Looking for a Sarajevo restaurants guide that isn’t another generic list, but a real map of flavors—from aščinicas that smell like home cooking, through ćevabdžinicas and buregdžinicas, to modern bistros, fine dining, vegan corners, and patisseries? This is it. The order isn’t standard: you first get a Top 10 with addresses and opening hours, then a primer on how to read Sarajevo on a plate, neighborhood-by-neighborhood suggestions, styles of cuisine, price ranges, insider orders, mini itineraries (24/48h), and practical tips on reservations, tipping, and halal/veggie options.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Sarajevo restaurants – addresses & opening hours
Note: hours can change with seasons and holidays; if you’re heading somewhere specific, double-check on the day you go.
1) Inat Kuća — tradition across from City Hall (Vijećnica)
Address: Veliki Alifakovac 1, Sarajevo
Hours (typical): 14:00–22:00, daily
2) 4 Sobe gospođe Safije — Secession villa & fine dining
Address: Čekaluša 61, Sarajevo
Hours (typical): Tue–Sat 12:00–23:00; Sun/Mon closed
3) Kibe Mahala — panoramic view + lamb/veal
Address: Vrbanjuša 160, Sarajevo
Hours (typical): Mon–Sat 11:00–23:00; Sun closed
4) Dveri — rustic charmer in Baščaršija
Address: Prote Bakovića 12, Sarajevo
Hours (typical): 09:00–23:00, daily
5) Ćevabdžinica Željo (Željo 1 as example) — iconic ćevapi
Address: Kundurdžiluk 19, Sarajevo
Hours (typical): 08:00–23:00, daily
6) Ćevabdžinica Petica – Ferhatović — historic rival to Željo
Address: Bravadžiluk 21, Sarajevo
Hours (typical): 09:00–24:00, daily
7) Zara iz duvara – The Singing Nettle — creative, wild-greens driven
Address: Petrakijina 1, Sarajevo
Hours (typical): afternoon/evening (varies; check the day you go)
8) Avlija — a hidden garden restaurant
Address: Čekaluša 64a (also listed as Sumbula Avde 2), Sarajevo
Hours (typical): 08:00–23:00, daily
9) Klopa — family-friendly bistro in the center
Address: Trg fra Grge Martića 4, Sarajevo
Hours (typical): 09:00–23:00, daily10) Mala Kuhinja — “chef’s choice” fusion
Address: Tina Ujevića 13, Sarajevo
Hours (typical): Mon–Sat approx. 10/13:00–23:00; Sun closed
How to read Sarajevo on a plate: a tiny food grammar
Sarajevo’s “grammar” is simple—and delicious. An aščinica means homestyle, slow-cooked pots and oven dishes (bamija/okra stew, sogan-dolma—onions stuffed with meat, japrak—vine leaves, hadžijski ćevap—festive stew, klepe—local dumplings). A ćevabdžinica is for ćevapi in somun (5–10 pieces), served with kaymak and onion. A buregdžinica bakes pies in a tray: burek is meat; cheese, spinach/chard, and potato pies are “sirnica,” “zeljanica,” and “krompiruša.” Portions are generous; sharing is normal. Order Bosnian coffee (in a džezva) at least once—the serving ritual is half the joy.
The sacred axis: four faiths within a few hundred meters
One of the most remarkable attractions in Sarajevo is a short “tolerance walk.” Start at the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque (1530–1531), step into the courtyard and pause by the shadirvan—the stone’s quiet is half the experience. A few minutes away are the Sacred Heart Cathedral (Catholic), the Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos (Serbian Orthodox), and the Ashkenazi Synagogue by the Miljacka. Few European cities offer such a quartet within walking distance. When entering sacred spaces, dress modestly, respect prayer times, and photograph discreetly.
Neighborhoods & vibes: where to eat depends on what you want to feel
Baščaršija & Old Town are the classic core: cobbles, somun, copper. This is ćevapi, pies, and aščinicas—perfect for a “first bite” between Sebilj, the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, and the Latin Bridge. For a slower lunch, look for an aščinica with a short daily menu and trays in the window—always a good sign.
Marijin Dvor & Skenderija mix Austro-Hungarian façades with modern bistros, burger bars, and spots with better wine lists; think business lunches and evening meet-ups.
Grbavica is local comfort: family restaurants, roasteries/grills, pizzerias, patisseries—often gentler prices and hearty plates.
Ilidža & Vrelo Bosne combine a day out with lunch: trout, grill plates, salads under the trees after the chestnut-lined walk to the springs.
Trebević & the mountains (Bjelašnica/Jahorina) offer brunch with a view after a forest walk or bobsled exploration—bring a light jacket.
Sarajevo restaurants by style & mood
Aščinicas (home in a bowl). For an “unfiltered Sarajevo” taste: build a tray of half-portions—bamija, sogan-dolma, japrak or klepe—with somun, tomato-cucumber salad, and yogurt.
Ćevabdžinicas (the classic). Order by pieces (5–10). Kaymak and onion are the proper sidekicks; ajvar is a friendly neighbor. Insider tip: ask for your somun “a bit toasted” if you like crispy edges.
Buregdžinicas & tray pies. Breakfast or late snack: burek (meat), sirnica (cheese), zeljanica (greens), krompiruša (potato), often pumpkin in season—served with kaymak or yogurt.
Bosnian grill & roast. Beyond the old town, look for lamb/veal under the sač, skewers, stuffed pljeskavica, and uštipci—sit, share, linger.
Modern bistros. Seasonal menus, local produce, tighter plating—your ace for a date night or small celebration.
Veg/vegan. Options are expanding; aščinicas have great veg sides and often a hot plant-based dish. Ask—kitchens are flexible.
Coffee & sweets. Bosnian coffee + tufahija/baklava is a must. Around the center and Marijin Dvor you’ll find specialty coffee, cakes, and gelato. Winter = salep; summer = mint lemonades.
Price pointers
$ (budget): buregdžinicas, ćevabdžinicas, aščinicas (main + salad + water/mineral).
$$ (mid): grills, fish bistros, modern bistros, pizzerias.
$$$ (upper mid/fine-casual): tasting menus, panoramic venues, special-occasion dinners.
Tipping isn’t mandatory but is common: 5–10% if you’re happy; for coffee, round up.
Sarajevo “signature” orders locals love
- Ćevapi 10 + somun “a bit toasted,” with kaymak and onion.
- In an aščinica: bamija + sogan-dolma (half-portions) + somun; onion-tomato salad and a glass of yogurt.
- Grilled fish by the Miljacka or trout at Ilidža with blitva (Swiss chard & potatoes) and lemon.
- Bosnian coffee + tufahija (or baklava) as a small post-lunch ritual.
For specific occasions
Fast lunch between sights: ćevapi or a pie + yogurt in Baščaršija (25–35 minutes).
Family lunch: a roastery outside the center or an aščinica with big tables—kids get somun and soup, everyone’s happy.
Romantic dinner: a modern bistro or a view spot (Trebević/lookouts, along the Miljacka). Go for seasonal menus and wines by the glass.
Late night: buregdžinicas and ćevabdžinicas run late; Mon–Thu calmer, weekends lively.
Halal, alcohol, veg options & other practicals
Many places are halal-friendly (especially grills and aščinicas). Alcohol is widespread in bistros, but not in strictly halal venues. Vegan/gluten-free: ask—there’s often a hot veg option, legumes, grilled veg, fish, and salads; skip somun/pies for GF. Reservations help for Fri/Sat evenings, panoramic restaurants, and larger groups; for quick bites you usually don’t need them.
When to eat (light, crowds, mood)
Breakfast (8:30–10:30): tray pies, scrambled eggs with kaymak, or a croissant + specialty coffee.
Lunch (13:00–16:00): aščinicas and grills in full swing.
Dinner (19:00–22:00): bistros/fine-casual; reservations recommended; sunset + view = bonus.
Late (after 22:00): pie/ćevapi for the “good-night” frame.
Mini itineraries for food lovers: 24/48 hours
24 hours (first time in town). Morning: Bosnian coffee + a slice of sirnica in the old town, quick stroll to Sebilj. Early lunch: aščinica—three half-portions (bamija, sogan-dolma, klepe) + somun + yogurt. Afternoon: cake in Marijin Dvor; walk Wilson’s Promenade. Evening: ćevapi (10) with kaymak; night shot by the Miljacka or a quick climb to Yellow Fortress.
48 hours (wider, slower). Day 1: burek + yogurt → GHB Mosque courtyard → roast/grill lunch outside the center → coffee & cake → dinner at a modern bistro (seasonal menu). Day 2: Ilidža & Vrelo Bosne (morning walk) → trout or grilled chicken for lunch → back to town, sweet pit stop → dinner with a view on Trebević.
Stress-free ordering tips
Ask your server “what’s best/fresh today”—at aščinicas and fish bistros, it changes everything. If you’re sharing, get an extra somun and one more salad. Don’t rush coffee: in Sarajevo, coffee is a ritual, not drive-through caffeine. Prices are clear on menus; cards are common, but small cash rules for quick bites.
Mini itineraries for food lovers: 24/48 hours
24 hours in Sarajevo (first-timer)
Morning: Ferhadija → Sebilj → Baščaršija (burek + yogurt) → Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque (courtyard).
Midday: Museum Sarajevo 1878–1918 (Latin Bridge) → coffee by the river → City Hall (Vijećnica).
Afternoon: Cable car to Trebević → stroll to bobsleigh track → descend.
Evening: Ćevapi in the old town → Yellow Fortress for sunset → night walk back to Sebilj.
48 hours (a slower version)
Day 1: Old town (Sebilj, Kazandžiluk, bezistan) → War Childhood Museum → lunch at an aščinica → Wilson’s Promenade → Avaz Twist Tower (observation deck) → dinner and desserts downtown.
Day 2: Tunnel of Hope (morning) → coffee at Ilidža / Vrelo Bosne → back to the National Museum (if the Haggadah is on display, it’s a must) → pre-sunset at White Fortress → final coffee by Sebilj “so you’ll return.”
Stress-free ordering tips
Ask your server “what’s best/fresh today”—at aščinicas and fish bistros, it changes everything. If you’re sharing, get an extra somun and one more salad. Don’t rush coffee: in Sarajevo, coffee is a ritual, not drive-through caffeine. Prices are clear on menus; cards are common, but small cash rules for quick bites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Sarajevo restaurants
Which Sarajevo restaurants do you recommend for a first visit?
Start classic: an aščinica for lunch (bamija, sogan-dolma, klepe), and a ćevabdžinica in the evening (10 pcs + kaymak). Between those, grab a pie and finish with tufahija at a patisserie.
Do I need reservations at Sarajevo restaurants?
Not for quick bites. For Fri/Sat evenings, view restaurants, and larger groups—yes (call or book online).
Are there halal and vegan options at Sarajevo restaurants?
Yes. Many kitchens are halal-friendly; alcohol is available in bistros but not in strictly halal places. Veg/vegan options are increasingly common—ask for modifications.
What typical dishes should I try at Sarajevo restaurants?
Ćevapi in somun (with kaymak), tray pies (burek, sirnica, zeljanica), bamija, sogan-dolma, klepe, hadžijski ćevap, trout, and Bosnian coffee with baklava or tufahija.
How much do meals cost in Sarajevo restaurants?
Quick bites = low to mid; bistros and fine-casual = mid to higher. Tip 5–10% if satisfied.
Our Most Popular Tours To Sarajevo
We offer many tours that include a visit to Sarajevo and its most popular locations:
- Sarajevo Siege Tour & War Tunnel 1992 / 1996 (Most Popular)
- Full Day tour from Sarajevo to Međugorije & Mostar
- Full Day Tour from Sarajevo to Travnik and Jajce
- Full-Day 5 Cities Tour from Sarajevo to Herzegovina (Mostar)
- Full day Tour from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik (Kotor or Split)
- Full Day tour from Sarajevo to Belgrade
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