe- family own joint type feel. The food is TOP NOTCH try the combo plates gives you a great taste of everything. Even if you are not familiar with serbian food (i was not) the menu is pretty simple. Our waitress was helpful and recommended some of her favorites. Food was fresh, simple and delicious. You get a good deal of food for a great price. Im hoping Dunav sticks around because Im going back for more. Give it a try hopefully you will be pleasantly surprised as I was. read more

Occupying what used to be a coffee house, is Dunav. It is quaint and provides generous portions. Everything was delicious. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, but no alcohol. We had some chicken, sausages, roasted peppers and a salad. The bread was magnificent. read more

I was in Chicago for work and when I landed at Midway I was starving. I found this place on Yelp and came over. What a find. The ambience was lacking but who cares. I m tired of restaurants with great ambience and microwaved food . This a a real restaurant. You order your food to the very friendly waitress and the when the food comes out your jaw drops to the ground. It fresh it's delicious and 1 portion can feed a family! Gonna make this my must go place when in Chicago. read more

Best Cevapi (Cevapcici, Kebapi) in Chicago area hands down.