Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that is so beautiful and untainted but somehow isn’t on every travelers’ bucket list. It really is a hidden gem and hopefully this article will change your mind!
Disclaimer: The meat in Bosnia is generally halal as most of the citizens are Muslims. However, similar to many Balkan countries, they do not have a religious body that issues halal certificates. Many restaurants do serve alcohol and those that do are stated in this article. We advise that you dine at your own discretion.
1. Pod Lipom
Credit: Ravioli Road
This is one of the most famous restaurants in Bosnia because Bill Clinton and Robert DeNiro came and ate here when they visited (you can see the pictures on the walls as proof!). This restaurant serves a variety of national Bosnian cuisine. Klepe, is one special pasta dish that you should try here.
Credit: Bradleyhawks
Another dish that we recommend you trying this the begova corba, a chicken and vegetable soup topped with sour cream (Bosnians like cream to be eaten with many of their dishes, just you wait and see!). This soup can be eaten anytime especially during the cold winter! ?
Address: Prote Bakovića 4, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Operating hours: 9 a.m. – 12 noon
Contact: +387 33 440-700
2. Nanina Kuhinja (Grandma’s Kitchen)
Credit: Rool Paap on Flickr
This restaurant is one of the best for Bosnia’s local dishes. From the traditional Bosnian pot, to Goulash and delectable desserts, you’re bound to find several of your favourite Bosnian dishes here.
Credit: @siyahabosnia on Instagram
Address: Kundurdziluk 35, Bascarsija, 71000 Sarajevo
Operating hours: 8am – 11pm
Contact: +033 533 333
3. Mrkva
Bosnian food consists of mostly meat, breads or pies and salads. So if you’re looking for some Western fast food close to McDonalds, then we recommend you try this!
Credit: @koprivicak on Instagram
Apart from the national dish cevapcici (pronounced as shevapi), they also have many different types of burgers and fries. They have several chains across Bosnia so you won’t go wrong if you’re looking for somewhere to eat.
Credit: @wienerbaklava on Instagram
Address:Bravadžiluk 13, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Operating hours: Daily, 8.30 am – 11pm
Contact:+387 33 532-519
4. Vezir
Vezir is known for their BBQ dishes, including cevapcici. If you’re in Bosnia for more a week or so, we suggest you try other BBQ dishes like burgers and sandwiches that Bosnia has to offer.
Credit: @CebadzinicaVezir on Instagram
The prices are also very affordable, ranging from 3KM – 6KM!
Credit: Poslovni Imenik
Address: Bravadžiluk 26, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Operating hours: Monday – Saturday, 9am – 8pm
Contact: +387 33 446-677
5. 4 Sobe Gospodje Safije (The Four Rooms of Mrs. Safiya)
After several days of exploring Bosnia, it’s only natural for you to want to try different types of food! This restaurant offers both exquisite European and Arab food.
Credit: Restoran Sarajevo
It’s a little high end, but sometimes you really want to have a different experience when you’re traveling abroad.
Credit: Restoran Sarajevo
Address:Čekaluša 61, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Operating hours: Daily, 8am – 12noon
Contact:+387 33 202-745
6. Slatko I slano
If you’re tired of eating lamb, beef or veal, then you will be happy to come across this place!
Credit: Syrenya
It serves a more contemporary variety of dishes from sandwiches, salads and pastas. They also serve a number of delicious chicken and vegetarian dishes!
Credit: Syrenya
Address: Ložionička 9, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Operating hours: Mon-Sat; 7 am – 10.30pm, Sun; 10am – 9pm
Contact: +387 33 255-552
7. Spazio Caffee
Spazio Caffe serves scrumptious desserts and coffee! (They also have other healthier options if you’re worried about your sugar level at this point). If you’re not that into traditional strong coffee, then this place gives you the option.
Credit: @sara.dukic on Instagram
It’s a trendy and hip place to be, serving different types drinks. We recommend trying the hot chocolate here, it's pure heaven?
Credit: Spazio Caffe Saravejo on Facebook
Address: Radićeva 11, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Operating hours: 7am – 11pm
Contact: +387 33 209-226
8. Caffe Slasticarna- Aksaraj
If you have a sweet tooth and you’re looking for something to treat yourself with after all that tiring walking and sightseeing, this is the place to go!
Credit: Rice and Curry
They offer several types of coffee, both the traditional Bosnian type and the more contemporary ones. Traditional Bosnian coffee is really thick; you can either drink it with or without milk but the key to drinking this coffee is by taking a small bite of the sugar cube and letting the coffee slowly melt it in your mouth. Apart from coffee, you also get to try a wide selection of cakes!
Credit: Nurettin Mert Aydin on Flickr
Address: Bascarsija 1, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Contact: +38761534121
9. Restaurant Kibe Mahala
If you want a romantic dinner or lunch overlooking a breathtaking view of Sarajevo, this is the place to be.
Credit: Rice and Curry
The food presentation is also another thing to rave about—most dishes will be served in steel plates with lids, bringing you back to the Ottoman times. Reservation here is recommended.
Credit: Tina Reynolds on Flickr
Address: Vrbanjuša 164, Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Operating hours: Mon – Sat, 10am – 11pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: +387 33 441-936
10. Zeljo
Zeljo is known by locals to be a fast food chain. Their specialty is the cevapcici. It’s basically sandwich kebabs. The meat is mixed with different types of meat, including veal. This makes a very distinct and delicious taste that you will only experience in the Balkans. The bread is also fresh and soft, redefining what you think you know about kebabs—or any other form of sandwiches.
Cevapcici is often eaten with sour cream, bread and onions. It may seem different to the Asian mind but trust us, it’s good!
Credit: Majvrbanic
Address:Kundurdžiluk 19, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Operating hours: Daily, 8am – 11pm
Contact: +387 33 447-000
11. ASDZ Buregdzinica
If you’re hungry and in a hurry, this is the place where Bosnians go to satisfy their hunger. You can find typical dishes from burek, stuffed peppers with beef and rice (dolma) and baked chicken and potatoes.
Credit: Confused Julia
These may sound like simple dishes but trust us, the ingredients they use are super fresh, making it so difficult to imitate the taste when you go back home. They also use a special oven with charcoal to bake some of their dishes. The price is very affordable too!
Address: Bravadžiluk 28, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Operating hours: Daily, 8am – 12pm
Contact: +387 33 537-503
Bosnia and Herzegovina is predominantly a Muslim country, making many of their restaurants halal and free from pork as these restaurants are owned by Muslims. Enjoy their local food as much as you can and try to eat where the locals eat. If you’re not into Western food and always need your chilli whenever you go, then we suggest you bring some from home ?. But trust us, by the time you get back home, you will miss the exotic food of Bosnia!
P.S. Know of any more yummy eateries in Bosnia? Comment below and let us know ??