Spring Weekend Gastro Getaway: Leshok Monastery Restaurant

Believe it or not, in just 15 days, February will be over and March will begin — the month we consider the transition from winter to spring. Many of you are surely looking forward to April, when trees turn green and the urge to step outside and explore nature grows stronger. For all the spring-loving travelers out there, the team at Kajak.mk is ready to share several weekend destination ideas that are well worth a visit. With trips like these, you’re not only treating yourself to fresh air and new experiences but also giving a much-needed boost to the local economy and helping to revive local tourism.

Today, we’re taking you to the Tetovo region, where you'll find the restaurant within the Leshok Orthodox Monastery complex. Starting today, this charming spot becomes our newest featured gastro destination — and you can reserve your visit with just one click HERE.

The monastery complex is one of the most significant spiritual centers in the Tetovo region, and its surrounding natural setting makes it a fantastic location for recreational tourism.

The monastery is located in the village of Leshok, at an altitude of 610 meters. Within the complex, you’ll find the churches of St. Athanasius and Holy Mother of God, as well as the tomb and memorial room of Kiril Pejčinović — one of the most renowned Macedonian revivalists of the 19th century.

Within the monastery lodgings, there is a chapel dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius, while just outside the complex stands an old church dedicated to Athanasius of Alexandria, commonly referred to as the “Old Monastery.”

The Leshok Monastery was originally founded in 1321 by the Bishop of Polog, Antonij. Its full revival is credited to the arrival of Kiril Pejčinović from Mount Athos in 1818, when the monastery lodgings were restored and a monastic library was established. During that period, Leshok became an important literary and educational center.

Today, the monastery lodgings are renovated, offering accommodation and making the site particularly suitable for summer monastery tourism.

Within the grounds of the monastery complex, you’ll find the Leshok Restaurant — a year-round establishment, making it an inviting destination even during the winter months.

For those planning a visit, the Kajak.mk team recommends trying some of the traditional specialties prepared on-site. These include the famous Tetovo-style beans served as tavche gravche, along with fresh salads and a variety of meat dishes.

To view more photos, learn about the location, or make a reservation, click HERE.