Restaurant Aleksandar Menu, Anew

The Restaurant Aleksandar Menu Honors Heritage and Home

The beloved Philadelphia dining destination Restaurant Aleksandar Menu is deepening its connection to Eastern European tradition with a soulful new menu that is as personal as it is ambitious.

The main point of the restaurant’s reimagined direction is Executive Chef Svetlana Alimpijevic, whose professional journey began in Vienna and Germany and whose inspiration is rooted in the meals she lovingly prepared for her family. Together with her son, owner Aleks Alimpijevic, she’s transformed Restaurant Aleksandar into a heartfelt tribute to their Serbian heritage. “The traditions we grew up with, the flavors we were raised on, and the way we were taught to welcome people all shape what we do here,” says Aleks. “Restaurant Aleksandar is the story of where my family comes from and what we’ve learned along the way.”

The updated Restaurant Aleksandar Menu features a spectrum of dishes rarely seen in Philadelphia’s dining scene, with a centerpiece offering of mekiks—warm, house-fried, cloud-like bread served with decadent toppings. The Classic Mekik is topped with ajvar, creamy farmer cheese, and chives, while other renditions include smoked salmon with cranberry crème, vitello tonnato with silky tuna sauce, and a hand-cut tenderloin tartare paired with caramelized onion and pickled peppers.

Also new to the table are bold, elevated takes on nostalgic favorites. Monika’s Pierogi is layered with onion jam, celery salad, smoked gouda mash, and horseradish crème fraiche, delivering a symphony of flavors in a single bite. The Chicken Schnitzel comes adorned with garlic aioli, pickled mustard seeds, hot peppers, and a hot honey jus. At the same time, the Paprikash Malfadine reimagines a comfort classic with rich paprika cream and crispy shards of chicken skin. Altogether, the Restaurant Aleksandar Menu invites diners to experience the warmth of Eastern Europe through a modern lens.

The Restaurant Aleksandar Menu Expands with Cocktails and Late-Night Culture

The culinary revival is mirrored in the beverage program, thanks to Beverage Director Michael Ringland. His reimagined cocktail list speaks the same language of heritage and exploration, featuring Georgian wines and original cocktails that reflect cross-cultural storytelling. Standouts include the Passion of Prague—a mezcal-based sipper with passionfruit and chili oil—and Fall in Dresden, blending bourbon with Strega and Disaronno for a layered, autumnal profile. For the brunch crowd, the Borscht Bloody Mary adds an earthy twist to a weekend staple.

To complement the expanded Restaurant Aleksandar Menu, the team has launched a new Friday Late Night Happy Hour from to 11 pm9 pm, turning this Rittenhouse gem into a go-to destination for neighborhood locals and hospitality professionals alike. With select bites and drinks at special pricing, the later hours bring a much-needed option for end-of-week indulgence in a sophisticated yet relaxed setting.

Since opening in 2022, Restaurant Aleksandar has evolved from a broad Pan-European approach to a sharply focused culinary homage to the cuisines of Serbia, Croatia, Georgia, and Hungary. The menu’s shift is more than a change in flavor—it’s a return to the restaurant’s roots, led by a mother-son duo with a shared vision and great pride in their past. Svetlana’s artwork hangs throughout the space, turning every visit into an immersion of food, culture, and family.

About Post Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

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