Mostar food guide
Mostar is a stunning historic city in Bosnia and Herzegovina where East meets West, both on its streets and in its restaurants. It's an ideal place to explore traditional Bosnian food, with its many Ottoman and Mediterranean influences. Among the most famous Mostar dishes are Ćevapi, grilled minced meat served with flatbread and raw onions, and Burek, flaky pastry spirals filled with spiced meat.
Mostar is one of our favourite food destinations in Europe, not just for its food but for its breathtaking setting. The beautifully rebuilt Stari Most (Old Bridge), the iconic 16th-century structure destroyed during the Bosnian War, now stands again as a powerful symbol of resilience. Crossing it into the Mostar Old Town, with its cobbled streets, stone buildings, and riverside cafés and restaurants, feels like stepping back through time.
In this quick guide, we’ll introduce you to some of our favourite restaurants in Mostar and the delicious dishes they offer, helping you make the most of your time in Mostar.
Located in the old town, Aščinica Balkan II is a small, welcoming spot known for its generous portions of traditional home-style Bosnian food at very affordable prices. It’s a great place to enjoy a local meal without breaking the bank.
The menu features a strong line-up of classic dishes, including ćufte (meatballs) with mashed potatoes, a rich, tomato-based Bosanski lonac (traditional stew), and flavourful ćevapi (grilled minced meat). You’ll also find staples like Begova čorba (Bey’s soup), grah (bean stew), dolma, japrak, and sarma (stuffed or wrapped vegetables), all cooked in a comforting, home-style manner.
Vegetarians are well catered for here too, and there’s a tempting range of traditional desserts such as baklava, smokvara (fig cake), hurmašice (syrupy biscuit), and tufahija (baked apple with walnut filling).
Aščinica Balkan II is definitely worth a stop if you're looking to experience authentic Bosnian cuisine in the heart of Mostar.
Tucked away in Mostar’s old town, this restaurant strikes a great balance between tourist-friendly and authentically local. While it may lean slightly towards the touristy side, its charming outdoor seating area, consistently tasty food, and fair prices make it well worth a visit. A standout detail is the freshly baked delicious bread served with most meals.
What really sets this place apart is its excellent range of vegetarian and vegan options, likely the best in the old town. In fact, it's the only spot where we came across a vegan version of ćevapi, a must-try for plant-based visitors. Traditional dishes are well represented here too, including dolma, japrak, and sarma (stuffed or wrapped vegetables), all of which we found to be flavourful and well-prepared.
Local staples like Begova čorba (Bey’s soup), ćevapi (grilled minced meat), and pljeskavica (Balkan burger) are also on offer, along with classic desserts. For those after something more familiar, the menu includes international options such as pizzas and burgers.
We dined here multiple times during our stay in Mostar and it quickly became a favourite. The ability to pay by card is another convenient plus.
Šadrvan is undeniably a tourist favourite, but for good reason. Located right in the heart of Mostar’s old town, this restaurant offers a deeply traditional experience – from the menu to the staff dressed in regional attire. Its central location and authentic atmosphere make it incredibly popular, so booking ahead is highly recommended during the busy summer months.
The menu features a wide variety of traditional Bosnian dishes, with some items that are surprisingly hard to find elsewhere in Mostar. Notably, Šadrvan is one of the few places that serves klepe (Bosnian-style dumplings) and djuvec (a vegetable stew similar to ratatouille) both excellent choices if you're looking to explore the local cuisine in depth.
Aščinica Sahan is a small, no-frills local eatery situated between the old town and the train station. With a few outdoor tables and a warm, home-style atmosphere, it's a favourite among locals and offers a welcome break from the more tourist-oriented spots.
The menu changes daily, giving visitors the chance to sample a rotating selection of traditional Bosnian dishes at very reasonable prices. Be aware that food is made in limited batches, so it’s best to arrive earlier in the day to avoid missing out on popular items.
We particularly enjoyed the ćufte (Bosnian meatballs), which were flavourful, and delicious. For anyone looking to try authentic local food without spending too much, Aščinica Sahan is highly recommended.
If you’re a fan of pita (filo pastry pies), then Buregdžinica Ago might just be your holy grail. Widely regarded as the place for pita in Mostar, this unassuming gem is located outside the old town, away from the main tourist routes but it's absolutely worth the detour.
All the classic fillings are available here, with the spinach and cheese variety being a particular favourite. The portions are generous, the prices very reasonable, and the warm, welcoming owner adds to the charm. You can dine in or grab your pita to go.
For something special, don’t miss the buredžici, meat pita (burek) smothered in a rich, garlicky sour cream and yoghurt sauce.
Whether you're a long-time pita enthusiast (like us) or just curious to try, Buregdžinica Ago is a must-visit.
While Terrace Lagero leans towards the touristy side, it’s a solid choice in the old town, especially if you're after a meal with a view. Tucked away just off the main road, it’s slightly hidden and often less crowded than some of its neighbours, making it a pleasant escape from the busier spots especially in the summer.
The highlight here is undoubtedly the stunning view of the Old Bridge, which provides a perfect backdrop for a relaxed lunch or dinner. The menu offers a good range of traditional Bosnian dishes, and while it's not the cheapest place to eat in Mostar, the food is reliably good and the service is excellent, friendly, attentive, and welcoming.
If you're looking for somewhere scenic and slightly out the way, Terrace Lagero is well worth seeking out.
