Bosnian$$vratnikMon-Sun 12:00-23:00
Kibe Mahala on a Vratnik hillside above Bascarsija runs spit-roasted lamb and sahan platters for the locals who climb up for the Sarajevo dinner view.
Why locals love it: On a steep Vratnik hillside above Bascarsija, this Sarajevo Bosnian restaurant runs spit-roasted lamb to a 20-table room with a wraparound city view.
Tip: Taxi up; the cobbled walk is steep and the view tables fill at sunset.
Bosnian$$vratnikMon-Sun 08:00-23:00
Park Princeva above Bascarsija is the Sarajevo Bosnian dining room with the highest dinner view in town, hosting Bono and Bill Clinton through the years.
Why locals love it: On the steepest road above Bascarsija, the Sarajevo restaurant that hosted Bono and Bill Clinton runs Bosnian dining with the highest dinner view in town.
Tip: Reserve a terrace table for sunset; take a taxi from Bascarsija up.
Bosnian$$bascarsijaMon-Sun 07:00-22:00
Buregdzinica Sac on Mali Bravadziluk still pulls Sarajevo burek under coal-heated sac lids, a 200-year Bosnian practice now rare in the city.
Why locals love it: On Mali Bravadziluk this six-table Sarajevo buregdzinica still pulls Bosnian burek under coal-heated sac lids, a 200-year practice now rare in the city.
Tip: Sold by weight; 200g is one portion with kajmak on the side.
Cafe$$centarMon-Sun 08:00-22:00
Ministry of Cejf on Hiseta is Bosnia's first third-wave specialty coffee bar, roasting single-origin beans behind a tucked Sarajevo Centar cafe.
Why locals love it: Bosnia's first third-wave specialty coffee bar, tucked on Hiseta in Sarajevo and roasting single-origin beans behind the cafe most tourists miss.
Tip: The back working tables are the quietest; ask for the seasonal single origin.
Bosnian$$centarMon-Sat 08:00-23:00, closed Sun
Avlija off Mehmeda Spahe is the Sarajevo Bosnian institution with a vine-shaded courtyard, roast lamb under sac and Yugoslav-era memorabilia inside.
Why locals love it: A vine-shaded Sarajevo courtyard off Mehmeda Spahe, this Bosnian institution cooks roast lamb under sac to a Yugoslav-era memorabilia interior.
Tip: Book the courtyard for warm-weather dinners; closed Sundays.
Cafe$$centarMon-Sat 07:00-23:00, closed Sun
Kawa on Dzenetica cikma is the tucked Sarajevo specialty coffee bar near the Olympic Museum, pulling microlot espresso to a 110-square-metre garden.
Why locals love it: On Dzenetica cikma near the Olympic Museum, this Sarajevo 110-square-metre specialty coffee bar pulls microlot espresso to a tucked garden.
Tip: Open from 07:00; the garden in summer is the slow morning sit.