Best Vegan Restaurants In Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
Many of us are foodies on the Wanderlog team, so naturally, we’re always on the hunt to eat at the most popular spots anytime we travel somewhere new. With favourites like Karuzo, Klopa, ZDRAVO and more, get ready to experience the best flavours around Sarajevo.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is not particularly vegan friendly as most traditional meals do contain meat. That’s not to say that you won’t find anything aside from grabbing fruit & vegetables for a home-cooked meal, it’s just that it may be a little more difficult to eat out vegan if you are on a backpacking budget.
Prior to visiting Sarajevo I reached out to locals through CouchSurfing and woke up the next day to a lovely message in my inbox with heaps of recommendations.
The habit of eating animals is declining around the world, and more and more people decide to quit it every day. Some estimates say there are around 400 million vegetarians in the world, out of which 0,5 percent are vegans, who do not eat animals, nor use any animal products and by-products such as eggs, dairy products, leather, fur, or cosmetics derived from animal products.
At the heart of veganism is the core principle that animals are not rightfully possessed by humans, and thus should not be exploited. “I realized that sentient beings, like animals, have the same capacity to suffer and feel as humans,” says twenty-five-year-old Ibrahim from Sarajevo, who became vegan almost four years ago.
Photos and videos showing brutal slaughter, and the unbearable torture of millions of animals and their suffering on animal farms are what made him and many other people decide to stop using any animal products.
“Being a vegan is more about changing a lifestyle than just switching to eating plants. But it starts with eating plants,” he adds, noting that his research revealed to him that veganism can offer a solution to environmental pollution and world hunger.
Many recent research studies have confirmed that animal eating and breeding, and raising and feeding animals for food is a tremendously inefficient use of our natural resources. In 2010, the UN released a report encouraging a global move away from animal products.
The production of meat and other animal products places a heavy burden on the environment – from the feed and water required to bring the animals to slaughter, to the industrial maintenance and transportation.
It is confirmed by different sources that the vast amount of grain feed required for the meat and dairy industry is a significant contributor to deforestation, habitat loss, and species extinction.
Besides having benefits for the environment, many experts agree that a vegan diet is one of the healthiest ways to live. Eating animal fats and proteins has been shown in studies to raise a person’s risk of developing cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and a number of other illnesses and conditions. Last year, even the World Health Organization confirmed that eating animals can cause serious health problems.
Research shows that since a vegan diet relies on fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds, it is richer in vitamins and minerals than any other diet. “But even if plant-based nutrition were not the healthiest option – I would still not eat animals again. I could never ever do that again.”
This is partly due to the Internet and social media, where young people can easily find out about animal cruelty, as well as read about inspirational role models and get general vegan tips.
However, by doing nothing more than simply living as a vegan – which means stopping supporting products and practices which exploit animals – people can greatly reduce animal suffering, improve the ecology, and take their health into their own hands.
There are many vegan restaurants in the city of Sarajevo. If you're looking for a great meal, look no further. The food is great, the service is great, and the prices are great. However, the best part of this restaurant experience is the atmosphere. It's bright and airy, and the people are friendly. If you're looking for a place to eat, look no further than Sarajevo vegan restaurant.
It’s not easy to be vegan in Sarajevo, but it’s not impossible either. Most vegan restaurants in the city will take care of all the necessary ingredients, and will make sure to teach your client about the food non-vegan way.
In fact, one restaurant owner has even given up his own meat-based diet in order to allow for vegan standards. So if you’re looking for a vegan meal at a movie or dinner out, or are simply nearby, this is the place for you!
Zdravo
The menu is simple, but what made me book the meal were the desserts! Being vegan wasn’t a deal-breaker for me and they had a dessert menu with many delicious options. The owner of Zdravo “supports other vegan restaurants in Bosnia & Herzegovina”, which is great to see, but the place is great with all of the other vegan options as well.
Karuzo
One of the favorite vegan restaurants in Sarajevo is Karuzo, which is located in the old town of Old Town Square. This truly small restaurant specializes in homemade vegan and gluten-free pasta and risotto, which is their specialty dish and is served on a traditional Balkan plate.
Aside from the wide array of delicious pasta, the owners are also super welcoming and told some customers that if they come in again, they will make a pasta or rice dish for them in their kitchen.
While this restaurant won’t be your go-to when you want to go vegan, it’s the perfect spot for when you are visiting Sarajevo, as the owner is very friendly and accommodating.
They serve almost anything you can imagine, including lamb, tripe, squid, and seafood. There are vegan desserts on the menu, too. A traditional place to get a Bosnian meal. They specialize in meat dishes like chicken legs, sausage, pork, and beef tenderloin. Dinamo is an all-around great restaurant.
Klopa
An authentic Bosnian gem that has been in operation since 1938! The atmosphere is so warm. You’ll be eating real dishes such as Knava (a vegetable dish), a kind of tomato salad with fresh herbs, pita and veggies, the waitress was fantastic and actually had a decent vegan selection at her table!
If you want a vegan restaurant that has a variety of foods, Klopa is the one. It's fairly small, and it has some odd-sounding options, but the variety is there. There are lots of things to eat here, like meat alternatives, vegan sandwiches, and breakfast items. There's also a bar, so you can even enjoy some delicious drinks. Just don't forget to take a shower before you go there.
Dipolia
If you want something like Coeli, you'll love Dipolia. This restaurant has great decor, and they even offer wine. On top of that, the food is absolutely delicious, and the prices are pretty good. The menu is really large, and they have an extensive wine list. The food is typical of a vegan restaurant. You can eat anything on the menu, but the baked treats are always a huge hit.
The Four Rooms of Mrs. Safija
After navigating to The Four Rooms of Mrs. Safija, we’re handed a menu with a selection of the most intriguing dishes I’ve had in Bosnia thus far. Intrigued by the wide range of food offered, we begin to look at each item on the menu and slowly start to create a vision in our heads.
We start with cocktails (again thanks to their contact with Couchsurfing!) and as our drink flights become empty we’re greeted by Mrs. Safija herself. My favorite moment of the evening comes when she steps away from the table to greet the gentleman from Couchsurfing who was sitting next to me.
She is so happy to be here and begins chatting with him about Sarajevo, Sarajevo hospitality, life as a war refugee in Vienna, and a slew of other topics.
We chose the Four Rooms of Mrs. Safija, as the name suggests because it is located on the 4th floor of Mrs. Safija's house. This is a great place to dine. There's a lot of seating, and the atmosphere is great. In fact, you could spend your entire evening here eating and chatting. The food is excellent and the portions are huge. This is a great place to go for a true, authentic vegan experience.
Massimo's Restaurant
We chose Massimo's as our favorite vegan restaurant. It's a cozy restaurant, perfect for quiet conversation with friends. The atmosphere is friendly, and the food is great. The staff is always friendly and they offer you a lot of great drinks. A big shout-out goes out to the owner, Massimo De Luca, for creating such a great place to eat.
Massimo's is a new restaurant in the heart of downtown Sarajevo. With delicious Mediterranean food, a great ambiance, and great prices, Massimo's Restaurant is a great place to go.
They serve fresh and healthy meals, so you can eat and drink guilt-free. Their vegan menu has all of your favorite things, like falafel, roast potatoes, and more. Massimo's has friendly, knowledgeable staff, so you can expect your meal to be amazing.
Dedo's Kitchen
If you're looking for a cozy, inviting restaurant, you can't miss out on Dedo's Kitchen. It's tucked away in a charming part of downtown Sarajevo and features a spacious, rustic restaurant with plenty of seating and a nice, dark interior. When you enter, you'll be treated to wood walls, light fixtures, low lighting, and flickering candles.
Pijaca Markale
This is the most popular vegan restaurant in Sarajevo and it is close to the center of town. In a time where some vegetarians are suddenly more religious, there are still a huge amount of people that enjoy having meat-free options, and the many Pijakas that they serve up are insanely delicious.
Vegan croquettes are the perfect vegan snack to have while having some fried sausage. This restaurant has a rather simple menu (based on what you order). It is vegan but they have a separate section of the menu dedicated to meat-eating diners. The trick to order is to ask for the veggie option with the biggest serving size.
Pijaca is an affordable restaurant with a great vegan menu. They have a variety of vegetarian options, and an array of vegan burgers, pizzas, and pasta. The vegan cook makes everything herself, so they are really fresh. They are constantly revamping their menu, which means there's something different each time you visit. Plus, they have vegan cheese, so you can add that to any dish.
Twice Vegan
Twice Vegan is a friendly and affordable restaurant with a great selection of vegan options. They have pizza and burgers, and they also have a large selection of frozen foods that you can pick up and take home. Their desserts are delicious, so make sure you try their hazelnut chocolate cake and tiramisu.
This is a restaurant that everyone should try at least once. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, they have something for everyone. They also have a great selection of drinks (not that you need another reason to go there).
Vegudex
Vegudex is a farm-to-table restaurant with a focus on organic ingredients. They use the freshest, most local ingredients, so you know the food is going to taste great. For lunch or dinner, this is a great place to go.
If you’re looking for a restaurant that offers not only delicious vegan food but also delicious vegan cocktails, look no further than Vegudex. Just walking in, you can immediately tell that this place is unlike any other.
With photos of animals on the walls, you can be sure that you’ll get a vegan meal that tastes like the real thing. I like to come here for drinks, but honestly, Vegudex serves everything you can imagine, from vegan desserts to bloody marys.
La Banja.un, Falafel House
“La Banja un” is just about the only place you’ll be able to eat vegan-friendly in Sarajevo, it is open every day for lunch and dinner and really good with a vegan option. You can get their falafel wraps and make your own wrap.
Falafel house is another one of the vegan restaurants in the city. It's a small restaurant located in the Banjica district. It has a great and friendly atmosphere, the food is great and the prices are great. You don't have to feel awkward about being a vegan in this restaurant; most of the people who eat there are also vegans.
Café Scheibbar
Café Scheibbar is located in the Žika Rošića area of Sarajevo. This restaurant also has a fantastic atmosphere. It feels kind of like an English pub or something like that. The food is great, the portions are gigantic, and the staff is great.
Café Scheibbar is a vegan cafe located in Sarajevo. They offer a wide selection of hot drinks, cakes, desserts, salads, etc. And if you ever need a break from your hike, they offer fruit smoothies and everything in between. The flavours are all familiar, but there's no greasy residue to drip down your arm.
The service is great, and the setting is comfortable. They have lots of seating options, including outdoor seating with tables and chairs. They also offer Wi-Fi, but make sure to bring your laptop with you so you can save the rest of the food pictures for Instagram.
Veganer
This restaurant does not give the option of ordering meat, cheese, or anything else that contains animal products. It was designed to be completely meat-free. The vegan food here is excellent. However, this restaurant is quite expensive. Still, it's worth a visit.
The Multigrain Kebab
Another great place to go for the best vegan kebab in Sarajevo. This restaurant only uses natural ingredients, with little or no animal products. You can eat here, or get your meat and potatoes meal somewhere else. The food is cooked to order, with a clean and healthy taste. If you're looking for the best vegan kebab in the city of Sarajevo, you can't go wrong with this one.
This little vegan joint is located just outside the city center of Sarajevo. Their motto is “healthy, great-tasting and fast.” They're the best place in town for Lebanese/Middle Eastern food. This little veg café is light and airy, and the food is top-notch. Make sure to try the delicious fried cauliflower and hummus. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
The Mutton Sandwich
For a taste of traditional Bosnian cuisine, look no further than The Mutton Sandwich. This little vegan joint serves hearty meals, and it is the best place in town for shepherd's pie. If you're visiting Sarajevo during the day, this is your best bet for filling up.
If you're not up for a long lunch break, make sure to get there late in the evening, and it's a perfect place to enjoy some “meaty” pizza. This grilled mutton sandwich is so popular in Sarajevo, that it's almost a tradition. It can be served hot or cold, but it is recommended to order it hot, as the heat from the grill is quite warming.
Apetit
The option for a fine meal in Sarajevo and the ultimate recommendation for a vegan/vegetarian dinner. The food is based on fresh and natural ingredients, offering organic vegetables, vegan cheese, and non-dairy ice cream. Apetit is one of the most extraordinary, unique and talented restaurants. Apetit for me is best when you are starving and want a snack and want to pay for it.
Vegans take note: There are no cats, dogs, or even pigs at Apetit. This vegan restaurant is all about nutritionally rich, fresh food. Apart from food, the only other thing you can drink at the restaurant is wine. The food is cooked with love, so every bite is a treat. If you're looking for great vegan food, this is the place.
Portal
The food is similar to the food at Apetit, except it's cooked in a different oven. Portal serves mostly vegetarian food, but their restaurant in Sarajevo also has a great menu for carnivores. If you're looking for a nice, quiet place to eat, the restaurant is just the right size.
Let's start with the most popular location on this list, and that would be Portal. Portal is the epitome of the contemporary Sarajevo vegan restaurant, and the reason I added it to the list in the first place. A walking tour of the city can start at Portal, since this restaurant is located right in the center of Sarajevo, right next to City Hall.
The menu is extensive, with a broad variety of vegan options. My favorite part of Portal is the live music that happens every Sunday night. You won't find any football on the radio here, but you will hear some fantastic sounds.
ASDz Cafeteria
Located right in front of the Old Town Market in the heart of the city. This is where you’ll find all the popular vegan options, like salads, burgers, and cake!
If you're looking for a really fun restaurant, ASDz is a must. It's one of the oldest restaurants in town and was founded by an Austrian immigrant. That's not the only thing that makes this restaurant great, though.
ASDz is a huge family business, and not just because there are people running around the restaurant with children on their hips, but because there are people running around the restaurant with children on their hips, and singing happy birthday in English.
ASDz is a fun, quirky place, and it's easy to find with its bright green neon sign and giant picture window in the center of Sarajevo.
Conclusion
Sarajevo has so many great restaurants to visit and so many food options. It's possible to have a good meal and a drink at a place serving meat or a place that offers a vegetarian meal. If you're visiting Sarajevo, be sure to explore all the options.
Sarajevo isn't short of restaurants, either. If you're looking for vegan sushi, then Yum Family is your spot. Or, if you're looking for lunch in the city, then eat at Hera's Kitchen. If you're looking for vegan food, you can't do better than Pizza Hut Express.
I trust you enjoyed this article about the Best Vegan Restaurants In Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina. Please stay tuned for more blog posts to come shortly. Take care!
JeannetteZ
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