Mostar is home to one of Bosnia’s most iconic landmarks, the stunning Stari Most bridge, a part of the legacy of Ottoman rule in the region. Found in the south of the country, it is only a small city but it attracts thousands of tourists each year, all hoping to take in its beautiful Ottoman architecture. Here’s our guide to the best places to grab a delicious meal in the city.
Located on the picturesque riverside, with views onto the surrounding hillside, is Hindin Han, a restaurant offering typical Bosnian dishes. The restaurant building is a refurbished historical home, with lovely wooden balconies decorated with lush green plants, and typical wooden-frame windows and white-wash walls. Dishes include tasty meat platters as well a plenty of vegetarian options, plus a number of fresh and authentic seafood dishes, such as eel and lobster.
Just off one of Mostar’s quaint and historic cobbled streets, and on the way down to the river, is Restoran Harmonija, a local restaurant with stunning views and excellent service. The portions of food are huge with flavorful grilled meats, seafood, pasta and salads to choose from. Despite being near to the Old Town and the touristic center of Mostar, the restaurant is quiet and peaceful, and not overrun with tourists. Make sure to grab a table on the outside terrace to make the most of the surroundings.
Babilon
Restaurant, European, Vegetarian
Babilon is set in a lovely old stone building that used to be a leather-works factory. The architectural highlight of the restaurant is the covered outdoor terrace that overlooks the turquoise river, with a traditional cobbled stone floor and wooden beams overhead. The menu offers classic Bosnian cuisine, inculding ćevapi, stuffed vine leaves and various grilled meats. The restaurant is especially beautiful at night when the outdoor tables look over at the lit-up Stari Most.
Restoran Lagero
Restaurant, European, Mediterranean
A stone’s throw away from Stari Most is Restoran Lagero, in the heart of Mostar’s main restaurant area. The outdoor seating area is so close to the river that diners feel like they are almost sitting right in it; the interior meanwhile is decorated in a traditional style, with rustic wall hangings and wooden tables and chairs. The food portions are tasty and very generous, especially the traditional ćevapi.
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Šadrvan
Restaurant, Mediterranean, European
Šadrvan offers classic regional dishes served in the most traditional way possible. The servers are dressed in traditional costume, and the food is served in rustic metal dishes typical of the area. The menu features kebabs, traditional stews, and mixed grills, along with a good range of vegetarian dishes. The restaurant is always busy, so has a lively atmosphere, and is popular with families of all ages. It is in an excellent location near to Stari Most, so is easy to find.
Offering huge portions of Bosnian favorites, such as baklava, ćevapi and grilled vegetables, Bašćine is a tranquil restaurant. Most of the seating is outside in a pretty courtyard area, with views onto the surrounding lush green hills and terracotta rooftops of the surrounding town. The restaurant is most known for its tasty grilled dishes (both meat and vegetables), and is also located near to the Turkish Baths, which are worth exploring.
Teatar
Restaurant, European
Also found in the main restaurant quarter of Mostar is Teatar, another authentic restaurant offering classic Bosnian fare. The terrace overlooks Stari Most and benefits from shady trees and vines, and it slightly further away from the bridge so is quieter than many neighboring establishments. The menu is typically full of delicious grilled meats.
Konoba Goranci
Restaurant, Mediterranean, Croatian
A short drive away from Mostar is Goranci, a restaurant surrounded by natural beauty and the perfect spot to use as a base for a day of outdoor activities. It is a perfect restaurant for families, with great portions of food to share and an adventure playground just opposite. The surroundings hills are great for both strenuous hikes and leisurely strolls, and to get away from the tourist crowds of central Mostar. A great location for an authentic Bosnian experience.
Konoba Taurus
Restaurant, Mediterranean, European
Taurus is set in a beautiful and rustic stone building, and although it is located a little further away from Stari Most, it has its own small bridge to look out onto while enjoying a tasty meal. The interior of the restaurant has a traditional Ottoman or Turkish feel to it, while the outside seating is on a small and intimate terrace. The menu offers traditional grill items for diners to enjoy while sitting under wooden beams and on traditional wooden benches. Meals are perfectly finished off with a traditional Turkish coffee.
Ćevabdžinica Tima-Irma celebrates the national food of Bosnia in the center of Mostar’s Old Town. It offer classic dishes including ćevapi(for which it is well known around the town), sudžukice, and shared grill platters. The interior is old-fashioned but stylish, featuring cushions with traditional patterns and rustic benches. The restaurant is small, which gives it a homely atmosphere, and also ensures quality service. For a real taste of inexpensive Bosnian cuisine made to an excellent standard, be sure to visit Ćevabdžinica Tima-Irma.
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