
Avlija
A charming, family-owned restaurant in Sarajevo offering traditional Bosnian dishes in a lush, plant-filled courtyard.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Avlija

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, family-owned restaurant in Sarajevo offering traditional Bosnian dishes in a lush, plant-filled courtyard.
"One of Sarajevo's unique gems with delicious food, a cozy atmosphere, and generous portions!"
Try the Breakfast Lokumi
Famous fried dough served with kajmak, jam, honey, and black tea. A substantial breakfast for one.
Don't Miss Begova Soup
This traditional Bosnian soup is a must-try and highly recommended by visitors.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Bosnian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Bosnian Cuisine
Experience traditional Bosnian dishes like kleppe and Bosnian grill in a cozy, plant-filled courtyard.

Unique Atmosphere
Immerse yourself in a charming, eclectic interior filled with live plants and vintage decorations.

Generous Portions & Value
Enjoy delicious, hearty meals with generous portions that offer great value for money.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try the Breakfast Lokumi
Famous fried dough served with kajmak, jam, honey, and black tea. A substantial breakfast for one.
Don't Miss Begova Soup
This traditional Bosnian soup is a must-try and highly recommended by visitors.
Reserve or Arrive Early
The restaurant is popular and can get busy, especially during peak dining hours.
Explore Beyond the Center
Consider venturing slightly uphill for a more local experience and panoramic city views.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try the Breakfast Lokumi
Famous fried dough served with kajmak, jam, honey, and black tea. A substantial breakfast for one.
Don't Miss Begova Soup
This traditional Bosnian soup is a must-try and highly recommended by visitors.
Reserve or Arrive Early
The restaurant is popular and can get busy, especially during peak dining hours.
Explore Beyond the Center
Consider venturing slightly uphill for a more local experience and panoramic city views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Avlija is celebrated for its authentic Bosnian cuisine, generous portions, and uniquely charming atmosphere filled with plants and eclectic decor. While the food and ambiance are consistently praised, some guests note that service can be slow during peak times due to understaffing, and one reviewer found the fish dish to lack flavor.
"I have never ate before like this fried dough (lokumi). We all three friends loved this breakfast with kajmak (special milk butter) strawberrie jam, honey and black tea. We definitely recommend Avlija. Pls remember that each lokumi box has 7-8 pcs of lokumi. It is a big size portion for one person.
There are lots of plants there, authentic atmosphere, warm place…"
Sumeyr E.
"Breakfast we got was awesome! We got classical breakfast plate. There were two big sausages, 4-5 fried doughs, cream and jam, salad, cheese, and fried eggs (sunny side up). Portion was more than enough and we were all happy with what we got. Staff was not the friendliest but yet helped us a lot. The atmosphere needs a mention and it was just so welcoming with huge plants and old antic stuff… you can eat your meal and enjoy your breakfast in this hidden gem. Plus, the restrooms were so clean, we were so happy with that, too."
Muberra
"Lovely atmosphere with all the live plants and decorations and the food is some of the best tasting in all of Sarajevo. The service could be better, maybe understaffed a bit on a busy Saturday night where every table was full and there was just one server tending everyone’s needs. Guess that’s part of the vibe though, to feel like you’re at Grandpa’s home and he’ll get to you when he can… Overall I’d return since the food tasted great, portions were good, and price was fair. One of Sarajevo’s unique gems!"
Joshua Present
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Must-try dishes include traditional Bosnian specialties like 'klepe' (Bosnian ravioli), Bosnian grill, and the famous breakfast 'lokumi' served with kajmak and jam. The meatballs in a bread bowl are also a unique offering.
The restaurant boasts a unique and cozy atmosphere, described as a 'secret garden' with abundant live plants, eclectic decorations, and a charming courtyard.
It's recommended to make reservations or arrive early, especially during peak hours, as the restaurant is very popular.
While the menu focuses on traditional Bosnian dishes, some vegetarian-friendly options like salads and certain breakfast items may be available. It's best to inquire directly.
Avlija is located slightly uphill, outside the main tourist center. It's a pleasant walk, or easily accessible by a short ride.
The restaurant accepts card payments, so you don't need to worry about having cash.
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Top Restaurants In Sarajevo, Bosnia
Located slightly uphill outside of the touristy centre, Avlija is the place to be if you want to experience the city like a Sarajevan. The interior can be described as cozy, charming and funky, with potted plants hanging from the ceiling and an eclectic array of treasures hanging on the walls. The menu lists traditional dishes such as klepe, polenta and Bosnian grill alongside international dishes.
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my travel plan to explore the capital of Bosnia in 5 days
On the 4th of January I would like to explore the very less touristic districts, starting from the panoramic view from the top of the Avaz Twist Tower, a graffiti hunting in Ciglane (I got a hint saying to look for “elevators”!) and a lunch at the wonderful Avlija Restaurant. In the afternoon I will be wandering around another authentic neighbourhood called Bjelave which is full of very interesting buildings, such as the Consulate of Britain, the Vrhbosnanska Bogoslovija, Svrzo House, the University of Islamic Sciences and the Jahja Paša Mosque. And when I will need to recover from the cold hanging a nice cup of tea I will stop at the Tea House Cajdzmica Dzirlo.
Restorani u Sarajevu koje morate posjetiti prema preporukama lokalaca
Avlija je prekrasni sarajevski restoran koji već 24 godine privlači posjetitelje svojim jedinstvenim karakterom. Ono što čini ovaj ugostiteljski objekt posebnim jest činjenica da je nekada bio jednostavno dvorište obiteljske kuće vlasnika, Fikreta Karkina. Međutim, zahvaljujući poznatom bosanskom arhitektu, koji je svojim majstorskim pristupom uspio sačuvati autentičan ambijent i dati mu sasvim novu funkciju, Avlija danas predstavlja pravi dragulj arhitekture.
The 12 Most Famous Restaurants In Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
Restauran Avlija is a secret garden tucked away in the heart of Sarajevo, offering a welcome respite from the city’s urban hustle. This charming oasis is particularly famous for its beautiful outdoor courtyard, which provides a tranquil backdrop for a leisurely meal. A family-owned restaurant, Avlija serves up a delectable mix of Bosnian and Mediterranean dishes that emphasize the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Read about Five Great Spots for Traditional Local Food in Sarajevo
Located away from the main tourist areas on the slope of a hill, Avlija is a great choice for those looking for good food and a cozy ambience. The name itself means “courtyard” in Bosnian, and it is indeed situated in a plant-filled courtyard of an old house. They offer traditional dishes (such as “klepe”, which is similar to ravioli) mixed in with some modern ones, all for very reasonable prices.
Where To Eat In Sarajevo: 15 Cafes & Restaurants
The Bosnian word “avlija” means a courtyard of a house, and Avlija Restaurant aims to be just that—a place where people gather, make friends, and children can play. This ornate restaurant has an amazingly vibrant outdoor seating area, complete with lots of hanging plants and greenery, colorful benches, and painted walls and windows. It’s a lively place, its vibe encouraging conversation.
Sarajevo guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital
From the outside, Avlija looks like it could be a grandmother's cottage sitting on the hills just outside the city. The inside is greenhouse chic with walls covered in hanging plants. Tourists can eat shoulder-to-shoulder with locals of all ages here; try the traditional polenta, or dig into one of the many pasta dishes.
A Locals Guide to the Best Restaurants and Cafes in Sarajevo
Avlija stands out for a thoughtful fusion of traditional Bosnian flavors with a modern culinary twist. Nestled in a charming courtyard, the restaurant balances authenticity and innovation, impressing those who come hungry for both nostalgia and new tastes. The menu changes seasonally, reflecting fresh, local produce.
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Avlija: This really special place is located slightly uphill of the tourist area, and while it is hard to describe the interior of that place it is cosy and charming for sure with potted plants hanging on the walls and colorful yard. here you will find generous portions of central-European pub food.
Dine and Drink Your Way Out As Locals Do
If you happen to be in the northern part of Sarajevo, stop for dinner at Avlija restaurant. It is famous for the inner courtyard_ full of plants and flowers. In addition to traditional Bosnian meat dishes, there are excellent kinds of _pasta and salads, and portions are huge.
baklava in sarajevo
Avlija is a super cute restaurant located on the slopes of a hill leading up from the city. It’s a bit of a hike but worth it for this plant covered restaurant. We ate klepe for an entree, a ravioli dumpling kind of hybrid, and they were definitely a highlight.
Doner Kebab “damsy” da Ilijas Menù
Città: Grad Sarajevo (vicino a Ilijas), Avde Sumbula, 71107 Grad Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Su questo Homepage troverai il completo menu di Restoran Avlija da Grad Sarajevo. Attualmente ci sono 5 piatti e bevande disponibili.
The Ultimate Guide to Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Avlija: Charming restaurant that feels like a secret garden. The setting is cozy and aesthetic with vine-covered walls and a peaceful courtyard. The menu offers a mix of traditional Bosnian and Mediterranean dishes, with options for vegetarians as well.
Traditional Restaurants in Sarajevo
This is possibly the cosiest place to try traditional Bosnian food in Sarajevo. It’s essentially a garden with a bar and kitchen in it, covered with a semi-permanent roof. The floor is stone, the tables are bench like, and there are plants everywhere.
Where to eat - Destination Sarajevo
International Restaurant The excellent Sarajevo restaurant, Avlija, opened in 1997 and at one time it really did use to be an avlija (courtyard) in the family house of Fikret Karkin, the owner of the restaurant.
Best Restaurants in Sarajevo
Eat like a local at Avlija, found slightly outside the tourist-heavy center of town. The menu offers traditional Bosnian dishes as well as international flavors, and it’s great for people watching.
Shopping and Eating in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Shop a Review
Avlija is located in a garden, protected from the outside world. Eat a pepper steak with fried potatoes or a muckalicka which is a spicy beef steak. Opening hours are from 0800 to 2300.
What to do and where to eat
Great little restaurant up the hill outside of the tourist area. Very good traditional food and cozy interior. Quite small so might be worth booking a table in advance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit