Sarajevo Restaurants | Restaurants in Sarajevo

Traditionally, local Sarajevo food is partial to meat and potatoes. Unfortunately, the choice of food for vegetarians is rather limited. Even the so-called traditional vegetarian dishes like beans may be cooked along with bacon or smoked meat. Vegetarians can opt for rice and stew which does not contain meat. There are now some great Sarajevo Vegetarian Restaurants.

Most of the popular restaurants in Sarajevo serve either traditional or Italian food. A traditional Bosnian meal typically consists of dishes such as sarma, begova corba (chicken stew), filled peppers, teletina (veal) and sitni cevap (veal stew).

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In our Sarajevo Restaurant Guide below we have listed some of our recommendations for places to eat. Hopefully you'll be convinced to give some traditional Sarajevo cuisine a try! What better way to build up an appetite than by wandering around the shops and markets enjoying some shopping in Sarajevo. Our Bosnia-Herzegovina Restaurant Guide gives some details on traditional cuisine across the country.

Sarajevo Food & Cuisine

Rice and pasta dishes are popular. Trahana is a traditional sourdough soup which is hand made and a staple food during Ramadan. Cevapi is another traditional dish in Sarajevo made from grilled minced meat served with bread and chopped onion and is a very popular local fast food. Pita is also a popular dish and is basically a filo pasty pie with different fillings such as meat (burek), cheese (sirnica), cheese and spinach (zeljanica), spicy potato (krompirusa) and pumpkin (tikvinica). Pita eaten with yoghurt sauce is a nice combination. Fast food places serving pita are very inexpensive and prices range from 1-3 Euro and are often charged according to weight. Other fast foods such as pizzas, hamburgers, hotdogs and Pannini sandwiches are also available at fast food restaurants and kiosks in Sarajevo.

Visitors must try the strong Bosnian coffee, which is reminiscent of Turkish coffee. There are many coffee shops in Sarajevo serving "Bosna kafa" presented in traditional handmade coffee sets, especially in the old town. Surprisingly, many Bosnian restaurants serve limited Bosnian specialities and the cuisine eaten at a typical Bosnian home is quite different from what is served at a restaurant.

Lately, restaurants with other types of cuisine are opening up in the city. These include cuisines such as Continental, Dalmatian, Chinese, and Indian. There are restaurants in Sarajevo which specialise in dishes made from fresh and salt-water fish. You will not be disappointed if you place an order of any dish made from pastrmka, which is the local trout.

Another Bosnian culinary speciality is the dish called Janjetina which is lamb roasted whole on a spit. This is traditionally cooked by families to celebrate special occasions and is considered a treat. The lamb is rotated over coals until it is well cooked and juicy. Janjetina costs around 25 km for a kilogram and this can serve many people.

The staple accompaniment with any dish is the ubiquitous bread that is commonly consumed by all. Soup and salad are an integral part of a Bosnian meal. They are usually served with entrees. For instance, chicken and beef soup are often served with noodles and egg dumplings. Tossed salads consisting of tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and capsicums are popular. Feta cheese is often added to it to make it more interesting. Balsamic vinegar and olive or corn oil are commonly used as dressing in salads.

Pickled foods such as pickled peppers, onions and cucumbers are used as accompaniments with the main meal, and this makes the eating experience tangier and tastier. Ajvar and Kajmak are popular spreads to be used with all types of breads. Ajvar is made from roasted peppers & eggplant. These are then ground and seasoned with pepper and salt and finally slow cooked before they are used. Kajmak is a delicious dairy spread made from salted milk fat, and is very like cream cheese.

The Kajmak from Travnikis is a popular export food item and is even exported to milk-producing countries like Australia. Desserts such as baklava or tufahije (an apple cake topped with walnuts) are an instant hit anytime. A glass of slivovica (plum brandy) or loza (grape brandy) makes a good aperitif.

Alcohol is readily available and Sarajevo is a good place for pub crawlers. Even the Muslim areas have bars. The legal age for alcohol consumption in Sarajevo is 18. The best wines are produced in Herzegovina and include Zilavka (a white wine) and Blatina (a red wine). Sarajevsko, Tuzlanski, Karlovacka and Preminger are types of beer that are popular in the country. Alcohol is not expensive as the taxes levied on it are quite low.

The service in most Sarajevo restaurants is above average and while tipping is not required, customers do place a tip at the table. An average meal along with drinks costs anything from 6 to 12 Euros.

Visit our range of Sarajevo tours and Sarajevo hotels in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Restaurants List

Avlija

sarajevo hotels & restaurants in sarajevo - avlija restaurant You can't miss the rooster sign above the wooden door. 'Avlija' means garden so you will be surrounded by all kind of plants, and if the weather is nice, the glass roof will be completely open for you to enjoy the sun. Local and traditional food is served, like the famous Uštipci sa Kajmakom (a delicious small savoury doughnut served with a cream cheese portion). A large choice of finger food, salads and main dishes.

Main meals between 8 and 15 KM.

Type : Traditional food

Address : Cekalusa 46a (Mejtaš) Sarajevo

Phone : +387 (0)33 444 483

Opening hours : 07:30 to to 23:30

To Be or not To Be

sarajevo hotels & restaurants in sarajevo - to be or not to be restaurant One of Sarajevo's best-kept secrets. This tiny eatery, on a quite side street, has a superb ambiance for a romantic dinner in downtown Sarajevo. The menu is a mix of Bosnian and international recipes. You will enjoy the fresh salads with their superb dressing.

Main meals between 8 and 20 KM.

Type : International food

Address : Cizmedziluk 5 Sarajevo

Phone : +387 33 233 265

Opening hours : 11:00 to to 23:00

Pod Lipom

sarajevo hotels & restaurants in sarajevo - pod lipom Just a block away from the main street of Sarajevo's old town Pod Lipom is a traditional Bosnian cuisine restaurant. Pod Lipom is housed within the walls adorned with primitive painting which is surrounded by a picture of the owner and Bill Clinton together! A good place to try the famous Bosnian Ravioli "Klepe" but youbest like garlic, sour cream and meat of course. The Sahan plate is a great combination of stuffed vegetables with meat.

Main meals between 8 and 22 KM.

Type : Traditional food

Address : Prote Bakovića 4 (Old Town) Sarajevo

Phone : +387 (0)33 440 700

Opening hours : 12:00

Inat Kuća

sarajevo hotels & restaurant in sarajevo - inat kuca restaurant

The Spite House is well-visited. The owner obliged the Austro-Hungarian authorities to move his house from one bank to an other, brick by brick, so they could built the Town Hall (today's National Library). It's a typical Ottoman-Bosnian architecture, three storeys high and wooden carving design. If you haven't tried it, we recommand the Beg's soup (Begova Čorba). Traditional food in an authentically Bosnian ambience.

Main meals between 8 and 20 KM.

Type : Traditional food

Address : Veliki Alifakovac 1 (In front of the National Library) Sarajevo

Phone : +387 (0)33 447 867

Opening hours : 11:00

Karuzo

Near the Catholic Cathedral and just behind the open fruit and vegetable market Markale.
It's a small and comfy place, with a fish theme decor. Probably the only vegetarian restaurant in town - but they serve fish. The chef, Saša, is very friendly and the food is always fresh and well prepared, but don't go there when you're in a rush. Karuzo serves Mediterranean food, including pizza and sushi. Ask Saša for a good glass of wine.

Main meals between 10 and 25 KM.

Type : Vegetarian food

Address : Ulica Dženetića Cimka Sarajevo

Phone : +387 (0)33 444 647

Opening hours : 11:00 to to 23:00

Barhana

Barhana If you wish to enjoy the variety of food choices in the Old Town, Barhana is definitely an excellent choice. In addition to offer of excellent food, they have a large selection of different type of brandy, almost of any kind of fruit.

This is one of the favorite outings of Sarajevo youth.

Type : Mediterranean

Address : Đulagina Čikma 8

Phone : +387 (0)33 447 727

Email : info@barhana.ba

Website : http://www.barhana.ba/

Opening hours : 10:00 to to 23:30

Sarajevo Brewery Restaurant

Sarajevo's famous brewery is located in the old town quarter of Bistrik near St. Ante's church. This brewery has a rather pleasant addition - a restaurant and brewery pub that serves excellent food and a new type of local brew: the only dark beer made in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The service is fantastic and the interior is amongst the nicest in the whole country. It's a must visit during your stay in Sarajevo, even if it's just for a pint.

Type : International food

Address : Franjevacka 15

Phone : +387 (0)33 239 740

Email : info@pivara.ba

Website : http://www.sarajevska-pivara.ba

Tim

Tim If you are looking for a special treat in Sarajevo Restoran Tim will be the right choice. Located above Ciglane the small restaurant does not only offer a spectacular view of the center of Sarajevo through the huge panorama windows it also offers the only slow food in town. The mediterranean style food is prepared by Reca & Emina. Do not expect a voluminous menu. The internationally experienced Chef's prepare the fresh local food according to the taste of their guests. Fish, meat, vegetables and fruits are always fresh and of the best quality from the local market. A variety of delicious deserts is also available as well as a good wine collection. You will not only enjoy the nice view but also an extraordinary culinary experience.

Type : Mediterranean Food

Address : Hakije Kulenovica bb, gornje Ciglane, Sarajevo

Phone : +387 (0)33 212 612 ; +387 (0)61 261 995

Email : restoran-tim@hotmail.com

Website : http://www.restoran-tim.ba

Opening hours : 11:00 to to 23:00

Tavola

Restaurant Tavola serves a great mix of Italian and Bosnian staples. Start with Goulash soup or smoked salmon with capers, then filling but light chicken and mushroom risotto vies with steaks and excellent pastas for main courses. Try drinking dark red Croatian Dingac, from the Adriatic Peljesac peninsula.

Type : International cuisine

Address : Marsala Tita 50 Sarajevo

Phone : +387 (0)33 222 207

Opening hours : 11:00 to to 23:00

Dveri

A Restaurant whose scent already frees the guest of any doubt that he has brought his scences to the right place...

One of those places where you come as a guest, leave as an acquaintance and come back as a friend...

Type : National Restaurant

Address : Prote Bakovica 12 Sarajevo

Phone : +387 (0)33 537 020

Email : info@dveri.co.ba

Website : http://www.dveri.co.ba

Opening hours : 09:00 to to 23:00

Kod Bibana

You might need a car ride to reach one of Sarajevo's best views. Kod Bibana is located in the hills south of Sarajevo city. We recommand to get there just before sunset so you can experience the sound of all Sarajevo's mosque muezzin as the sun goes down on the city.
Kod Bibana has a laid back atmosphere, wooden benches and tables where you can appreciate the view while you're sipping on a coffee or a beer. Kod Bibana serves up ćevapi, kebabs, soups or trout.

Main meals between 8 and 18 KM.

Type : Traditional food

Address : Hošin Brijeg (Hrid) Sarajevo

Phone : +387 (0)33 232 026

Opening hours : 11:00 to to 23:00

Vinoteka

Vinoteka is an exclusive restaurant in the city of Sarajevo. Its rustic ambiance and excellent choice of wines are not to be missed!

Type : Mediteranian Restaurant

Address : Skenderija 12 Sarajevo

Phone : +387 (0)33 214 996

Email : restoranvinoteka@vinoteka.ba

Website : http://www.vinoteka.ba

Opening hours : 11:00 to to 23:00

Mala Kuhinja

It is too bad that this exceptional restaurant is open only for lunch. The "Small Kitchen" as they call themselves is a newly designed restaurant with an open bubbling kitchen. No menu, the chef, Muamer Kurtagić, will come at your table and offers you the best of the day according to your taste. Of course, it means that you can order a special vegetarian plate just for you, or a spicy curry-esque dish. Starting in september 2008, Muamer is starting a new TV Show on Pink TV, named Kuhinja Light.

Main meals between 10 and 25 KM.

Type : International food

Address : Josipa Štadlera 6 (Old Town, not far from the Catholic Cathedral) Sarajevo

Phone : +387 (0)61 144 741

Opening hours : 09:00 to to 18:00

East & West

East & West Restaurant, located in the Hotel Central, is a place where top culinary masters prepare various culinary delights, including a huge selection of Asian and unique Italian international cuisine.

Enjoy East & West's relaxing atmosphere!

The peaceful atmosphere and modern functionally furnished decor along with a friendly and professional staff exude scents of world famous cuisine.

To start the day, we suggest several types of specially prepared breakfasts, and for afternoon hours, let our masters of cooking led by renowned chef, Sarajevo Muamer Kurtagić, cook for you on the spot according to your desires and appetites.

The restaurant is an air-conditioned, fully non-smoking area, which does not serve alcoholic beverages.

Type : International cuisine

Address : Cumurija 8 Sarajevo

Phone : +387 (0)33 561 840

Fax : +387 (0)33 561 801

Opening hours : 06:30 to to 22:00

Kod Kibeta

You might need a car ride to reach one of Sarajevo's finest traditional restaurants - Kod Kineta - located in the hills to the north of town. Kod Kineta has a spectacular view of the old town. Here you will experience real Sarajevo cuisine, accompanied by a traditional music band. Kod Kineta is located in an old Bosnian style house. You might want to book for the private traditional room, and ask for their famous lamb on a spit.

Main meals between 10 and 30 KM.

Type : Traditional food

Address : Vrbanjuša 164 Sarajevo

Phone : +387 (0)33 441 936

Opening hours : 11:00 to to 23:00

Bosna

The traditional ‘pita' dish can be found all over Bosnia and Herzegovina and particularly in Sarajevo's old town. Migrant Albanians from Macedonia and Kosovo are famous for their bakeries and pita places - Bosna is amongst the best around. They kept the traditional way to bake the pita under the Dutch Oven or "Ispod Sača". A portion of pita with homemade yogurt costs from 3KM - it's good eating and it's cheap.

Type : Buregdžinica

Address : Bravadžiluk 11(old town) Sarajevo

Phone : +387 (0)33 538 426

Opening hours : 07:00 to to 22:00

Željo

sarajevo hotels & restaurants in sarajevo - zeljo

Most locals will say you haven't visited Sarajevo until you've tried Željo's famous ćevapi (minced lamb and beef sausages). They are so popular that they've opened up two shops right next to each other. Željo is named after one of the local football club. Depending on portion size, ćevapi with a drink runs from 6 to 8 KM.

Type : Ćevabdžinica

Address : Kunduržiluk 12 (old town) Sarajevo

Phone : +387 (0)33 447 000

Opening hours : 09:00 to to 23:00

Stari Grad

One of the oldest aščinica of Sarajevo. This is the best place to try the traditional stuffed vegetables, stews like Bamjia (okra and veal), or Sitni Ćevap (vegetable and veal). Point to a few different dishes sitting behind the glass counter and the waitress will prepare a plate with a mix of your choices served with fresh local bread.

Main meals between 4 and 10 KM.

Type : Aščinica

Address : Corner of Mula Mustafe Bašeskije and Prote Bakovića (old town, near the pigeon square) Sarajevo

Phone : +387 (0)33 533 394

Opening hours : 07:00 to to 19:00

Restaurants in Sarajevo

Restaurants List

Avlija

To Be or not To Be

Pod Lipom

Inat Kuća

Karuzo

Barhana

Sarajevo Brewery Restaurant

Tim

Tavola

Dveri

Kod Bibana

Vinoteka

Mala Kuhinja

East & West

Kod Kibeta

Bosna

Željo

Stari Grad

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