The Tolstoy Private Member’s Club

When I first moved to Belgrade three years ago, I never could have predicted the level of growth, sophistication, and transformation the city would undergo in such a short time. Serbia’s capital has always been rich in culture, history, and hospitality, but today, it is rapidly becoming an expat hub, a business hub, and a cultural force in the Balkans and Southwestern Europe. One of the clearest symbols of this transformation is the opening of the Tolstoy Membership Club, Belgrade’s newest private club, where I recently had the privilege of dining and connecting.

Private Clubs Around the World

As an expat, I’ve lived in many markets where private membership clubs were part of the social fabric. In Singapore, I became familiar with spaces like the Yacht Club, the Sailing Club, the American Club, and the British Club. In Bangkok and beyond, there were international names like Soho House, which is globally known for blending social life, business networking, and exclusivity into one lifestyle. These clubs have always been more than just dining venues. They serve as ecosystems of culture, commerce, and community, places where entrepreneurs, business leaders, creatives, and expats cross paths.

Until recently, Serbia did not have many equivalents. With its long history of valuing social equality and its deeply ingrained culture of gathering at the kafana or over long dinners, Belgrade has always been a place where social life flourishes outside formal institutions. A few business clubs existed, but private members’ clubs were relatively rare. That is why the Tolstoy Club feels like such an important milestone for the city — not just in terms of exclusivity, but in terms of the new identity Belgrade is shaping for itself on the global stage.

The Experience at Tolstoy

My evening at Tolstoy was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I walked in, I felt that this was more than just dinner; it was a carefully curated experience of elegance and refinement.

The night unfolded into a seven-course culinary journey, each plate beautifully crafted and presented with meticulous attention to detail. The wines were paired seamlessly, with glasses being replaced and refilled as though I were part of a living performance. The ambiance was elevated by live music — a harpist playing with delicate precision and a pianist adding rhythm and charm to the atmosphere. It was dining as art, and I could not help but feel that this was a glimpse into Belgrade’s future.

What struck me most, however, was the thoughtful design and intention behind the space itself. The architecture, the lighting, the flow of service, and even the conversations I found myself drawn into all spoke to a vision larger than one evening. This was about creating a hub for leaders, innovators, and dreamers in Serbia to connect — something the city has long deserved.

Why This Matters for Belgrade

Experiences like this are not just about luxury or exclusivity. They signal a shift in Belgrade’s identity. The city is opening itself more fully to the world. It is saying: we are here, we are refined, and we are ready to welcome global opportunities.

For the expat community, spaces like Tolstoy provide both comfort and inspiration. Comfort, in the sense that it mirrors what many of us have experienced in global capitals, and inspiration in the sense that it shows how Belgrade is rising, innovating, and adapting in its own unique way.

For locals, it represents a new chapter in Serbian hospitality. The same warmth and generosity that define Serbian culture are now being translated into spaces where international business and culture intersect. That combination of authenticity and ambition is exactly what makes Belgrade so compelling right now.

Looking Ahead

Personally, I left Tolstoy feeling grateful and inspired. This was not just another night out; it was a reminder that I am living in a city that is growing, evolving, and embracing new possibilities. I see Belgrade positioning itself not only as a cultural capital but as a strategic hub for international business, innovation, and lifestyle.

I am excited to return to Tolstoy, not only for dinners but perhaps even to work, host gatherings, or simply enjoy tea in a space that brings together elegance and community. I believe clubs like these will become essential parts of Belgrade’s future — not as exclusive hideaways, but as bridges between Serbia and the global stage.

Belgrade is rising. And being part of this journey, as an expat and as someone who loves connecting with people, feels like a privilege.