Top 10 Healthy Restaurants in Sarajevo To Eat At

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With the Sarajevo Film Festival just around the corner, many film lovers are anticipating their trip to the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina. And while there will be plenty to do in Sarajevo for fun and pleasure, one of the bare necessities key to human fun and pleasure is food and drink.

Like many communities, food and the act of sharing a meal is deeply ingrained in the culture of Bosnia-Herzegovina. As a European city known for hosting one of the largest film festivals in the world, Sarajevo is a cultural melting pot for the three major religions as well as a mixture of eastern and western traditions. Due to this incredible diversity, Sarajevo is home to some of the best food in the region, something that you simply must experience. But just because you are in a new city doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your healthy habits, and we get that! So without further delay here are the top ten healthy restaurants in Sarajevo during your stay for the film festival that will keep you slim and trim. Founder of Health Fitness Revolution, author of the book ReSYNC Your Life, and Official Fitness Czar for the City of Houston, Samir Becic, is highlighting some of his favorite restaurants to eat at while in Sarajevo, Bosnia:

Brajlović Restaurant

Described as an old-school eatery featuring family-style grilled meat platters, plus outdoor riverfront seating, this is one of the most famous restaurants in Sarajevo and has been around since 1945! Considered a must to visit while in Sarajevo, this eatery has won countless awards for its quality and selection of meats. The menu is so vast, that even the pickiest and healthy eaters will find some great protein and veggies to satisfy their cravings! We recommend this restaurant for the foodie in us all, and suggest that you make a reservation during the film festival, as the city will be packed with travelers looking for a wonderful meal and this is one of the great restaurants in Sarajevo.

Bon Appetit Sarajevo

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Established by a native chef whose goal was to exceed the culinary standard of the country, this restaurant provides patrons with the finest international cuisine paired with warm, Bosnian hospitality all while keeping the food reasonably priced. Though there are definitely rich and sumptuous dishes on the menu, there is also a wonderful selection of healthy fish and vegetable dishes that will satisfy your fine dining needs.

Apetit Restaurant

apetit-restaurant

A very small location, Apetit Restaurant doesn’t operate in the orthodox method of a restaurant. And by orthodox, we mean they have no menu. Waiters inform diners of what ingredients are available today and suggested meals the chef can prepare; your dinner can be as sinful or healthy as you desire! It is highly recommended that you make a reservation because the maximum number of occupants in the dining room is roughly fifteen. With an open kitchen, your entertainment is watching the chef prepare your meals before you.

Zara iz Duvara

Zara iz Duvara

Found in the older parts of town, this restaurant is known for serving amazing, traditional Bosnian food. With a wonderful wait staff to walk you through the dining experience, you will feel welcomed and comfortable as you enjoy your meal. Beware however that many traditional dishes are quite heavy, but they also carry amazing roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and fresh soups. So fear not my healthy companions, there is a great meal in store for you here.

4 Sobe Gospodje Safije

Sobe Gospodje Safije

This location consists of a restaurant, a bar and cocktail bar, a lounge, and a garden. A wonderful atmosphere surrounds you as you enjoy either their tapas selection or their menu items under either Safia’s or Johan’s selection. They also have a formidable wine list to pair with whatever dish strikes your fancy. Again, this restaurant like many others have both healthy and unhealthy options, and it is up to you to decide which route to take for your meal.

Dveri

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An incredibly rustic restaurant that provides both ambiance and fresh foods, Dveri is a must for foodies in Sarajevo. Traditional meat and cheese starters, salads, fresh soups, vegetables, and lean protein dinners are all waiting for you. Located in the heart of the old town, you can watch the world go by as you enjoy your meal. Reservations are suggested, and make sure to book a table at least a day before you plan on embarking on this dining experience.

Ribnjak Toplik

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This restaurant is very much a build-your-own-dinner type of restaurant. Thankfully, no matter what choices you make it will taste absolutely sublime. The building is very intimate and warm, setting a peaceful tone for your dining experience. Customers and critics rave about the wait staff, food, atmosphere, and the restaurant has even been awarded with the Golden Crown Award. Though it is located outside of inner Sarajevo, but it is well worth the drive.

Karuzo

karuzo

One of very few vegetarian restaurants in Bosnia, Karuzo is a fusion of Mediterranean, vegetarian, and macrobiotic dishes located a minute walk from the main Catholic Cathedral in downtown Sarajevo. They also offer a great selection of fish dishes, including sushi! Health fanatic Saša Obućina is both the owner and chef of Karuzo; he has invested his passion into this restaurant and feels that the food should make you feel satisfied without being in the beginning stage of a food coma. The catch for this gem is that it only seats 18 people, so you have to make reservations for this restaurant.

Mala Kuhinja

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This restaurant has a great selection for our gluten-free/vegetarian/vegan friends. An Asian fusion restaurant, Mala Kuhinja uses traditional spices for their masala dishes, providing the benefits that spicy food brings to your body. Be warned that their portions are rather large, so feel free to share your dishes or take the remainder to go. Once again, we find ourselves looking at a very small restaurant, so it is highly unlikely that you will find an open table if you just swing by; thankfully they make reserving a table easy.

Restaurant Kibe Mahala

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This restaurant gets a mention on our list because its views are simply spectacular and a must-visit for tourists- science shows that being surrounded by nature and its beauty contributes to happiness and health. It features national Bosnian cuisine and is located on a hillside of Sarajevo, just a few minutes drive from the city center, showcases a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains. Over the years, this widely known establishment has welcomed prominent figures from all over the world and representing all spheres of society: statesmen and politicians, representatives of international organizations, artists of international renown, and many others.

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