Wasn't really sure where to start with this one. There are so many cafes to choose from in Sarajevo. Maybe even too many. Apparently Bosnia and Herzegovina ranks 9th globally in terms of coffee consmption per capita. You’ll struggle to find a flat white in Sarajevo (there are a couple of places if this is an absolute must), but you will find some truly charming spots for a coffee more or less all over the place that will serve "bosanska kafa" (traditional Bosnian style coffee), espresso and capuccino.
I've whittled the list down as much as I could, and as always (perhaps more than with other categories), the list is not exhaustive, so don't limit yourself to the cafes you see here. They are just suggestions. So sit down, relax, have a coffee, and watch the Bosnian people do thier thing.
Cafe & Patisserie Palma
The misleading exterior of Cafe Palma in its still war-damaged neighbourhood
This place is almost a bit surreal: it's a very elegant cafe and patisserie which is situated in one of Sarajevo's most war damaged neighbourhoods, Grbavica, with bullet holes spattered across the walls.
The coffee is what you would expect in Sarajevo (generally Illy espresso coffee), but the cakes are amazing and there is a huge selection. You can sit inside and admire the elegant almost Viennese decor or in the warmer months there is a large outdoor space with a palm tree (how the place got its name) and a fountain. The contrast between the cafes elegance and the neighbourhood is quite startling.
Cafe & Patisserie Palma details
Old-school, elegant style cafe and patisserie, in a neighbourhood that still has signs of war damage
$$ Reasonably priced
Located in the Grbavica neighbourhood, close to one of the football stadiums
The Sebilj fountain in Baščaršija square in Sarajevo
If you feel like a coffee in the heart of Baščaršija on a narrow, pedestrian, stone street, I would recommend this place. You can sit on the street and order a trpical Bosnian coffee (bosanska kafa) and sip away watching the world.
They have patio heaters in case it is chilly, but the inside is also very cosy. There is a cat that might come and disturb you.
The view over Sarajevo from Kamarija Point-of-view cafe
If you want a coffee surrounded by trees and with a stunning view, then you should take the time to walk up to this cafe, especially if you are already at the Yellow Bastion.
This cafe is situated towards the top of the valley just above where the river Miljacka meanders sharply to the left, giving you a splendid view along the length of the city.
Kamarija point-of-view cafe details
Cafe with a view
$$ Good value
Located up on the valley, overlooking Bascarsija, the city hall, and the city
This is definitely Sarajevo's trendiest cafe (for now at least). They describe themselves as "Bosnia's first 3rd wave speciality coffee cafe" and they roast their own beans. They have Bosnian coffee as well as anything else you might crave, such as a flat white.
The location is superb. Walk north east out of the Sebilj square and up a small, beautiful, cobbled side street which climbs just enough to gift you with wonderful views of the square and Baščaršija. The cafe has a small wooden deck outfront where you can sit and admire the view.
Ministry of Ćejf details
Trendy cafe with flat whites available
$$$ Good value
Great location, just above the Sebilj in Baščaršija
Very nicely located just off a busy walking street, this tearoom is a calm place, suited to relaxing. The space is very open and bright and there is also a large outdoor space at the back.
The best thing about this location however, is the homemade cakes and desserts that they have on offer.
Rahatlook details
Homey cafe/tearoom with homemade cakes and desserts
$$ Good value
Very centrally located, just off one of the main walking streets
If you like tea more than coffee, then this is the place to go to. They must offer at least 100 loose leaf tea options from all over the world. The cafe is also a very calm and relaxing space, located just a block from the bustling centre of Sarajevo. The staff are knowledgable (the owner is a tea sommelier) and patient and will help you find just the right tea for your mood. The place also sells loose leaf tea if you find one that you really like. I think they have coffee too... Take a look at the Franz & Sophie Facebook here
Kašahana
For me, this place is a close second for a healthy breakfast (after Zdravo), yet, much more centrally located - the coffee here is great too and there are a range of milk options. Check out the Kašahana website here.
Delikatesna Radnja
This is a cool cafe which also serves wine, beer, and spirits, as well as some food. It's located on the northern bank of the river and has decking outside where it is perfect to sit and soak up some afternoon sun as people pass by.
Slastičarna Egipat
This one is not technically a cafe, but I had to squeeze it in somewhere. They make sweets and pastries, but, more importantly, they make what many describe as the best ice-cream in Sarajevo. Located on Ferhadija street, one of the main walking roads, its the perfect place to pick up a snack on your way. Check out the Slastičarna Egipat Facebook page here.
Very cool and relaxed cafe which also offers beer, wine, and spirits. This place has an artistic vibe with paintings on all of the walls. There is a big outdoor space in front which is great in the warmer months. Check out the Caffe Bar Galerija B. Smoje Facebook page here.
