Reserve the lake-view meal; do not make every meal a view meal
Restaurant Kaneo, below St. John at Kaneo, is the table to book when sunset and the lake are part of dinner. Reserve in high season and allow time to walk the hill or arrange a boat taxi afterward. Restoran Orfej in the Kaneo area is another useful choice for a traditional lakeside meal. These places are about location as much as food; a lunch in the centre or near the market will usually be easier on the budget.
Use the Old Town for Macedonian dishes
Restaurant Antiko is a sensible Old Town choice for dishes such as pastrmajlija, ajvar, salads, and grilled meat in a garden setting. Restaurant Su is better for a more polished dinner and a wine-focused meal near St. Sophia. Ohrid trout appears on many menus, but availability and source can vary; ask what is being served that day rather than ordering it on the assumption that every listing is the same. A plate of kebapi in lep, burek, or a bakery pastry works better for a quick lunch between the fortress and Kaneo.
Spend by location and season
Lakeside restaurants near the centre are convenient after a walk along the promenade, while the road toward beaches such as Gradishte is more useful when you have a car or taxi. Dalga Beach Restaurant makes sense as part of a beach stop, not as a detour from the Old Town. Try Vranec or Temjanika if you want local wine with dinner. Check opening days and kitchen hours outside July and August, when some terraces shorten service. The Ohrid route guide helps place meals around the hills and boat trips.