Sarajevo food guide
Sarajevo is a city shaped by history and resilience. Once the host of the 1984 Winter Olympics, it became the site of Europe’s longest siege less than a decade later. Today, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina has rebuilt itself with remarkable energy, its streets are lively, its people welcoming, and its food full of flavour and tradition.
Ottoman alleys intertwine with Austro-Hungarian facades, creating a backdrop for exploring the city’s culinary heritage. The influences here are deeply rooted, with Ottoman-era dishes like burek (flaky pastry filled with meat or cheese) and ćevapi (grilled minced meat). You’ll also find Austro-Hungarian touches in Sarajevo’s bakeries and cafés, and a rich coffee culture that rivals anywhere in the Balkans.
Wander through the historic Baščaršija bazaar, stop for a strong coffee or a sweet treat, and take in the rhythms of daily life.
Whether you're here for a few days or just passing through, in this guide we’ll share some of our favourite local places.
📍 Cevabdzinica Petica Ferhatović
A Sarajevo institution and arguably the city’s best spot for ćevapi (grilled minced meat), Petica Ferhatović is right in the heart of the old town. It’s almost always busy, especially at lunchtime, but the fast, efficient service keeps things moving, so don’t be put off by a queue.
The ćevapi here are juicy and served with great somun bread and a generous pile of raw onions. If you’re curious, the pljeskavica (Balkan-style burger) is also worth a try. Watching the endless stream of sizzling plates leaving the kitchen is a spectacle in itself, locals and tourists alike pack the place for good reason. If you try ćevapi just once in Sarajevo, make it here.
Don’t be fooled by the touristy exterior, Staklo is the real deal. Popular with locals, it offers a wide selection of home-style Bosnian dishes at very reasonable prices. The menu includes comforting classics like dolma, sarma, klepe (dumplings), ćufte (meatballs), and breakfast staples such as uštupci (fried dough) and pura (cornmeal porridge). There’s seating both indoors and out, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it an easy choice any time of day.
The klepe and ćufte come highly recommended, but if you're hungry in the morning, brace yourself for the uštupci, a mountain of fried dough that’s not easily conquered (I could not finish it)
Located in the old town, Nanina Kuhinja serves up one of the city’s widest selections of traditional Bosnian food. It’s a cosy spot with indoor and outdoor seating, but it fills up quickly, especially in the evenings, so booking ahead is wise (and easily done online).
The extensive menu covers all the classics, from sarma and ćevapi (grilled minced meat) to lesser-seen dishes like pura (cornmeal porridge), uštupci (fried dough), and several types of klepe (dumplings), including vegetarian versions with spinach or cheese. You’ll also find rustic specialities such as mućkalica (meat stew) and buranija (bean stew), and the dessert menu is worth saving room for. Nanina Kuhinja is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to explore the full spectrum of Bosnian home cooking.
Best places for Burek (pita) in Sarajevo’s Old Town.
If you’re in Sarajevo’s historic Baščaršija and craving burek, Bosnia’s incredible savoury pastry, you’re in luck. The old town is home to some of the best buregdžinicas in the country, and two spots stand out above the rest.
Tucked away in a side street of the old town, Buregdžinica Sač is a local favourite for traditional Bosnian pies. This spot is renowned for its delicious burek, golden, flaky pastry filled with options like meat, cheese, spinach, or pumpkin, all baked under the signature metal dome known as a sač. Don’t miss the buredžici, burek drenched in a garlicky sour cream and yoghurt sauce.
The portions are generous, the prices are affordable, and the service is quick, making it a firm favourite with both locals and tourists. Seating inside is limited, but there’s a bit more space outside. For a reliably excellent burek in Sarajevo, Sač is a must.
Just around the corner, Buregdžinica Bosna is every bit as good as Sač and equally popular. It's a little larger, so you’re more likely to find a table during busy periods, though it still fills up fast.
The menu offers all the traditional varieties, meat, cheese, spinach, potato, and even pumpkin, all freshly baked and full of flavour. Like Sač, they also serve buredžici, generously topped with rich, garlicky sauce. The huge amount of both locals and visitors speaks volumes about the quality here.
Whether you stop at Bosna or Sač, you’re in for some of the best burek Sarajevo has to offer.
