Did you hear the one about the guy who loved his local so much he bought it? That’s how Marijan Nikolovski ended up with this place, purchasing the restaurant in 2023, adding some of his Macedonian family’s own recipes and rebranding to Balkan Skara (“skara” meaning “grill” in Macedonian).

Walk past the sheltered patio, and you’ll probably see Marijan at the grill, keeping an eye on his beloved kebapi sausages. His sons might be there cooking rice or soaking beans, and Angelina, his wife, will be taking orders in the small dining room. All meals lead to the grill, but you’ll also want ajvar, a sturdy relish made with capsicum and eggplant perfect for spooning over fluffy lep, a Balkan flatbread.

Then sarma, featuring pickled cabbage leaves stuffed with rice and pork mince. Macedonian reds, Skopsko pilsner and rakiya, the potent fruit brandy, complement the BYO offer. Raise a toast.

Must-order dish: Sarma, made with house-pickled cabbage.

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